surge brake activation???

[Bumpyroad]

Unless I can solve my missing brake controller plug issue, is there such a thing as a surge activated device in the receiver that can activate the electric trailer brakes?
thanks,
Bumpy

[Bumpyroad]

OK, Mowermech solved the no surge problem. now to locate plug.
bumpy

[Thunderbolt]

I wouldn't want actual surge brakes on a camper. The Unit others are posting about is still operating your electric brakes and may work ok. Actual surge brakes are not adjustable and you can't control how hard the brakes apply and you can't apply them manually. God forbid something happened to the brakes on the tv you wouldn't even be able to use the trailer brakes to help slow down.

[Bumpyroad]

rjstractor wrote:
I've rented trailers that have the system you describe and it seems to work well. However, a factory harness is not required to wire a brake controller. It's a pretty simple job that any RV or towing type shop should be able to handle.

glad to hear that that system worked well for you. I do have a reasonably priced mechanic available so will keep trying to locate plug. the fall back is that RF system.
bumpy

[rjstractor]

I've rented trailers that have the system you describe and it seems to work well. However, a factory harness is not required to wire a brake controller. It's a pretty simple job that any RV or towing type shop should be able to handle.

[Bumpyroad]

camp-n-family wrote:
Did your Taco come with the brake controller pigtail adapter in the glove box? Toyota trucks that are prewired usually come with the adapter. Maybe it's not prewired? Does it have the tow package?

has the tow package, no pigtail with mine but I ordered that along with the controller.
bumpy

[camp-n-family]

Did your Taco come with the brake controller pigtail adapter in the glove box? Toyota trucks that are prewired usually come with the adapter. Maybe it's not prewired? Does it have the tow package?

[Bumpyroad]

Grit dog wrote:
Not sure what vehicle you have or what thread you started about it, but there's nothing magic about wiring up a brake controller if there's no pre installed trailer brake hookup. Signal wire from brake light switch, power and ground to the controller, power wire to the trailer plug.

that was my 2016 tacoma limited.
I agree but it is a little frustrating that nobody from Toyota knows or can find out where the plug is.
bumpy

[Grit_dog]

Not sure what vehicle you have or what thread you started about it, but there's nothing magic about wiring up a brake controller if there's no pre installed trailer brake hookup. Signal wire from brake light switch, power and ground to the controller, power wire to the trailer plug.

[Bumpyroad]

this thread involves the issue in my other thread about the missing brake controller plug/socket. will dig a little deeper into the insulation before springing for a $299 controller however, 🙂
bumpy

[carringb]

mowermech wrote:
"Climbing with your 4-way flashers on (required for slow moving vehicles)"

Not always. Look here:

http://blog.esurance.com/warning-you-may-be-using-your-hazard-lights-incorrectly/#.V12KzKKYuc0

It's Oregon state law to use flashers if your commercial vehicle cannot maintain 15 MPH below the posted speed limit, and is a good idea any time your truck is moving much slower than approaching traffic because at that point, you are a hazard.

[Perrysburg_Dodg]

Surge brakes are not generally electric they are hydraulic using a master cylinder activated by the coupling sliding forward as the tow vehicle stops. My boat trailer has them and I'm going to convert the whole system over to electric.

What is wrong with your currant system? If it's something in wiring take it to a automotive electrical shop that can trace the problem down.

Don

[mowermech]

"Climbing with your 4-way flashers on (required for slow moving vehicles)"

Not always. Look here:

http://blog.esurance.com/warning-you-may-be-using-your-hazard-lights-incorrectly/#.V12KzKKYuc0

[carringb]

The Tekonsha RF brake controller works great except for one scenario: Climbing with your 4-way flashers on (required for slow moving vehicles). Maybe that wouldn't come up up for you, but it did with my F650, and the flashers would make the brakes pulse, so I would only activate them when somebody was approaching.

[wilber1]

Never seen surge brakes on a travel trailer. Not allowed in BC on any trailers over 2800 KG GVW(6100 lbs).

[Bumpyroad]

mowermech wrote:
Yes. It is made by Tekonsha, and mounts on the trailer tongue.
In fact, the American car dolly can be ordered with it installed.
Look for it on the Tekonsha website.

http://www.tekonsha.com/products/brake-controllers/proportional-controllers/prodigy-rf/TzaIxkVx1cI5XOy!osRB508pViEKmVBf

thanks, looks like exactly what I want. basically the same as the under dash models but the control is RF to the unit mounted on the tongue.
more versatile than the dash mount as trailer can be pulled and brakes used on any vehicle even without their own controller.
a little pricey but I can put my brand new proportional one on Craig's list.
bumpy