Currently running a Tekonsha Prodigy P2 electronic brake controller, and have done for quite a few years. Never felt it was doing the job properly, but put it down to the brakes on the van.
Just had a complete overhaul of the van brakes, everything new, and guess what......... next to no braking even with the controller on full emergency stop. Had the brakes tested once the new parts were fitted on the van....all good. So it is not a poor connection that end. Just had a new plug fitted as well on the tug! Although the controller will be tested this week, the auto spark is wanting to replace the Prodigy 2 with a Red Arc.
Any thoughts on the above.
Thanks and appreciate your input, will be much appreciated.
Cheers and beers
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Not being an expert in these matters, my thoughts are... What brake controller do you have in the van and is it's control battery up-to-scratch ? For your info, my Jayco has a Breaksafe 5000 unit in the van with a 12V 7Ah battery which I replace about every 2 to 3 years but being in NSW I have a monitor on the dash to keep an eye on things. The Tekonsha is a very good unit (I have the P3 which has self test) and don't know the Redarc unit, but these are for the tow vehicle only, used as control for the van unit.
Your question is interesting, "What brake controller do you have in the van and is it's control battery up-to-scratch ?"
Well as far as I have ever known, the controller in the tug is all one needs. As I understand as soon as the brakes are applied in the vehicle the electronic signal from the controller sends a signal straight to the inter connecting corresponding 7 pin plugs and bingo the signal, as I understand it again, goes straight to the magnets on the van brakes, and the shoes do their job. Wasn't aware of an independent controller and battery in the van being needed. That's an interesting one!
Thanks again Wanderlust.
Cheers
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The "Breaksafe" is a separate unit, fitted to the trailer that operates the brakes if the vehicle and trailer should separate. The brakes fully engage when a tongue (attached via a cable) is pulled out of a switch mounted on the "A" frame of the caravan.
This unit is an entirely separate unit to the "Brake" controller, and is fitted to trailers having a weight of more than two tonnes (I think), it is an Australian requirement.
I was well aware of a separate unit associated with the "breakaway" set up and the regualtions per say. There is definitely a breakdown in signal somewhere in my system as Tekonsha has a good reputation. I know one of their models called the "Voyager" was a dead set lemon, and had more troubles than "Speed Gordon". I will just digest any further comments and have a chat to the auto sparkie on Monday.
Cheers
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If your caravan is registered in NSW and is over 2 tonne GTM, it is a NSW regulation since 1998 that the towing vehicle MUST be fitted with a "remote battery monitor". If your tow vehicle is not fitted with a remote battery monitor (not a 12V battery gauge) it cannot be registered and it illegal to travel on NSW roads. non fitting of this device could also effect your caravan and motor vehicle insurance policy as the total rig is non compliant.
Somewhere in the van will be a breakaway battery and controller, this is a separate battery to the house battery.
Thanks Migra, for your advise. What I should have advised in my original thread, the van is under 2 ton. It is an old Windsor, and we pull it with a 1976 Chrysler Valiant. That is why we call ourselves The Retro Roamers. We are a couple of of gumlies caught in a time warp. Incidentally the van is Queensland registered for 1850 fully loaded.
Thanks to all.
Cheers and beers
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Currently running a Tekonsha Prodigy P2 electronic brake controller, and have done for quite a few years. Never felt it was doing the job properly, but put it down to the brakes on the van.
Just had a complete overhaul of the van brakes, everything new, and guess what......... next to no braking even with the controller on full emergency stop. Had the brakes tested once the new parts were fitted on the van....all good. So it is not a poor connection that end. Just had a new plug fitted as well on the tug! Although the controller will be tested this week, the auto spark is wanting to replace the Prodigy 2 with a Red Arc.
Any thoughts on the above.
Thanks and appreciate your input, will be much appreciated.
Cheers and beers
Stick with your Prodigy 2 Controller ,I was reading on another Forum about the same thing the gentleman discribed the same thing,he took the van out and worked the breaks as much as he could and found they were getting better and better with more use.its only because everything is new and smooth.
I will get two opinions on this controller from the local auto spark. I had some sort of brakes, although not all that flash, prior to the rebuild. Might just need some running in as you say. I will have to suck it and see I guess.
cheers
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