One More Time for Brake Controller Issues

[Bill U]

I currently have a Reese controler. Pulling a SV291 with a 01 Chev Z71. TT is 30 ft w/toungue. Weight in the 5,500 range. Have only had the TT and truck since May of 08. TT is an 09 model. With the Reese brake controller it seems that I can only control the brakes on the TT during full stops from cruising speed. Once I get into a town, at every stop light, the TT wants to jerk and lock. I have the controller adjusted to the lowest possible delay setting. I guess what I am asking is there a brake controller out there that modulates with the pressure I apply to my truck brakes. Hope this is not sounding too vague. I am looking for brakes that equal my truck brake pedal pressure.

[cat1956]

Go to etrailer.com and read up on the difference between Timed Delayed Brake Controller and Proportional brake Controllers.I use a Tekonsha Voyager 9030. It is a proportional controller which allows the trailer to stop at the same rate as the tow vehicle. Hope this helps

[dredger]

Try lowering the gain control if it has one which will smooth out your brakes

[Bama Rambler]

Originally Posted by Bill U

I guess what I am asking is there a brake controller out there that modulates with the pressure I apply to my truck brakes. I am looking for brakes that equal my truck brake pedal pressure.

Yes, there are systems that use a cable to sense pedal motion and systems that tap into your hydraulic brake system (though banned by most mfg's) to sense pressure.

A very reliable and accurate system uses accelerometers to sense your slow down and applies the RV brakes in proportion to that. The Hensley Tru-Control, Tekonsha Prodigy & P3 are among the best out there and garner lots of prasie for their owners. I use the prodigy and am extremely happy with it's performance.

[rafcar]

I have an older Tekonsha unit, it came with the truck, and it acts similar to what you are describing, it drives me crazy! I just order a Tekonsha P3, and from everything that I have read these work great and are very easy to setup. You may want to consider getting one of these. I paid $120 shipped.

[acadianbob]

I have zero braking issues with my Prodigy. For $100 you can replace your current unit. Is it an older unit? Might just be time to retire it.

[rockwood06]

I had the same problem but the left side of the camper brakes were locking up no matter how the controller was set, well come to find out the brakes were never adjusted from the factory. Forestriver replaced the brakes under warrenty which is rare according to the dealer. As far as jerking go's, I notice It when I am in slow moving and start and stop traffic. It is more noticeable then that's because the shoes and drums are getting hot and have had no time to cool down. The way I make a smooth slow down or stop in stop and go traffic is that I use the brake controller manually.

[cmcct]

As I am new to this whole electric trailer brake thing, I did a little research and evetually decided to get the Tekonsha Prodigy controller. I honestly did not know what to expect, but I am sure pleased with the way it operates. I have it set to slightly lead the truck's brakes, no trailer lock-up, no unusual pulling, just a nice smooth stop.