Redarc Tow Pro Brake controller.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by the evil twin

I use Tekonsha's but nothing wrong with the Redarc for a Tvan, Cuppa.

A minor correction to a previous post is that the Redarc units use tri axis Accelerometers not Gyroscopes but no biggee.

In auto mode the unit is a fully proportional automatic controller IE it applies the trailer braking effort in the same proportion as the vehicle braking effort without any intervention by the user.

In user mode the braking effort is controlled by the user IE it isn't automatically proportioned so needs to adjusted every time the surface or the incline changes.

In manual override it acts as a drag on the trailer to very effectively dampen trailer sway IE it brakes the trailer but the vehicle can run on.
Very handy if you get gusty winds or some other force that destabilises the trailer.

Redarc or Tekonsha is kinda Ford or Holden really
I find Tekonsha easier to use but not as versatile to mount

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Accelerometers. That's the word I was looking for.

I knew what you meant Kallen.

The proportional manual override sounds worthwhile, but for a big car there is very little available space in the cab chassis driving cab which does make the Redarc attractive. After years of old hack box trailers with override brakes that rarely worked I suppose either Tekonsha or Redarc could prove to be a revelation!

Hi Cuppa,
I've got the Tekonsha and used the manual override on a couple of steep descents on the Bloomfield Track. Very happy with it and highly recommend it.
As for mounting it in the cabin it sits next above my left knee, doesn't get in the way and easy to operate.
Let me know if you want to have a look at it before you make a final decision.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by apollofish

hi cuppa,
i've got the tekonsha and used the manual override on a couple of steep descents on the bloomfield track. Very happy with it and highly recommend it.
As for mounting it in the cabin it sits next above my left knee, doesn't get in the way and easy to operate.
Let me know if you want to have a look at it before you make a final decision.

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x2 cuppa i have one as well and happy with it
pulls our camper up nicely

X 3 on the Tekonsha very happy and easy to use as well
under the dash on left hand side

Had one on my other 4x4 as well.
great for downhill braking too highly recommend

X4 lol and sounds like everyone puts it in the same position.

X5 . I have one in my patrol and an older model in my Triton. I tow a 640 hard top Bar Crusher and in the Triton it's super important to be able to pull it up. The manual operation is good to override any swaying. Never had an issue with either Tekonshas.

I’ve had good service from both Redarc & from Autolecau in Bairnsdale over the years so I’ve bought a Tow Pro from them. Have to collect it from the Post Office later today.

A question to those of you with brake controllers - the manual says “Always refer to vehicle manufacturer specifications regarding the correct connection point for the brake light signal wire” . Can anyone tell me where I would find these manufacturer specifications, or alternatively tell me where you connected your controller to the brake light circuit?

Ta
Cuppa

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Cuppa

I’ve had good service from both Redarc & from Autolecau in Bairnsdale over the years so I’ve bought a Tow Pro from them. Have to collect it from the Post Office later today.

A question to those of you with brake controllers - the manual says “Always refer to vehicle manufacturer specifications regarding the correct connection point for the brake light signal wire” . Can anyone tell me where I would find these manufacturer specifications, or alternatively tell me where you connected your controller to the brake light circuit?

Ta
Cuppa

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Lots of vehicles now have bulb fault detection and/or cruise control brake sensing and/or other issues that mean you cannot use the brake pedal switch.

I recently wired my new Ford Terry and my personal preference is to pick up the brake sense from the trailer plug on any vehicle now (even my 99 GU).
That ensures that you are connecting after any of the necessart "black box" trailer circuit isolaters which means no need for relays, load resistors, isolators or whatever.

You have to run the blue Trailer Brake power wire from the trailer plug to the Controller so it is no biggee to run a second lighter gauge wire as well for the sense

x 6 or whatever - left knee - Tekonsha

all of the reports I have heard on the Van forum I am on, say the Tow Pro - "is the way to go".............

from a Vanning perspective, the ability to manually adjust the breaking force for the van while in an emergency (like the Tekonsha) is the least of your worries at that time (on bitumen)
the New Tow Pro will automatically throw the brakes on in an emergency faster than you would be able to - think it, react to it, and apply it -

however, for steep, slow descents, a manual over ride is good.

you will be happy with the Tow Pro

once fitted, you need to find a long straight road (with minimum traffic) for it to self set.....
as you drive along you will notice the light will say "auto un set" or something........as you drive along, it will apply the brakes at certain points and certain pressures, then the light will go to the "ready for action" colour
(not 100% sure of colours and meanings, as I dont have one - only what I have read about them)

but, as I said, I have not heard of anyone complaining as yet

cheers