Brake controller problems

[cdncampers]

Hello all,
We are newbies here, mainly lurking while trailer shopping.
We finally chose a 2008 Starcraft Antiqua-which we love
We had a sway controller, weight distribution hitch, and brake controller all added before taking home (over $800).
We got to our destination only to realize our brakes had been on the trailer (locked?) and once we stopped, they would only release to allow movement after unplugging the controller (we were already at campground). My hubby noticed a burning smell, plus we went through twice the amount of gas we had the wknd before.

We called trailer dealership and they had it set at 85 instead of 15-20. They told us just to reset it at the lower resistance and drive it home (2hrs away).

I'm very concerned that this caused excessive wear and tear in my tow vehicle

And to be honest, ticked off that they want us to risk more damage plus safety IMO just to make it convenient for them to look at.

We also purchased an extensive warranty And roadside assistance pkg.
I fell like they should be helping more than they are.

I could use some words of advice right now, after just 2 weeks of owning this trailer, I feel like perhaps we should not have.
Thanks

[Chuck_S]

Quest brake controller is CDN$84 at Costco... It's claimed to be proportional but I've not seen the manual on it's operation. The Tekonshas require setting to a point just before warm brakes lock up at maximum brake effort. I don't see any evidence of trying/testing the Quest in this manner.

Hopefully you'll get it running. It sure sounded like a time delay controller and set that high it was acting like one.

-- Chuck

[cdncampers]

Just a quick update.
We returned to the dealership and they could not determine what caused the brakes to lock. For assurance they replaced the controller (Quest - $250), and checked brake pads, hubs, controller, wiring on TT plus TV. They reset it at 50 for resistance. We also had our TV taken in and checked as we were planning an 800km trip to northern Quebec with NO RVcare service. It was fine as well - thank goodness. We had no issues except a noisy sway bar (it was pouring), and a bit of condensation/leaking? on one bunk end.

Also I may be new to posting, but have been researching this site, and many forums for YEARS prior to purchasing this TV and HTT. This one is a step up for us but we have been towing and camping for almost 20 yrs. I always offer advice without prejudice to those who need it, on topics I can offer helpful insight on.

We all have to start somewhere, you can research all you want, but at some point you have to make a decision based on our research and accept that things don't always happen the way you planned. Besides if it wasn't for "people like me" forums wouldn't exist.

Thanks to everyone else for your helpful comments. 🙂

[Chuck_S]

We called trailer dealership and they had it set at 85 instead of 15-20. They told us just to reset it at the lower resistance and drive it home (2hrs away).

What kind of brake controller has these settings? I admit to only being familiar with the Tekonsha proportional controllers which don't act this way.

$49 dealer "best seller?"

"Extensive warranty?" Where's the ROFLMAO smiley? 😉

I just hate it when folks come here AFTER buying campers rather than before.

-- Chuck

[cdncampers]

The dry weight was 31xx lbs. we added approx 350lbs in "stuff". The gwvr is 5000lbs. Ours is only 2 bunk ends. No slide. I'm not at home but I think it's 195 CK. 🙂

[PAThwacker]

Was the dry weight of the Antiqua 3468lbs? What is the model number?

My non slide 21RBH Starcraft labeled unloaded weight is 3400. Camping wet weights are 4100lbs to 4600lbs with gvw at 5000lbs.
Its a radical floorpan, but lighter than antiquas.

[cdncampers]

Thanks for your comments. I take no offence for being inexperienced. We absolutely are. This is why we trusted the dealer (with a good reputation in the area). They believe it might be a defective brake controller, however they are going to look at our vehicle and trailer tomorrow to check everything. They have already admitted to having it set way too high. We are going to request they look at brake pads on trailer. My husband said the drive was somewhat smoother towing home. We have a 2011 gmc Acadia with factory tow pkg. Limit is 5200lbs. Trailer is 3468lbs. And we actually weighed everything (including passengers) first time we towed to ensure a safe tow :-). We will see what they do to assist tomorrow. Thanks for your advice.

[Rookiecamper]

You said, "I'm very concerned that this caused excessive wear and tear in my tow vehicle." You didn't mention what you use to tow, but I would DEFINITELY be more concerned about damage to the trailer as mentioned...brake pads, magnets, brake drums, and bearing grease & the actual bearings due to the heat. You'd probably be ok driving it back home after adjusting the controller, but with your lack of experience (not a shot at you), you should definitely have someone check it out first and hand their bill to the dealer.

[llowllms]

I don't know what the laws are in Canada but I think I would be seeking legal advice. As stated before, you could have further damage to the bearings, hubs and linings. I would want all that replaced with new if I were involved with it.

[phoneguy1212]

I'm very surprised that after two hours of travel, a difference in stopping distance with the trailer on was not noticed. I too was new to the new brake controller and the installer advised me to start out around 45 and go up or down with the way the trailer reacted. After a few stops at normal stop signs I soon realized the trailer was stopping my truck fairly quickly with little pressure on the pedal. After a few more stops I finally settled with the setting of 23 on my 20 year old rig. I know controllers are different makes and all but find that if mine was set to 85 it would be so obvious to me. I think it would be safe to turn it down to something under 30 and leave extra stopping distance in case of the brakes pad have worn more than should. I would really make the shop put new shoes once I returned home. I hope everything works out for you and you enjoy your time and nothing else major go wrong on the trip home. The only recourse the shop has in denying warranty is operator error.

[azrving]

Brake linings and drums could be damaged and bearing grease could be cooked.

[downtheroad]

This is really sad to hear. Dealers like this absolutely ruin RVing and give the whole business a bad name. I hate hearing stories like this.

I also hate hearing that they talked you into an extended service contract and probably the paint protection package.

Good luck with it. My suggestion, get real firm with these guys and don't back down one inch.

And, I agree with the advice that Lynnmor offered earlier in this thread.

[Lynnmor]

You have more problems than just the settings. Don't use the trailer till you have a competent mechanic check everything. Then demand your money back plus the repair bill.