Trailer Brake Controllers

[Archive]

I first came across this brand on Mike C's personal page...
http://www.tekonsha.com/

upon doing a little research it seems there is more to electronic trailer brake controllers than I originally thought.

Tekonsha and Hayes Lemmerz http://www.hayes-lemmerz.com/products/html/aftermarket.html seem to get good press...

So 5'ers and Tongue Draggers, what are you using and what do you like?

Thx

Max

 

[Archive]

I use the Tekonsha Envoy(4-brake model). I took a shot in the dark after research and glad I did. It was to easy to set up. The thing I like the best is the dial control on the front to increase or decrease the volts(more or less brakes). It is handy when you go from pavement to pasture or gravel. I look around for the best $ and I found Southwest Wheel . They shipped it the same day ups. Out state pays no tax. I would buy it again.

------------------
01'2500 Q\C LWB white,HO-6-spd. ,3. 54,4-disk brakes,trailer tow, camper special,custom bolt-in G/N, See'ya down the road Michael

 

[Archive]

I have been using the Tekonsha brand for years and have not had any trouble. I haul cattle and big cab tractor and dozers on my trailers. They work #ad

 

[Archive]

Tekonsha Sentinel is great, especially the way you can adjust it for different trailers and towing conditions.

I need another one. Where can I get the best price?

------------------
99 3500 QC 4X4 5sp 3. 54 K&N air filter, DiPricol gauges, 275 hp injectors, Pacbrake, Westin nerfs, GN hitch, Tekonsha Brake controller, Mopar seat covers, Husky mats, silencer ring removed, Draw-tite front receiver, Rancho 9000's

 

[Archive]

Originally posted by Mad Max:
I first came across this brand on Mike C's personal page...
http://www.tekonsha.com/

upon doing a little research it seems there is more to electronic trailer brake controllers than I originally thought.

Tekonsha and Hayes Lemmerz http://www.hayes-lemmerz.com/products/html/aftermarket.html seem to get good press...

So 5'ers and Tongue Draggers, what are you using and what do you like?

Thx

Max

My first controler was a tekonsha, the lesser priced of their models, always seemed to lock-up one side of my trailer brakes and seemed to work eraticly. I switched to one made by draw-tite with a digiatl readout. This one seems to not work so well either,seems like at high speeds it is non-functional, get an overload condition on my readout but then seems to start working just as Iam coming to a stop. Ive checked the voltages @ the connector and everything is find. When I'm setting it up for agressiveness everything works fine, its just when I get going that it seems not to work so good. My trailer is just over a year old so I would hardly suspect my trailed brakes as being the problem. Maybe someone out there has had the same problem and could give me som input.

------------------

 

[Archive]

Brake problems with a trailer???? NO WAY... gotta be the DC in front (hehehe)... ... .

Now for the serious side - CHECK YOUR GROUNDS - REPEAT AGAIN - CHECK YOUR GROUNDS. Most hookups depend on the coupler and the ground wire is not always as secure to a good frame point (both ends - truck and trailer). To check, try adding a long wire between the truck and trailer; ensuring that both ends are on CLEAN ground points. Also, ensure the brakes have a good ground on one side of the mag. They run in a lot of road crap and ???? u can figure this out. BAD GROUNDS are the worst for this type of problem.

SOTSU!!
\\BF//

 

[Archive]

Weaver-D 1-800-932-8373. East of the Mississippi, free UPS over $49. Good service, honest people. Tekonsha Sentinal, with rebate till 12-30-00 is a buck minus 32.

 

[Archive]

I tow a 4 horse gn. Have a Draw-Tite Activator II, digital reedout 100% solid state (no moving parts or pendulums). No problems, and what I like about it, is that it is easy to duplicate setings for different loads. Empty trailer 3. 5, fully loaded 5. 0, no guess work as to how much to turn the adjustment knob or how bright to make the indicator lights. You just have to do it once, and then you can duplicate it next time. Just my . 02.

------------------
99 3500 QC 4x4 a/t loaded Driftwood/agate Proper Valvement, PS, Line-x

 

[Archive]

Mad Max,
We sell tekonsha controllers at work
& they are the most trouble free & reliable
of the 4 brands we sell. I have a Tekonsha
Sentinel & really like it.

arar,
If only one side is locking up check
the adjustment on the brakes. Electric brakes
that are adj. to loose will grab or lock up.
Hope this helps. Rick

------------------
99 3500 4x4 QC,5spd,3. 55 posi,turn over ball goose neck hitch,Putnam class V reciever hitch,Alcoa alum. wheels,275 hp inj. home built boost module,4 in. straight exhaust(built it in my shop)Pac brake,4 leaf overload springs,all options execpt leather & keyless entry,2000 Artic Fox 10 ft. camper,with slide out 2horse tongue pull trlr. ,30 ft. gooseneck 3 horse living quarter trlr. ,24 ft flat bed that I haul my Ford 4x4 race truck on.

 

[Archive]

Kelsey has worked well for me for 8+ years

 

[Archive]

My truck had a Draw-tite with the digital reading when I bought it. I felt that I could not get the right setting with it. When it died, I went to the Tekonsha Sentinal which I like. Not saying Draw-Tite is bad since I don't know how it worked when new.

 

[Archive]

Thanks for the input. Yes! I do know how important grounds are. I don't know how that got by me. I know my vehicle is OK, but didn't think to check the trailer recepticle.

 

[Archive]

4 year old Kelsey took a dump last week. Replaced it with a Tekonsha Sentinel. Won't know it I like it until this weekend ( Deer hunt ). But installation was a breeze.

------------------
98 Properly Valved 4x4 SWB QC ISB A/T Metallic Red w/ tan cloth interior, DC nerf bars, DC two piece mud-flaps, 275 h. p. injectors, Monroe Gas Magnums, Armor Tuff spray in bed liner, Goodyear Wrangler ATS 285/75r/16, BD Heavy Duty Valve body. Walker 21468 thru flow muffler,Cobra 29 NWST CB. American Racing Wheels.