[VAC] Re: Variable resistor for brake controller?

[Aecal@xxxxxxx]

I don't yet have a tow vehicle and being new to all this I have been 
following these threads about brake controllers and the like. The discussion 
of fabricating these resistors brings some questions to mind. Are they no 
longer made? Are they used with all types of brake controllers or is it just 
an essential part of an older system? My '71 owners manual has pictures of 
the wiring setup for various length trailers showing the Kelsey-Hayes type 
resistor. The language in the manual suggests that this was part of a 
standard setup for every Airstream owner.
 I bought a load of parts and related things last fall and I have three of 
these resistors. One is the K-H as pictured in the manual. There are four 
bolts with the wire coiled between them in three sections. The wire appears 
to be continuous.
 The others are by Tekonsha. They have two bolts on one end. The coil starts 
at one bolt, wraps around a block on the other end and coils back to the 
other bolt. There is a clamp with a thumbscrew in the middle that rides on 
these two sections of spring. Arrows on the plastic base plate indicate light 
trailer-heavy trailer for adjustment of the clamp. The wire is steel, as far 
as I know, and .020"
Cheers,
Erik Murray