Brake smart Question

[tpruitt]

If i leave the trailer plugged into the truck will the Brake smart continue to stay on. If the trailer is not plugged in it goes off after 30 minutes. I don't think the controller is going off with the trailer plugged in is this normal.



Thanks

Trey

 

[klenger]

No, the controller should go off after a set period of time whether the trailer is connected or not. There is a setting for the timeout. I think 30 minutes is the shortest. Applying the brake resets the timer. Check it again. I suspect you didn't wait long enough.

 

[tpruitt]

nope its still on

 

[klenger]

Check out the page at BrakeSmart's website at http://www.brakesmart.net/techinfo.htm



I wonder if the setting for Set Initial Brake Constant is set too low and the controller thinks brake pressure is being applied.



Set Initial Brake Constant: The BrakeSmart is programmed with this value set at 51. Most people find that this value does not need to be changed. This value represents the pounds per square inch at which your trailer brakes will begin to apply. This is a fine tune adjustment that is helpful in removing "slack" between your tow vehicle and trailer.



Here are two other settings of interest:



Set Power Off Delay: You may adjust the time allowed before the display screen goes blank when there has been no activity such as a brake application. The BrakeSmart is programmed with a power management system that automatically shuts down power to the display after a period of time. The power off delay time is adjustable through the menu from 30 minutes to 5 hours in thirty minute increments. This reduces the battery drain from less than one ampere to a few thousands of an ampere. Any activity will bring the display back on.



Press Enter for Power Save Mode: You may instantly turn off the display with this feature. Note: This does not disable the controller. Your trailer brakes will continue to function if applied. This function is most commonly utilized during long stretches of night driving. After adjusting the intensity level you may still find the display too bright. The display will come back on as soon as there is any activity such as a brake application.



If none of these settings help, then I'd call Breaksmart for assistance.

 

[tpruitt]

can you tell me more about "Communication Mode and The trailer Battery Test Mode" This box is a little more advanced then my last one so it going to take some time to get use to it. Also will it display something different if you have a trailer hooked to it. The only way that i knew the brake were working on the trailer i was towing was by pressing the manual button i guess that just telling me how smooth this box really is.

 

[Eric_77]

When I hook mine up the first thing it does is chime and say trailer (brake?) detected. Then when I apply the brakes it says BRAKING and a slide scale at the bottom that indicates relative braking going to trailer. When disconnected readout is the PSI of brake pressure. I did not install or set mine up but both work the same in that regard. Only difference I see between the two is on 96 it powers off with key the 03 it powers off after 30 minutes. Actually both of them power off after 30 minutes even when going down the road.

 

[EB]

Mine powers off after 30 minutes either going down the road or when the key is off, as long as you don't touch the brake. That starts the cycle over again. After 30 minutes, it will beep 8 times and shut off.