Trailer brakes newbie

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Trailer brakes newbie

Postby TimC » Fri Mar 03, 2017 11:03 am

I've installed brakes on my 1300# TD. 7" electric. That went well. I have yet to wire the brakes and install the 7-way plug on the trailer end. Will do that in April when it is above freezing a little more consistently. I have the Curt 51140 controller in my TV. It is an inertia type controller. Not knowing much about controllers it sounded like a better option than the delay timing type of controller. Are there any tricks to setting the controller up? Just plug it in and let it do its thing, or, do I play with the settings on a 1300# pull? I expect I'll be doing a test drive or two around the area to get the feel for it. I'm going to swap that controller into another tow vehicle at times. The other vehicle is just a back-up in case I head out and "the one who is to be obeyed" is not camping with me. It seems like a little hassle to swap, but, I like saving the $60+ by not buying a second controller (yes, I have the quick disconnect in both TVs).
Tim
Niagara, WI
My First Benroy Teardrop Build Thread - A 5x8 Woodie - http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=63575
My Second Teardrop (partial) Build Thread - Started August '16 - http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=66939
#3 My son's Benroy Foamie team build - Started July '20 - http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=72877

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Re: Trailer brakes newbie

Postby TimC » Fri Mar 03, 2017 11:10 am

I found this youtube video describing the adjustments suggested. Seems pretty straight forward...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rw_wku4TzE4
Tim
Niagara, WI
My First Benroy Teardrop Build Thread - A 5x8 Woodie - http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=63575
My Second Teardrop (partial) Build Thread - Started August '16 - http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=66939
#3 My son's Benroy Foamie team build - Started July '20 - http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=72877

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TimC
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Re: Trailer brakes newbie

Postby dancam » Fri Mar 03, 2017 12:28 pm

I didnt watch the video but heres some tips:
Set the pendulum like in the instructions and make sure it stays there. Maybe tape or hot glue it so it doesnt accidentally get moved
You want your trailer to brake as hard as possible without locking the tires when you brake as hard as possible with your tv. However your trailer does not have ABS. You do not want the brakes to lock because your trailer is likely to slide and wont stop as fast.
So if you set your trailer brakes on a sunny, warm day on flat, dry, clean pavement and your trailer loaded heavy then keep this in mind:
When your trailer is lighter the brakes lock quicker.
When its raining, snowing, icy they lock quicker. Same with loose gravel or smooth black pavement instead of rough.
Their more likely to lock when braking hard while going around a corner, however this usually doesnt happen.
Tire pressure changes things.
Kids mess with things like your brake controller.


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