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Post Info TOPIC: electric brake controller for caravan
keiron


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electric brake controller for caravan
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Hello. The electronic controller for the van brakes is meant to have a bright green light displayed to indicate that the van is connected (I think).

When I make a brake application this light is meant to glow bright red (I think).

When I connect the van the light glows bright green, UNTIL I turn the ignition on. It then only glows very dull if at all.

And when I make a brake application it only glows an orangey (my new word for the day) colour.

Does any know of a likely cause and possible solution. I have re-wired the van plug, and cleaned the earth connections on the rear lights. No difference.

I am hoping that someone who is wiser that I might have a solution.

Many thanks in advance, KB

 

 



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gwb


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Does it have an adjustment knob or wheel control on the side of the controller?
Geoff and Bev

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keiron


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Hi. Yes it has a slide control on the top facing the driver, which allows for an increase or decrease in the amount of braking being transferred to the van.

I have it it as far to the "right" as possible without skidding / locking the van wheels. This controller does not change the light display.

Many thanks for your enquiry. KB



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Cupie


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Keiron  ..

What is the make & model of the controller that you are using?

 

 



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dorian


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I suspect that the LED should be bright red at full braking power (the adjustment knob would be set to maximum), and a shade of orange at intermediate braking strengths. If so, then the colour/brightness of the LED should change as you adjust the knob while the brakes are applied.

I would measure the voltages on each wire before and after the ignition is turned on, and before and after the brakes are applied.


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NeilandRaine


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and don't forget to install a breakaway monitor

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ozjohn


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NeilandRaine wrote:

and don't forget to install a breakaway monitor

Only required for NSW registered vans with a GTM of 2000Kg or more.
Ozjohn. 



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Retired Engineer, Ex Park Owner & Caravan Consultant. 
Holden 2.8 Colorado - Roma Elegance 17'6" Pop Top.
Location: Mornington Peninsula Vic. 
keiron


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Hi. It is an XLE-12, manufactured by GSL Electronics in Sydney. I have read their instructions and am none the wiser....KB



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dorian


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Installation Sheet XLE-12 - GSL Electronics:

www.gsl.com.au/tl_files/pdf-automotive-products/XLE-12.pdf

Is it possible that the battery voltage drops below the minimum allowed by the controller when the ignition is on? I'd measure the voltage between the black (BAT+) and white (Ground) wires when the ignition is switched off and on.


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ozjohn


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Doran thanks for the link
I had never heard of them so had no idea what type controller it was.
As it's not a proportional controller I have no interest.
It's not even a pendulum type.
Ozjohn.



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Retired Engineer, Ex Park Owner & Caravan Consultant. 
Holden 2.8 Colorado - Roma Elegance 17'6" Pop Top.
Location: Mornington Peninsula Vic. 
Roving-Dutchy


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Go and buy a good proportional brake controller and keep that one as an emergency spare while you are travelling.
Like this one on Ebay   http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/TEKONSHA-P3-PRODIGY-CARAVAN-TRAILER-ELECTRIC-BRAKE-CONTROLLER-BONUS-/290822013620
Cheers
David



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03_troopy


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ozjohn wrote:

Doran thanks for the link
I had never heard of them so had no idea what type controller it was.
As it's not a proportional controller I have no interest.
It's not even a pendulum type.
Ozjohn.

 And you posted why?



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03_troopy


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And, as ozjohn pointed out they are not proportional braking systems. But we have fitted a few of these to mine service vehicles, and Komatsu have been satisfied with their performance. I'm not in anyway affiliated with the product, in fact I don't give a rat's which product it is as long as it does what the customer wants.

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Roving-Dutchy


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A proportional brake controller is the best choice for electric brake control on a caravan, why do mine service vehicles need a brake controller? what relationship do they have to a caravan?
Cheers
David

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03_troopy


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Roving-Dutchy wrote:

A proportional brake controller is the best choice for electric brake control on a caravan, why do mine service vehicles need a brake controller? what relationship do they have to a caravan?
Cheers
David

Because they tow trailers, and sometimes pretty big ones. The relationship is that they are a towed vehicle as well. It was more a comment on the unknown quantity of the said brand.

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Caravanlover


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Roving-Dutchy,

I need a new brake controller. When I bought my 4WD they fitted a really cheap, basic one (can't recall brand) and it's not proportional. I note you recommended the Prodigy P3, which i've been reading about. Do you think this is also suitable for dirt roads and limited off-road use? I haven't read much about that sort of purpose.

Caravanlover.



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