Brake Control with HTT And Chevy Suburban

[kinkak]

Good morning! My very first post here, but have been reading the forums for awhile now.

We recently purchased a Jayco X18D. Haven't actually taken it camping yet - our first official trip is scheduled for Easter weekend. Not sure who is more excited - me or the kids!

Here's my question. When we purchased the X18D, the salesman told us we needed the brake control and we had one installed in our Honda Pilot. We then had someone tell us we didn't actually need it, it was just an upsell. I am on the "better safe than sorry" rule book, but...

So anyway, sold the Pilot and got a Chevy Suburban that does not have the brake control installed. Before I rush out and have one installed - 2 questions:

1. Do I really need one with an HTT?
2. If yes to #1, what do you recommend? (I ask as the one that was installed in the Pilot was a "pendulumn" type and was a royal PITA)

Thanks in advance!
Katie

2014 Jayco X18D
Total Newbie 🙂

[Campfire_Time]

kinkak wrote:


Here's my question. When we purchased the X18D, the salesman told us we needed the brake control and we had one installed in our Honda Pilot. We then had someone tell us we didn't actually need it, it was just an upsell. I am on the "better safe than sorry" rule book, but...

Wow, whomever told you that it was an upsell doesn't know squat about towing.

[kinkak]

And thank you! Appreciate the information - off to call to make an appointment for the new install.

[kinkak]

It was an employee of an RV service center 🙂

[downtheroad]

Welcome to the Forum...

Get you camping and towing advice from someone else...the person who told you that you don't need a brake controller and that it's an "up sell," is not a good source of information.

Enjoy your new rig and new adventure.

[DutchmenSport]

Yes, your trailer must have operational brakes. Even if it were not required by law, how long do you think the brake pads on your tow vehicle will last if it has to stop both itself and the trailer behind it.

Also, think of an emergency situation when you have to slam on the brakes to avoid an accident or to avoid running over someone. Your tow vehicle brakes will probably lock down the tires, but your trailer weight rolling on wheels will continue to push your tow vehicle forward, even if your brakes are locked down, and you'll end up loosing about a quarter inch of rubber off all your tires!

Brake controllers do work slightly different. Doesn't matter which one you get, you'll get use to it after a very short while. But if you have the option to purchase, look for one that enables proportional braking, meaning, the harder you step on the brake pedal in your tow vehicle, the more electricity is sent to the trailer brakes, causing the brakes to react harder - faster too.

[KMP44]

Without a brake controller, your trailer brakes aren't going to be functional, so its defintely not just an "upsell." As already mentioned Prodigy is the premier brand out there, and your dealer or installer may also have a recomendation.

Congrats on the new camper!

[galexander]

Congrats on your new camper. I have the same model camper and yes you do need a brake controller. I also recommend a weight distribution hitch(WDH) with the built in way bars. They really do help keep the trailer under control when semi's or other large vehicles pass you. There are a lot of brake controllers out there but Prodigy and Tekonsha seem to be the ones people get the most. I have the Tekonsha and have had it for 6 years and have been very happy with it. I bought a Equal-i-zer 4 point hitch and really like it. They are not cheap but I look at it this way, what price do you put on your family? There are many brands out there so do your homework on the web and see what you like and want. I know you will enjoy your new camper so have fun.

[Padlin]

Here's the Va law on trailer brakes, taken from the AAA web site.
All State List

" Virginia
Trailers must be equipped with brakes if the gross weight exceeds 3,000 lbs.

Trailers must be equipped with at least 1 red brake light on the rear of the vehicle."

You're trailer is over 3000 lbs.

Common consensus here is Tekonsha, P3 being their top model. At least it was last I knew.

[ChooChooMan74]

It has brakes, even if it is undet the lawful weight in your state, I would still use it.

[luckyscroller78]

YES, you DO need one! Its not an upsell, its a necessity. and as for which one, that's up to you, Ive got a Primus from teknosha.