I am considering buying a second hand van with electric brakes and I have no idea of what i need in my car for them and what is involved in the connection, unfortunately the van is in Adelaide and I am in Yulara NT. any advise greatly appreciated Bru
D and D said
04:40 PM Sep 27, 2015
Bru, you're going to need details on the electrical connections on the van and get something compatible installed on your car. You'll also need an electric brake controller installed in your car which connects to the caravan - get this installed by someone who knows about this sort of thing because different models may work differently and correct installation is absolutely necessary. Get the installer to instruct you how to use it.
Regards
Dave
PeterD said
08:04 PM Sep 27, 2015
All you have to find out regarding the new vans electrics is the plug fitted to it. If it is not the same system as you have on the tug presently is to decide whether you wish to retain the current tugs socket and change the van or vice versa. Don't worry too much about how the new van is wired, the trailer connections should be wired to an Oz standard - see this link for the pin connections. Any auto electrician will wire the connectors to this standard. When you get your installer to wire up your brake controller (if you can not do it yourself0 he will wire it up correctly to the socket on the tug and things should work OK.
In the short term, if you have a different style connector on each vehicle you can purchase an adaptor to convert one system to the other (providing a 12 pin connector is not part of the deal.) If the new van has a 12 pin plug on it I would suggest you retain it and change the tugs socket. The large pins are rated at 35 A which are necessary to carry the 12 V power for the fridge. I suggest you have the hot wire for the fridge wired to pin 9 and that the installer use 8 gauge wire for the connection. Also have him wire in a relay connected to the ignition or accessory circuit to cut the fridge wire when the motor is not running (this prevents the fridge from flattening the starting battery if you leave the fridge connected when the motor is not running.)
When selecting a brake controller, go for a proportional action one as they give smoother braking.
Baz421 said
11:10 AM Sep 29, 2015
Hi Bru
didn't we provide all this info to you in May this year?????? I also offered to view the van for you and tell you what was on it so you could be prepared.
Thanks Baz I hope to contact you when I finally find a van and get to Adelaide. I think I now realise I cant just pick a van, connect it up and drive away so I will resolve any problems like this on site Thanks again I will contact you again hopefully before Xmas Bru
I am considering buying a second hand van with electric brakes and I have no idea of what i need in my car for them and what is involved in the connection, unfortunately the van is in Adelaide and I am in Yulara NT. any advise greatly appreciated Bru
Regards
Dave
All you have to find out regarding the new vans electrics is the plug fitted to it. If it is not the same system as you have on the tug presently is to decide whether you wish to retain the current tugs socket and change the van or vice versa. Don't worry too much about how the new van is wired, the trailer connections should be wired to an Oz standard - see this link for the pin connections. Any auto electrician will wire the connectors to this standard. When you get your installer to wire up your brake controller (if you can not do it yourself0 he will wire it up correctly to the socket on the tug and things should work OK.
In the short term, if you have a different style connector on each vehicle you can purchase an adaptor to convert one system to the other (providing a 12 pin connector is not part of the deal.) If the new van has a 12 pin plug on it I would suggest you retain it and change the tugs socket. The large pins are rated at 35 A which are necessary to carry the 12 V power for the fridge. I suggest you have the hot wire for the fridge wired to pin 9 and that the installer use 8 gauge wire for the connection. Also have him wire in a relay connected to the ignition or accessory circuit to cut the fridge wire when the motor is not running (this prevents the fridge from flattening the starting battery if you leave the fridge connected when the motor is not running.)
When selecting a brake controller, go for a proportional action one as they give smoother braking.
Hi Bru
didn't we provide all this info to you in May this year?????? I also offered to view the van for you and tell you what was on it so you could be prepared.
Cheers Baz
Baz - Is this the thread you were talking about.
Thanks Baz I hope to contact you when I finally find a van and get to Adelaide. I think I now realise I cant just pick a van, connect it up and drive away so I will resolve any problems like this on site Thanks again I will contact you again hopefully before Xmas Bru
Yes Peter