Brake Controller Help
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Brake Controller Help
I am new and I need a little help,
I just bought an 02 F150 to Tow my Ranger and need to add the Brake Controller on but am unsure of what I need to order, I know what Controller I want, its going to be one of the Top 4,
http://www.etrailer.com/Merchant2/me...tegory_Code=BC
I am just unsure of what other parts I will need before I start this install, the Truck came with the Tow package,
also I am on and Extremly Tight budget, so plz keep that in mind, Thanks Brian
I just bought an 02 F150 to Tow my Ranger and need to add the Brake Controller on but am unsure of what I need to order, I know what Controller I want, its going to be one of the Top 4,
http://www.etrailer.com/Merchant2/me...tegory_Code=BC
I am just unsure of what other parts I will need before I start this install, the Truck came with the Tow package,
also I am on and Extremly Tight budget, so plz keep that in mind, Thanks Brian
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 238
Likes: 0
From: Eastern PA
Brian ,,,
Go to www.BRAKECONTROLLER.com they sell you the wire harness you need plus have good techs to answer your questions Good Luck!
Go to www.BRAKECONTROLLER.com they sell you the wire harness you need plus have good techs to answer your questions Good Luck!
CO River Rat
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,209
Likes: 0
From: Lake Havasu City AZ
redrum -
I wouldn't use a time-delay controller. Here's why:
Brake Controllers
An electric trailer brake controller is a device that supplies power from a vehicle to a trailer's electric brakes. There are two types of electric brake controllers - Time Delay Activated ("solid state") and Inertia Activated ("pendulum style"). Although the controllers' methods are different, both types of controllers are very similar. Both allow the user to adjust output or braking power. Both have a pressure sensitive manual override trigger that can be used to apply the trailer brakes independent of the vehicle brakes. Both have the same wiring configuration.
Time Delay Activated
Solid state controllers are "enabled" by the brake pedal switch and apply a gradual voltage to the trailer's brakes using a Time Delay Circuit.
Advantages : Time Delayed controllers are inexpensive, have a low profile, and can be mounted on any angle (very user friendly).
Disadvantages: When towing (in most applications) with Hazard flashers on, the Digital Display will flash with the Hazard Flashers. If the Brake Control is set aggressively, pulsing may be felt in the trailer brakes. However the Pulse Preventer will isolate the Brake Control from the flashers and eliminate the flash/pulse situation.
Inertia Activated - Proportional
Pendulum Style Controllers are "enabled" by the brake pedal switch and "activated" by a Pendulum Circuit that senses the vehicle's stopping motion and applies a proportional voltage to the trailer's brakes. When properly adjusted the trailer will decelerate at the same speed as the tow vehicle. This increases braking efficiency and reduces brake wear.
Advantages: Pendulum style controllers operate well under adverse braking conditions and have a smooth braking action.
Disadvantages: Most inertia-activated controllers are bulky, more expensive, and must be mounted and calibrated level. The Tekonsha PRODIGY™ and Valley Odyssey™ inertia-activated brake controllers are the exceptions to these disadvantages.
You said you're on a tight budget, but this is one thing you don't want to scrimp on; an inertia-activated controller will help to make sure that Ranger gets to where it's going in one piece.
Steve
I wouldn't use a time-delay controller. Here's why:
Brake Controllers
An electric trailer brake controller is a device that supplies power from a vehicle to a trailer's electric brakes. There are two types of electric brake controllers - Time Delay Activated ("solid state") and Inertia Activated ("pendulum style"). Although the controllers' methods are different, both types of controllers are very similar. Both allow the user to adjust output or braking power. Both have a pressure sensitive manual override trigger that can be used to apply the trailer brakes independent of the vehicle brakes. Both have the same wiring configuration.
Time Delay Activated
Solid state controllers are "enabled" by the brake pedal switch and apply a gradual voltage to the trailer's brakes using a Time Delay Circuit.
Advantages : Time Delayed controllers are inexpensive, have a low profile, and can be mounted on any angle (very user friendly).
Disadvantages: When towing (in most applications) with Hazard flashers on, the Digital Display will flash with the Hazard Flashers. If the Brake Control is set aggressively, pulsing may be felt in the trailer brakes. However the Pulse Preventer will isolate the Brake Control from the flashers and eliminate the flash/pulse situation.
Inertia Activated - Proportional
Pendulum Style Controllers are "enabled" by the brake pedal switch and "activated" by a Pendulum Circuit that senses the vehicle's stopping motion and applies a proportional voltage to the trailer's brakes. When properly adjusted the trailer will decelerate at the same speed as the tow vehicle. This increases braking efficiency and reduces brake wear.
Advantages: Pendulum style controllers operate well under adverse braking conditions and have a smooth braking action.
Disadvantages: Most inertia-activated controllers are bulky, more expensive, and must be mounted and calibrated level. The Tekonsha PRODIGY™ and Valley Odyssey™ inertia-activated brake controllers are the exceptions to these disadvantages.
You said you're on a tight budget, but this is one thing you don't want to scrimp on; an inertia-activated controller will help to make sure that Ranger gets to where it's going in one piece.
Steve
