Posted by Paul (in NY) on Thursday, November 02, 2006 at 8:45AM :
In Reply to: Re: Trailer Brake Control ? posted by MoparNorm on Thursday, November 02, 2006 at 0:18AM :
Norm, I am sorry, I dont follow what your saying in the post.
Let me explain it this way;
In the inertia type controllers, some type of accelerometer is used. Some models use a swinging pendulum type device, others use a fully solid state device. When you step on the brake pedal, a signal (12 volts) usually taken from the brake light stop switch is applied to the brake controller.
This signal tells the controller brakes need to be applied. The amount a brake applied is now governed by the accelerometer, in direct relation to how fast the tow truck is slowing down. On 'good' surface roads, the harder you push on the brake pedal will slow the tow truck faster. This slowing down will make the accelerometer apply more brakes. However, there is, and must be a Lag in trailer brakes being applied a this slow down is detected and sent to the trailer. Various road conditions (traction) can limit and reduce the tow truck slowing down or reduce its consistency.
Inertia type controllers are some what related to the old Hydraulic surge trailer brakes. The more the tow truck slows the more brakes are applied. However, the inertia type electric controllers are FAR FAR advanced in technology
Now with the full proportional type systems, think of it this way. Trucks with air brakes are full proportionable. The same proportionable system would result if you had hydraulic brakes on the trailer directly fed with brake fluid tapped into the tow truck wet brake system. In both these cases the trailer brakes operating do not depend on the tow truck slowing down to be applied, but rather are applied with exactly the same force on both the tow truck and trailer depending on brake pedal pressure.
With the electric proportional system, the controller is activated by movement of the tow truck brake pedal. The controller is attached to the brake pedal with a SS Aircraft cable. This cable goes into the controller. Now when you push the brake pedal the controller system is activated (moved) exactly the same amount as the pedal is pushed. The result is that if the tow truck brakes are applied to a stopping force of X, the trailer brakes will also supply the same force of X on the trailer, instantly. There is not need to detect the slow down first before applying brakes.
After installed, the Jordan and Brakesmart controllers must be set for the trailer/load. You do this with the trailer attached and running on the road.
Its recommended to do it with a empty trailer and them with the loaded trailer. Both these numbers as displayed on the control are written down. You do this for each trailer you have, and probably the different loads each trailer carries. Such as a PW, M37 WC, load of fire wood etc. Now, you can hook up to any of your trailers empty or with a load you have set it for. You simply push your brake pedal hard and turn the control to display the number you set for that certain trailer or trailer/load. Thats it, quick set up and change between trailers.
There are only 3 wires in the controller connection. These are 12 volt +, 12 volt -, and the controller output (blue wire) which goes to the trailer brakes thru the truck wire harness.
Paul ( off on a mission this morning