I have just bought a 2003 coromal 445 poptop and am towing it with a 2007 falcon sedan to which I have had a Tekonsha voyager controller fitted. So far I have only towed the van a short distance (5km) but have noticed a strong hot brake smell coming from the rear brakes of the falcon and the drums on the caravan also seem pretty hot. Any suggestions as to what the problem might be? I have jacked the caravan up and made sure the wheels were turning ok while attached to the controller and also when not attached and all seems ok.
jimricho said
07:21 AM Apr 13, 2010
Hi Carlo123, and welcome to the forum,
Check the wiring of the trailer connector to ensure both plug and socket are correctly wired. If the 12v aux supply (usually connected to the fridge) were being redirected to the brake circuit this could possibly cause the problem. Make sure both connectors are wired in accordance with the standards for trailer connections. These can be found at http://www.narva.com.au/products/browse/wiring-diagrams
If this is not the problem, see if you can track down a set of installation instructions. I'm not familiar with this controller but I am aware that some Hayman Reece controllers require a relay to be fitted to some vehicles and I think the Falcon may be one of them. I have no idea whether this info will be helpful or not but it might be worth following up.
Someone more familiar than I am with the mechanics of trailer brakes may be able to add something here, particularly in regard to the fault not manifesting itself when jacked up.
-- Edited by jimricho on Tuesday 13th of April 2010 07:34:59 AM
Paddy said
09:35 AM Apr 13, 2010
Hi Carlo.Just a thought.You have not adjusted the controller to much.I had the same set up as you guys.As I say just a thought.Good luck.Cheers.Paddy
Carlo123 said
07:05 PM Apr 13, 2010
Thanks Jim and Paddy. Followed both your suggestions, had the wiring checked out and also reduced the power on the controller. The wiring checked out ok and on the way home from the autoelectricians it seemed ok so probably I didn't have the controller adjusted properly and that was causing the problem. regards Carlo
So far I have only towed the van a short distance (5km) but have noticed a strong hot brake smell coming from the rear brakes of the falcon and the drums on the caravan also seem pretty hot.
Any suggestions as to what the problem might be? I have jacked the caravan up and made sure the wheels were turning ok while attached to the controller and also when not attached and all seems ok.
Check the wiring of the trailer connector to ensure both plug and socket are correctly wired. If the 12v aux supply (usually connected to the fridge) were being redirected to the brake circuit this could possibly cause the problem. Make sure both connectors are wired in accordance with the standards for trailer connections. These can be found at http://www.narva.com.au/products/browse/wiring-diagrams
If this is not the problem, see if you can track down a set of installation instructions. I'm not familiar with this controller but I am aware that some Hayman Reece controllers require a relay to be fitted to some vehicles and I think the Falcon may be one of them. I have no idea whether this info will be helpful or not but it might be worth following up.
Someone more familiar than I am with the mechanics of trailer brakes may be able to add something here, particularly in regard to the fault not manifesting itself when jacked up.
-- Edited by jimricho on Tuesday 13th of April 2010 07:34:59 AM
regards Carlo