Re: [VACList] New Airstream Owner

["Tuna" <rctowns@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hey, Ivan -
Check out the Airstream and Vintage Airstream 'archives' at
www.tompatterson.com ...from the main page, follow the 'Search' link and
search on 'brake controller'...

There are basically three types of brake controller -
a) 'proportional' (translates brake pressure at the brake pedal to the
trailer brakes)
b) 'intertial' (uses a 'pendulum'-type mechanism to sense changes in forward
momentum)
c) 'ramp' or 'time-based' (uses a preset/adjustable rate, and starts braking
when the brake-light switch is actuated)

The proportional type that people like nowadays is the Jordan Research
Ultima 2020... uses a cable attached to the brake pedal to control the
amount of braking at the trailer wheels. In the pre-ABS brakes days, people
could use an hydraulic/electric controller that uses a line 'tee'd' into the
master cylinder to get proportional control.

The Tekonsha 'Prodigy' is the latest wrinkle in 'inertial' controllers -
they seem to have overcome all of the drawbacks involved with the older
types of pendulum controllers. I haven't tried it yet, but everything i've
heard on the list(s) has been really good.

I like the Jordan Research controller - the one with the cable - but i've
been having trouble getting it to work with the new truck - it's a 2002
Dodge with the adjustable brake pedal - and it needs a special bracket which
wasn't available when i got the truck. I'd installed it anyway, and managed
to break the cable... i didn't brake hard, but had mis-adjusted the brake
pedal, and the cable was just too tight.

Nearly every other controller on the market is a simple ramp/time based
controller - they work okay, but you'll find that you have to adjust the
speed/sensitivity a lot under changing driving conditions. I'd definitely
recommend the Prodigy or the Jordan.

Tuna
'48 Trailwind
Reno, NV