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Post Info TOPIC: Brake controller recomendations


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Brake controller recomendations


My Teckonsha prodigy brake controller needs replacing the auto elec wants to fit one witch just has a light fitted to the dash of the car.

are these new type any better?the thing apparently adjusts itself after you have used it a few times,personally I would think that I would prefer the the old type , but hey this might be the way to go?any ideas ,experience with these things , any recomendations.

thanks Ron...



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Hello Ron-D,

We have a RedArc Tow Pro, very happy with it. Go to their web page and have a read, you can use it in auto mode (inertia mode) or set it to a certain amount of braking every time you apply the brakes

https://www.redarc.com.au/tow-pro-elite-electric-brake-controller

JeffRae



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Jeff & Rae travelling in a motorhome



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Hi Ron,  

I also have the Redarc Tow Pro and wouldn't hesitate recommending it.

Cheers Owen. 



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X3 for the Redarc Tow Pro. Best brake controller I have used. Would recommend.

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Ron-D wrote:

My Teckonsha prodigy brake controller needs replacing the auto elec wants to fit one witch just has a light fitted to the dash of the car.

are these new type any better?


  Ron, no one can give you an answer to that question without you telling us the make and model of the intended controller.

The main thing is to get one of the inertial types. Don't get one of the synchroniser/timer models.



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PeterD
Nissan Navara D23 diesel auto, Spaceland pop-top
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NSW Central Coast.

 



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PeterD wrote:
Ron-D wrote:

My Teckonsha prodigy brake controller needs replacing the auto elec wants to fit one witch just has a light fitted to the dash of the car.

are these new type any better?


  Ron, no one can give you an answer to that question without you telling us the make and model of the intended controller.

The main thing is to get one of the inertial types. Don't get one of the synchroniser/timer models.


 Yeah Peter that would be OK if I new what controller I was looking for,at the moment Iam just fishing for information and the way that's shaping up the redarc tow pro seems to be the best .from what Jeff,Owen,and Gerry have advised Thanks guys..



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Yeah guys the tow pro has two models ones basic thats the one Iam interested in , the others more high tec with other control features, it's important to buy the right model any ideas would be much appreciated...

Ron...



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Have had the Redarc brand for the past 5-6 yrs and would not go with any other easy to set and works well and tidy no extras in driver bay AND they are in Australia

Dave



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I just changed over my old brake controller,which I have had in the last 3 vehicles.To a Redarc Towpro Elite.I purchased mine from this site. https://www.autoelec.com.au/search_results.asp?q=redarc%20tow%20prp.When I got mine they were $239,I see they have gone up a little bit.



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Tow Pro Elite has 2 modes -
Inertia - the harder you brake the harder the brakes are applied on the caravan
Manual - you set at a number from 0 - 10, if you set at 5, every time you brake, the brakes are applied at the 5 setting, irrespective of how hard you push the brake pedal

Tow Pro Classic has 1 mode -
Manual - you set at a number from 0 - 10, if you set at 5, every time you brake, the brakes are applied at the 5 setting, irrespective of how hard you push the brake pedal

Even though the elite model is more expensive I feel it is better value for money.
If you have ALKO ESC (or similar) on your caravan you will need to check the brake controller is compatable. (Tow Pro Elite is compatable, it's what we have on our van/car)

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Jeff & Rae travelling in a motorhome



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JeffRae wrote:

Tow Pro Elite has 2 modes -
Inertia - the harder you brake the harder the brakes are applied on the caravan
Manual - you set at a number from 0 - 10, if you set at 5, every time you brake, the brakes are applied at the 5 setting, irrespective of how hard you push the brake pedal

Tow Pro Classic has 1 mode -
Manual - you set at a number from 0 - 10, if you set at 5, every time you brake, the brakes are applied at the 5 setting, irrespective of how hard you push the brake pedal

Even though the elite model is more expensive I feel it is better value for money.
If you have ALKO ESC (or similar) on your caravan you will need to check the brake controller is compatable. (Tow Pro Elite is compatable, it's what we have on our van/car)

 

I have the basic model and I wish I had an Inertia one instead. I set the knob for open road travel so that it grabs the van brakes fairly hard - if it I need to suddenly slow for a cow or roo etc. That is great, but in town, I find the van brakes grab too much and I have to back them off. It is easy enough to do but a nuisance. The inertia does it for you automatically. I would go for the inertia model.


 



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Thanks Jeff you have been a wealth of information and Erad thank you as well for confirming which one to buy and everyone else for your help..

regards Ron....

 

 

 



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JeffRae wrote:

Hello Ron-D,

We have a RedArc Tow Pro, very happy with it. Go to their web page and have a read, you can use it in auto mode (inertia mode) or set it to a certain amount of braking every time you apply the brakes

https://www.redarc.com.au/tow-pro-elite-electric-brake-controller

JeffRae


 Another vote for the Redarc Tow Pro. Swapped out a  Prodigy 2 for the Redarc fantastic unit.



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Iam sold Herks I think I will buy it on EBay $240.00 - Redarcs price $360.00 go figure ???



-- Edited by Ron-D on Tuesday 6th of September 2016 07:37:14 PM

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Let's get things straight about Redarc brake controllers. There is a bit of misinformation above.

There are two ranges of controller. There is a basic timer/synchroniser type that Redarc call the "User-Controlled" controllers. I would suggest steering clear of these controllers and use a proportional type.

The second range is the "Tow-Pro Range." There are two models, the Classic and the Elite. They are very similar models. They both are capable of being used in the proportional mode. There is an optional synchroniser (user controlled) mode intended for off-road use. The difference is "The Tow-Pro Elite electric brake controller features Active Calibration which constantly monitors the direction of travel removing the need for an initial calibration process, the unit will even calibrate with no trailer attached whilst maintaining the ability to mount in any orientation." The Classic model requires you to set it up instead of the active calibration.



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NSW Central Coast.

 



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PeterD wrote:

Let's get things straight about Redarc brake controllers. There is a bit of misinformation above.

There is a basic timer/synchroniser type that Redarc call the "User-Controlled" controllers. I would suggest steering clear of these controllers and use a proportional type.

 


 The Redarc User Controlled controllers are not of the misnamed, inaccurately described, Timer/Synchroniser type that were available in the USA about 30 years ago.   The basic Redarc controllers are proportional controllers where the proportion of braking effort is manually set.   The best clue to this process is the dial on the remote head or control box you install in a convenient place on the dash, for example.  In use, the proportion of battery rail voltage to be applied to the brakes is set by the driver to suit the current circumstances and personal preferences.   At low speeds, minimal braking effort is set for gentle braking and at highway speeds, a higher proportion should be set to balance the braking effort so the van does not take over the tow vehicle in an emergency stop situation.   At low speeds, the tub brakes have a lot of input to the braking and slowing of the rig.   At highway speeds, I don't want the weight of the van pushing the tug into a jacknife.   The biggest advantage of the remote head model, for me, is the emergency button where I can override set proportion and apply full battery voltage to the van brakes.

I chose to install one of the manual set proportional controllers because I can easily apply trailer brakes only, by just touching the brake pedal, sufficient to bring on the Tug brake lights as the trigger to instantly apply trailer brakes at the proportion set earlier.   Major safety feature, for me, proved in practice when a truck passing has induced minor sway in the van.   A short application of trailer brakes only, pulls everything back into line and settles things again.

Another advantage of the manual set proportion Redarc with the remote head is that I have installed the proportion control in a position where I can reach the "Full" button without taking my hands off the steering wheel.   Couple of dodgy moments on a wet road and several on gravel have had good outcomes by overriding the set proportion and going for maximum trailer brakes.   Maximum trailer braking in an emergency situation minimises the chance of jack-knife.

Would I go to an inertial controller?   Probably not as the manual set proportion controller is what I an used to and it does what I want.   Advice to those new to towing a van; I would go for an inertial controller and have a really good think about how to react to emergency braking situations, before getting on the road.

Iza



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Just buy a Prodigy.
Simple and work.

Set up originally.

Check at every new coupling As all should be.
And if you want a little extra for steep hills etc.
Just hit button for 1 .2. or 3 level of boost.. Max.
Plus it's removable for security as all should be.

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I have been reading the comments here with interest as we have yet to fit our controller to the Tug because we are waiting for the new van to arrive.

I have a previously used (with 2 previous vans and 2 different Tugs) Tekonsha Primus IQ - Model 90160 that will be fitted to the current Tug next week.

This is a Proportional Brake System that I had no problems with when in use previously.

It has a manual override that I had used a couple of times when caravan sway was caused by passing trucks. I don't remember at any time being concerned at the van overtaking the Tug in heavy braking. After each hook up of the van I always made sure I adjusted/checked braking as per manufacturers instructions before going too far.

The new van (tare 1,500) is lighter than our previous and the Tug is heavier that the previous Tugs, so see this as being adequate to reinstall in this.

I cant remember how much I paid for it way back when, but it was recommended and fitted by an Auto Electrician we used to repair our work vehicles.

Google shows them available at around $79.00 so they are certainly not the most expensive, but to date I certainly have not had any issues at all.



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Izabarack wrote:
 The Redarc User Controlled controllers are not of the misnamed, inaccurately described, Timer/Synchroniser type that were available in the USA about 30 years ago.   The basic Redarc controllers are proportional controllers where the proportion of braking effort is manually set.   The best clue to this process is the dial on the remote head or control box you install in a convenient place on the dash, for example.  In use, the proportion of battery rail voltage to be applied to the brakes is set by the driver to suit the current circumstances and personal preferences.   At low speeds, minimal braking effort is set for gentle braking and at highway speeds, a higher proportion should be set to balance the braking effort so the van does not take over the tow vehicle in an emergency stop situation.   At low speeds, the tub brakes have a lot of input to the braking and slowing of the rig.   At highway speeds, I don't want the weight of the van pushing the tug into a jacknife.

Iza


 The basic Redarc controllers are proportional controllers where the proportion of braking effort is manually set.

I don't think you know what you are talking about. What is referred to as proportional controllers are those models that have some form of deceleration detector that is used to vary the amount of power sent to operate the brakes.  What you are describing as being a proportional controller is exactly how the synchroniser controllers work. They all have a control that is operated as described further down in your explanation. That control is there on all controllers whether they are synchroniser or proportional controllers. You have to reset the synchroniser controllers just like you are describing for the Redarc "user controlled" brake controllers.

You need to grasp the fact that there are two types of controller. There is the older type of controller where the braking power is set bu the "user controlled" adjuster either on the main body of the controller or a remote potentiometer. The newer style of controller has the braking power proportionally controlled automatically by some form of "deceleration detector." The only difference in the now discontinued synchroniser/timer controllers and the Redarc "user controlled" controllers is that the others had an adjustment for the ramp up time. That additional ramp up control adjusted the time it took for the time taken for the application of full brake power from nearly instantaneously to a few seconds.

A well adjusted proportional controller does not have to be reset for different road speeds and traffic conditions. You have just been describing how the "user controlled" types do. When you have a proportional controller you can not get caught out with the wrong braking power level set like you can with a "user controlled" model.

I chose to install one of the manual set proportional controllers because I can easily apply trailer brakes only, by just touching the brake pedal, sufficient to bring on the Tug brake lights as the trigger to instantly apply trailer brakes at the proportion set earlier.

The same thing happens with a proportional controller. There is always a minimum amount of brake power applied when you touch the brake pedal. You don't have to wait for the accelerometer to react before some braking is applied. You don't need maximum braking effort to bring the trailer back into line, the two ESC controllers on the market work that way, they just apply a bit of braking, not full braking.

As for the hand control being within reach, the law requires brake controllers to be mounted where they are within easy reach of the driver. All brake controllers (both types) have manual brake operating controls.

The diagram below describes the operation bof both types of controller,

Proportional Vs Timed Brake Controllers.PNG



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PeterD
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Retired radio and electronics technician.
NSW Central Coast.

 



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Don'tworry Peter and Judy.

They all taken up with having the BEST. Latest on market.

My old model, pre prodigy. (Basic model). works fine with 18fter.

Prodigy did over 10 yrs on 3 ton 6.5 mtr offroader.
Both with full control in all circumstances.

Let 'em get on with it.

ALL the reputable units do a good job.

Just basically.
How much wow factor you want.

My old spring torque wrench is still accurate to under 1\4 lb
after around 50 yrs.
Anything less, in the utilisation most use them for is irrelavant.


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We're not all taken up with the best models as you put it,my brake unit simply packed it in so buying a new one kinda makes. Sense or it should to most people?

Brake controllers are not expensive and the difference in price between a good one and a cheapie with out of date Teck,is not that much.

The old ones work fine ,the new ones from reading all the comments on this post are obviously an improvement the price difference between buying the Redarc and the lesser models is peanuts...



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Fair enuff.
I just look at it as.
the more electronics in there. the more to go wrong.

It only has to apply the van brakes.
My tekonsha has progressive.

 

I wasn't worrying about pricing.



-- Edited by macka17 on Friday 9th of September 2016 04:29:26 PM

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Macka 17,If you read my post you would have seen I have my previous brake controller in the last 3 vehicles.

Then it started to play up,so I bought a new one It had nothing to do with wanting the best or latest.

If your torque wrench stopped functioning properly,you would replace it too,most probably with a new one.

Please think about the reason why  people ask for helpful advice.



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Funny you should say that about your old torque wrench Macka.I checked my 50YO Ritch brand against my neighbour's Kinchrome flashy model and you are right..not enough variance to worry about.

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Happy with the Redarc TowPro, best feature is ease of installation and ease of hitting the button (dial) for van brakes or using the dial to adjust adjust sensitivity even in auto mode.
Great off road as the dial is situated close to the steering wheel not down under the dash as some units without a remote head are located.

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Iam haveing mine installed next week ,but I won't be hooking the van up for a few weeks ,is there anything to watch out for when the tow pro calibrates to the van , or will it be ready to go after a few weeks of calibrating to the car, probably a silly question but from what I have read the vans wheels can lock up while its re calibrating to the van true or false .

Ron..



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Have a look here hope it works https://youtu.be/b06BxqyBFWc



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Thank Cc I have seen that vid ,a couple of questions when you hook the van on for the fist run is the calibration on zero?the second question is one seen on another vid,that the brakes would lock on the van and you would have to stop and wait 10 seconds for them to release and do this a couple of times and then after that your sweet .that did not seem right so I have probably asked a dumb question but I will see if any can answer.

Ron.



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Set it on automatic, you are teaching it to find the auto selection that is why it starts flashing green and goes up to steady blue which is full auto mode. Once calibrated you can the have it in auto or go manual.That is my understanding, do you have a link for the other video?



-- Edited by CC Bear on Wednesday 14th of September 2016 04:50:20 PM

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Believe this is the one, he said when you start with thatrailer on the trailer brakes might be locked as you first try to move. If this happens wait 10 seconds then drive off and breaks should be unlocked. When first driving the breaks on the trailer may apply for a second a couple of times but do not apply the tug breaks. Should then be ok. Hope this is clearer than a dark night.

youtu.be/SPTy9vdnm5g

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