Brake Controller - About to purchase

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Steve Williams about 10 months ago	Well, I am about to purchase an EBRH. I'll post my opinion in due course. In the meantime, I'll just talk to myself for a while! Steve
Steve Williams permalink	Well, I've done it. Climbing back and forth under the car is hard. More to do with my age than the product! Wiring in the unit is straight forward. Only tricky bit is fitting the remote LED and Knob into the switch blank. The blank is not so blank on the back side. It has gussets behind there that interfere. Also, the positioning of the holes place the LED and knob too close to the top and bottom of the blank making it difficult to fit the washers and nuts on. Fortunately the LED was a press fit into the hole I drilled. After chiseling, filing, cursing I got the washer and nut behind the knob. Luckily it ended up looking OK. I am interested as to whether switch blanks are standard in size and shape. If they are similar. trying to set the LED and knob into the one blank may prove difficult. Had I realized the problem before I started on the blank I would have used the two side by side spare blanks that I had available. I would be interested in Redarc feedback on this. I won't be towing the caravan for two or three weeks, so stay tuned for my practical test. The vehicle is an MY08 RA LT Rodeo Dual Cab. Steve
Michael @ REDARC permalink	Hello Steve Thank you for sharing your experiences regarding your purchase and installation of our EBRH. To address your query, spare switch panels are not a standard size. They can vary significantly depending upon both model and manufacturer of the vehicle. In any case, before drilling or modifying what you are working on, it is always best to decide whether you will need to use one or two switch panels to mount the required controls. I have posted an image below of the configurations that can be accomplished by simply separating the sticker that comes included in the kit. If there is anything you need further clarification with, feel free to either post it here or send us an email. http://redarc.com.au/contact-us Keep us updated with how your field trial goes
Steve Williams permalink	Well, I have done my first run with the Redarc on the Rodeo/23ft Jayco Sterling. Firstly, I should mention that my other towing vehicle is a Landcruiser LC100 fitted with a well known brand pendulum type controller. The test run was from Melbourne to Narbethong (Vic), only about 70kms each way, but through the Black Spur - a challenging road with a caravan. At this point I don't wish to post any comparison between the two controllers, however, the test proved one thing to me, perhaps even amplified a problem I suspected with the caravan brakes. The problem is that the brakes behave differently depending upon how frequently they are used - presumably an issue related to heat build up. I'm not sure whether the problem stems from the magnet or the brake shoes. The consequence is that with frequent brake applications of the brakes such as in traffic slowing often, the brakes begin to grab with increasing violence resulting in the need to back the brake control off. The only observation to post at the moment is the effect is more noticeable with the Redarc. Both of them need to be backed off to reduce the problem. So, now I am going to explore whether there is a problem with the brakes or whether this problem is common with electric trailer brakes. The caravan is only 2.5 years old and the brakes appear mechanically good. More later. Steve
kevin lewis permalink	Hi Michael & Steve, I thought I would comment as I have recently had a similar system fitted to our Pajero. We are towing a single axle with an average weight of 1600 kg when we are travelling. I have experienced some real challenges setting the brake control to a level that I hope is assisting with my braking while not grabbing. I have tried everything even to the point of going back to the people who fitted it and they assured me that my brakes were all okay and the output of the brake controller was within the range required to assure efficient and effective braking. I tried all the tests advised, ie setting the controller to the maximum and dialling back to the point they didn't lock up. Following the tests I noted the hubs were quite hot so stopped further testing until they cooled. We have now completed about 1000kms with the brakes, but because of my lack of certainty about the braking of the van and the setting I make considerable use of my gears when pulling up. The wife even commented about a 'clunking' sound when recently reversing into a van park. So if you can achieve a good outcome without the grabbing or overheating your comments appreciated. As an aside we are currently on a big trip and it woul be reassuring to know that our van brakes are ok and without putting too much pressure on the car brakes and gears. Cheers, Kevin
Dylan @ REDARC permalink	Hi Kevin, It is unusual to hear of this issue. Can i possibly ask that you contact us here at Redarc either via phone (08) 8322 4848 or email to discuss the issue further with one of our technicians? This will enable us to get to the bottom of the situation and resolve any issues. Thanks
rodney leitch permalink	I had the Redarc fitted to my Patrol about 3 weeks ago before towing my Island Star van which had an ATM of 2350kg to Mannum from Mount Barker. The action of this controller was severe when operated at low speed. The wheels continued to grab and I was resetting all the time. Also the brake drums were getting hot and were slow to release, felt like there was current still working the brakes although the brake pedal was not being used. I do not beleive that this is good or safe practice. When travelling along the freeway at 90kph using the brakes seemed to be OK. I have since replaced the unit with my original pendulum controller. The brakes work OK with this unit now. It is unfortunate as I beleive that the Rearc products are very good. If this problem can be overcome I would happily put the unit back into the Patrol.