Basic
2 and 3 Wire Systems
2 Wire System
- Are
vehicles that have the turn signal and brake lights operating
on the same bulb and wire.
- Up
to 7.5 amps per circuit (per SAE specifications).
- It
will have an electrical code of "A" in the paper catalog.
3
Wire System
- Are
vehicles that have the turn signal and brake light use different
bulbs and wires.
- Up
to 4 amps per circuit (per SAE specifications).
- It
will have an electrical code of "B" in the paper catalog.
Estimating
Trailer Amperage Per Circuit:
| Stop-Turn
Lights |
 |
2
Amps each |
| Taillights |
|
1
Amp each |
| Clearance
and Marker Lights |
|
1/2
Amp each |
|
| NOTE:
For estimating use only. Amperage is rounded to the nearest
whole value and may not apply in all cases. |
Brake
Controllers
An electric
trailer brake controller is a device that supplies power from
a vehicle to a trailer's electric brakes. There are two types
of electric brake controllers - Time Delay Activated ("solid
state") and Inertia Activated ("pendulum style").
Although the controllers' methods are different, both types
of controllers are very similar. Both allow the user to adjust
output or braking power. Both have a pressure sensitive manual
override trigger that can be used to apply the trailer brakes
independent of the vehicle brakes. Both have the same wiring
configuration.
Time
Delay Activated
Solid state controllers are "enabled" by the brake
pedal switch and apply a gradual voltage to the trailer's
brakes using a Time Delay Circuit.
Advantages : Solid state controllers are inexpensive,
have a low profile, are user friendly, and can be mounted
on any angle.
Disadvantages: When towing (in most applications) with
Hazard flashers on, the Digital Display will flash with the
Hazard Flashers. If the Brake Control is set aggressively,
pulsing may be felt in the trailer brakes. However a Pulse
Preventer will isolate the Brake Control from the flashers
and eliminate the flash/pulse situation.
Inertia
Activated
Pendulum Style Controllers are "enabled" by the
brake pedal switch and "activated" by a Pendulum
Circuit that senses the vehicle's stopping motion and applies
a gradual voltage to the trailer's brakes.
Advantages: Pendulum style controllers operate well
under adverse braking conditions and have a smooth braking
action .
Disadvantages: Controllers are more expensive, and
must be mounted and calibrated level (all but the Tekonsha
Prodigy).
|
BRAKE
CONTROLLER BREAKTHROUGH!
Tekonsha
introduces PRODIGY™ the most advanced and intelligent
approach to trailer brake controls. PRODIGY, requiring
no manual leveling, is a technological breakthrough
among inertia-activated brake controls. Equipped with
a self-adjusting sensing device similar to the one used
in guided-missile technology to allow for easy, flexible
installation — from nearly horizontal to nearly
vertical — PRODIGY constantly adjusts itself to
the position of the tow vehicle.
Primo
Trailer Sales has been evaluating this brake controller
in our own GMC 2500HD & Ford F-350 pickups. We can
attest that it is worth every cent over a lesser brake
controller.
|
|
The
Tekonsha Voyager, a mid-range Inertia Activated
brake controller, has been our most popular brake
controller by a huge margin. We have installed over
a thousand of these units over the past several years
and not until the Prodigy came along has the Voyager's
overall supremacy been challenged.
Voyager®
and Voyager XP Features
- Voyager
and Voyager XP are one-half the size of the Tekonsha®
Mark 12TM 2030 and Mark 24TM 2035, the original
industry standards.
- The
unit is more attractive, easier to install, and
makes better use of space.
- Recessed
controls protect gain and level settings from accidental
readjustment.
- Ergonomically
designed control lever for easy, accurate gain and
level settings.
- Traditional
4-wire hookup and under-dash U-bracket assure secure
and permanent installation.
- System
is compatible with virtually any 12-volt, negative
ground tow vehicle, foreign or domestic.
- Broad
control range makes setting quick and easy.
- The
green LED display tells you that the unit is on
and there is a complete circuit with the trailer
brakes.
- As
braking power is applied, the LED changes color
gradually from green to red, to indicate relative
braking power.
- The
advanced electronics in the Voyager minimizes false
braking, to give you a smoother ride, even on the
roughest roads.
- XP
means "Extra Power," and the Voyager XP
is ideal for all 6 & 8 brake trailers.
- Voyager
and Voyager XP come with a five-year limited warranty.
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