mechanical actuator for electric brakes?

**ShrimpBurrito** · 05-10-2012, 09:03 AM

A relative of mine is looking to tow a lightweight trailer (a Casita, about 2,500 lbs) with a V6 Ford Ranger. The Casita has electric brakes, much like the TMs, but he does not have a brake controller and only has a 4-pin harness. Obviously, the best solution here is to simply install a controller and 7-pin connector, but after towing the trailer home 700 miles, he does not plan on towing it again, at least with that vehicle.

Is anyone aware of any sort of mechanical actuator for electric brakes intended to be used on a temporary basis? I'm thinking of a piston in between the hitch receiver and hitch ball that would compress upon deceleration, where upon it would energize the trailer brakes.

Does anyone have any experience with that kind of TV towing that weight of trailer without brakes? I'm thinking that's right on the margin....

Thanks,
Dave

**ShrimpBurrito** · 05-10-2012, 09:41 AM

I did just find this, which is rather interesting:
http://www.etrailer.com/Brake-Contro...sha/90250.html

That simply puts the accelerometer on the trailer instead of the TV. That might just be the solution in this case....and it can go on eBay after he's done.

Dave

05-10-2012, 10:24 AM

Rent a car hauler and load the trailer onto it. Then you would be using the brakes of the car hauler instead of the Casita brakes.

The rental cost is pretty low for local. I don't have any experience with one way.

I used one to bring a dead Chevy S10 truck 180 miles back home. Way cheaper than using a tow truck.

**ShrimpBurrito** · 05-10-2012, 10:29 AM

I thought about renting a Uhaul, but:

- the rental is $700
- fuel expense is more (at least $200 for 700 miles), as there are now 2 vehicles coming back

A solution, yes, but I'm trying to explore other options.

Dave

rvcycleguy · 05-10-2012, 12:15 PM

the item shown on the web link still needs a 7 way connector? at least the photos of the kit indicate that.

Probably opening a can of worms here, but I would loan your relative your truck.

**ShrimpBurrito** · 05-10-2012, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rvcycleguy

the item shown on the web link still needs a 7 way connector? at least the photos of the kit indicate that.

Yes, but he can use a 4-pin to 7-pin adapter, with the provision that he runs a power wire from the battery to the harness. No other wiring is required, so this is as plug-n-play as I've seen.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rvcycleguy

Probably opening a can of worms here, but I would loan your relative your truck.

I would love to, and I'd even make the drive myself, but they're on the east coast.

Dave

rvcycleguy · 05-10-2012, 12:43 PM

also, I'm again opening myself up for comments, but if it were me and I wanted to tow a 2500# trailer 700 miles, one way and not use that tow vehicle again for that trailer (one time use) with my personal experience of towing, I would do it without the trailer brakes. Take it slow, keep it under the speed limits everywhere, leave plenty of distance between traffic, down shift approaching stops, take interstate where possible to avoid signal traffic crossings, use my 4 way flashers when in heavy stop and go traffic to avoid tailgaters, stop only for gas and make the trip in one day. In many states, I thnk the threshold for trailer brakes is 3000#?