Posted by George in MI on Sunday, June 18, 2006 at 2:43PM :
In Reply to: Re: question on weight posted by Robert A in NJ on Sunday, June 18, 2006 at 10:36AM :
I don't think they are that new, I think they have been around for a couple of years at least. They are made by Tekonsha. This one cost $180 and I had it installed at the dealer...forgot what that cost but it was not that much. Check the web, you'll find feedback and info on these and competitors.
It senses the rate of deceleration and applies an appropriate amount of braking to the electric brakes on the trailer. There are adjustments to make depending on the weight of the trailer etc. These are easily done from inside the car.
There is a "boost" adjustment that controls how quickly the brakes get applied and how rapidly it ramps up the braking force.
The maximum force is set with another way so it doesn't lock up wheels on an unloaded trailer for example. Reset it when the trailer is loaded.
There is also a lever for manual application of the brakes. It came with an instruction sheet and CD...not at all hard to set up.
This only cost $50 or so more than others that don't work any where near as well.
This one releases the brakes as you slow down to a stop so you don't get the lurching release you get on some controllers, and you don't get the jerky application of the brakes either. It is a real joy to drive.
Be sure however that your brakes on the trailer are adjusted properly. You won't get full stopping power (which you need with a Power Wagon on the trailer) unless the brakes are set right.