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05-15-2012, 06:21 PM
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#1
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Guest
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Discovery brake controller - any good?
Hi -
I have the Discovery Brake Controller (#51120) Reading things about these things and brakes, I am wondering if my brake controller is any good or just a cheap one. I have to keep adjusting it on trips. It came from the dealer when we bought the TM as a gift on the sale of the TM. They installed it...
Dave
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05-15-2012, 06:44 PM
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#2
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TrailManor Master
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Fayetteville, NC
Posts: 621
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$43-$50 on Amazon. Only three reviews there, 2 bad 1 good. I have no experience with it.
Tim
__________________
Previous owners of a great 2010 [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC] TM2720SL.
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05-15-2012, 07:14 PM
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#3
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Site Sponsor
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Sunny Beaches of Los Angeles
Posts: 3,246
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ScottieDogs -
According to the Amazon page for that controller you have, it is a time-based controller. That means that the current going to the brakes increases the longer you hold down the brake pedal. That's very bad. If you're trying to do a 60 to 0 panic stop, you probably won't have your pedal on the brake very long -- you'll either crash, or the urgency will pass. That also means you'll get very little braking out of your TM brakes in such a situation, which is when you need them the most.
You at least want one with an accelerometer in it, like the Prodigy P3 - it is about $130 at Amazon, and is easy to install, especially since you can probably use all your existing wiring. It delivers current to the TM brakes proportional to the rate of deceleration of your TV. The faster you are decelerating, like in a panic stop, the more power the TM brakes get.
RockyMtnRay, who used to be quite active here, was a towing expert, and he wrote an excellent brake controller primer:
http://www.trailmanorowners.com/foru...ead.php?t=2830
Feel free to post any questions after reading.
Dave
__________________
2000 2720SL & 2007 3124KB
2005 Toyota Sequoia
Twin Battle Born 12v 100Ah LiFePO4 (BBGC2) batteries, 300W solar on rear shell, Link 10, Lift kit, Maxxis 8008 225 75/R15 E tires
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05-16-2012, 06:08 AM
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#4
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Guest
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ShrimpBurrito
ScottieDogs -
According to the Amazon page for that controller you have, it is a time-based controller. That means that the current going to the brakes increases the longer you hold down the brake pedal. That's very bad. If you're trying to do a 60 to 0 panic stop, you probably won't have your pedal on the brake very long -- you'll either crash, or the urgency will pass. That also means you'll get very little braking out of your TM brakes in such a situation, which is when you need them the most.
You at least want one with an accelerometer in it, like the Prodigy P3 - it is about $130 at Amazon, and is easy to install, especially since you can probably use all your existing wiring. It delivers current to the TM brakes proportional to the rate of deceleration of your TV. The faster you are decelerating, like in a panic stop, the more power the TM brakes get.
RockyMtnRay, who used to be quite active here, was a towing expert, and he wrote an excellent brake controller primer:
http://www.trailmanorowners.com/foru...ead.php?t=2830
Feel free to post any questions after reading.
Dave
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Thank you for this good information. I had a feeling it was not a good one. I am getting a new one for sure, thanks again.
Dave
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05-22-2012, 02:23 PM
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#5
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Guest
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ShrimpBurrito -
I got my new Brake Controller today I hope this is a good one. It was $130.43 free shipping and no tax. Now I have to install it, I have a Discovery Controller now (which the dealer put in my 2010 Ford Explorer when we got the TM) The Manufacture is Curt. I looked it up on the internet and it goes for $44.00... It has been acting up on me and I get very nervous. I think this one I got is very good.
Before I start making the switch is there any tips? and thanks for the help
Dave
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05-22-2012, 02:46 PM
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#6
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Site Team
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: The mountains of Scottsdale, AZ, and the beaches of Maine
Posts: 10,112
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Dave and Angie -
Ya done good! The Tekonsha P3 is a great controller. It can mount in the same place as the old one if you liked that location. And it requires the same four electrical connections that the old one used (+12 volt from the battery, ground, brake light, and output to the trailer brakes). You're going to feel a lot better with this controller.
Bill
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05-22-2012, 03:17 PM
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#7
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Site Sponsor
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Calgary Alberta Canada
Posts: 199
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I had a Tekonsha Voyager which had the same problems that you have. Constant adjusting and very grabby at times, even at very low speeds. I changed to a P3 and have been in Heaven ever since. Boy what a difference. Once set up, which is very easy by the way, you probably not touch it again. Like Bill said, easy to install. Good luck Dave.
__________________
Hans & Riet
TV 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 6200 lbs tow capacity, 620 lbs tong weight, V6-3.6 liter gas with factory tow package, Prodigie3 Brake Control, Anderson "No-Sway" Weight Distributing Hitch.
TM 2720, 2011, A/C, Awning, Swingtongue, 40 Gal fresh water, Stove and Sink Cupboards, Radio/CD Player, TV ant., Microwave Oven, Electric Tongue Jack, Black Windows and Frame, and Woodgrain Vinyl Flooring
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05-22-2012, 05:44 PM
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#8
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Site Sponsor
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Sunny Beaches of Los Angeles
Posts: 3,246
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Scottie Dogs - That's the controller I have as well, and I like it. I think you'll be pleased as well. Bill offered some good tips, so give it a shot, follow the setup instructions, and let us know if you need any help.
Dave
__________________
2000 2720SL & 2007 3124KB
2005 Toyota Sequoia
Twin Battle Born 12v 100Ah LiFePO4 (BBGC2) batteries, 300W solar on rear shell, Link 10, Lift kit, Maxxis 8008 225 75/R15 E tires
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06-01-2012, 11:52 AM
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#9
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Guest
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Those time based controllers should be illegal. They always do the wrong thing - no breaking in a panic stop, but full breaking when slowing for a stop light gradually. One tow with a time based controller was enough to make me buy a new controller.
I'm also happy with my P3.
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