Trailer E-brake
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 390
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From: OR
Trailer E-brake
OK so this might seem crazy but can I wire a switch between the power in and power out on my electric brake controller? effectively making it like there was no brake controller, just a wire going from the battery to the t brakes when I switched it on. As I see it, I could then use it as a temporary ebrake or flip it on if the controller failed, I know it would give full juice to the trailer brakes, but would it fry the controller? It just seems like a fairly easy way to have a last resort kinda thing. My dad has had controllers fail with an 11,000lb trackhoe in tow, not very fun.
I may be crazy but any help would be appreciated.
I may be crazy but any help would be appreciated.
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Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Annapolis, MD
Seems like it would work. Of course it'd probably lock up the wheels on the trailer, which, depending on conditions, might be worse than no brakes at all...
I doubt it would fry the controller, but if it just failed, why would you care? You'd never trust it again anyway.
I doubt it would fry the controller, but if it just failed, why would you care? You'd never trust it again anyway.
CO River Rat
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,209
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From: Lake Havasu City AZ
If you used this as a back-up for controller failure, would you really care (as mentioned in Post # 2) if the reverse voltage caused more damage to the controller?
If your dad has had multiple controller failures, you might wanna make REAL sure you don't use the brands he's used.
Steve
If your dad has had multiple controller failures, you might wanna make REAL sure you don't use the brands he's used.
Steve
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From: OR
I am more interested in the temporary ebrake function than the controller failing aspect and kind of just curious. We often end up loading or unloading the trailer on steep enough stuff that the Truck ebrake won't hold it, this is where I think it would come in handy.
My Dad uses the best Prodigy controller he can get, but we tow almost every day and they just seem to wear out from running at maximum juice all the time. Is there a better controller?
My Dad uses the best Prodigy controller he can get, but we tow almost every day and they just seem to wear out from running at maximum juice all the time. Is there a better controller?
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Rio Rico, AZ.
Originally Posted by 78250crewcab4x4
1. I am more interested in the temporary ebrake function than the controller failing aspect and kind of just curious. We often end up loading or unloading the trailer on steep enough stuff that the Truck ebrake won't hold it, this is where I think it would come in handy.
2. My Dad uses the best Prodigy controller he can get, but we tow almost every day and they just seem to wear out from running at maximum juice all the time. Is there a better controller?
2. My Dad uses the best Prodigy controller he can get, but we tow almost every day and they just seem to wear out from running at maximum juice all the time. Is there a better controller?
2. I use the Prodigy as well with no issues like you describe. But then I don't use it every day like you either.
Perhaps simply replacing the unit on an annual basis for safety's sake? They aren't that expensive.
CO River Rat
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,209
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From: Lake Havasu City AZ
If you need a temporary e-brake for the trailer, why not unplug the electrical connector and pull the breakaway pin? The breakaway battery should last long enough to empty the trailer; just make sure you disconnect the trailer first and plug it back in AFTER you replace the pin, or you probably will fry the controller.
Steve
Steve