I'm thinking about pulling a trailer that has electric brakes, do I need to do anything special using the retarder? I know the brake lights come on when the retarder activates, would the trailer brakes engage also? If so what do I do other than the obvious of not using the retarder. If the brakes do activate on the trailer I would think that on a long down hill the trailer brakes would get hot.
Thanks
Keith
I've never pulled a trailer but the previous owner did. He installed a standard brake controller like I had on my Ford truck when I pulled my 5th wheel. I had not considered the retarder question.
Rich
I use this. Check out install instructions, it appears to be activated by brake lights which come on with the retarder application.
I can use this with both my toad and my rv, a Lexus 470 suv and my FT 295, to pull my utility trailer with electric brakes, as no wiring is required, just plugs into cigarette lighter.
It works perfectly, and is easily adjusted. I've only used with SUV, however, it was recommended to me by local hitch center for use with my rv and utility trailer for easiest install.
Tekonsha - Trailer Brake Control - Proportional (http://www.tekonsha.com/mobile/products/brake-controllers/proportional-controllers/trailer-brake-control-proportional/TzaIxkVx1cI5XOy!osRB508pViEKmVBf)
Tekonsha Prodigy RF Wireless Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 3 Axles -... (https://www.etrailer.com/Brake-Controller/Tekonsha/90250.html)
I installed a diode to keep the brake lights that are applied with the retarder from activating the trailer brake controller. You can pm me if you need more information. Ron
Brake controllers use an inertia pendulum, the faster the tow vehicle slows down or the harder the braking system slows the vehicle the more braking power it will ask the trailer to apply.
Brake controllers are not connected to the coach braking system, but are connected to the tow vehicle brake light circuit.
If only the retarder is used to brake the coach the brake controller will ignore the slow down, if the brake pedal is used even lightly it energizes the brake controller which will recognize the fact that the coach is slowing even if mainly from the retarder and it will bring on the trailer brakes.
Some Foretravel setups activate the brake lights when the retarder is activated while others do not. Therefore the above statements may or may not be accurate--depending upon the configuration of each individual coach.
I don't have a retarder, so I'm only a casual observer. I have noted in the past some discussions about this subject: "Should the retarder activate the coach brake lights"? Some say "Yes" and some say "No". Have read good justification for both opinions. Interesting (to me) that Foretravel appeared to be indecisive on the question.
I have my brake lights unplugged from the retarder . One, because every sneeze in the road when the retarder activates, it turns off the cruise control. Yes, I can turn the retarder off, but then I come flying off the freeway, forgetting it's off.
Second is because I run an Invisa brake in my toad, which is activated by the brake lights. Every time the retarder activates the brake lights, the Jeep brakes apply.
As far as brake lights on my FT go, if I am actually stopping with any force, my foot is on the brake pedal. Hence brake lights.
I can't stand following someone, that keeps riding the brakes in traffic, seeing their brake lights constantly on and off.
Chris
Chris,
You mention some of the common reasons for "No" on retarder/brake light connection...all valid.
IIRC, some reasons for "Yes" on the question are:
1. Coming down a mountain road with heavy retarder action, cars/trucks behind you may not realize you are going slower than expected.
2. At night, drivers behind you (probably texting) will not recognize the fact that you are slowing down until it is too late.
Probably others, but can't remember them right now.
Those are certainly some reasons to consider, and I have.
Down mountain roads, my foot is on the brake also. Hence, brake lights.
If I was to go that slow, I would have my 4 ways on.
I have insurance for those that are texting and following too close., but rarely do I drive my FT at night anyway.
A retarder is not going to stop a coach so hard that someone is going to rear-end you, if they do, they are way too close to start with.
It is NOT illegal to have no brake lights with a retarder.
Just my thoughts, and I realize some may not agree.
Cheers Chris
Chuck, just curious, do your brake lights come on with your exhaust brake? I see a lot of trucks using exhaust and jake brakes that are not attached to the brake lights.
No, there is no connection between our exhaust brake and the brake light circuit. I think I remember seeing something in the original installation instructions about a optional wiring terminal that would activate the brake lights, but whoever installed ours did not use it.
Not as critical I guess with exhaust brake, cuz even the
maximum braking action is much less abrupt and effective compared to a retarder.
If the brake lights are always on they become running lights.
There you go. My thoughts exactly.
After driving back from the 4 wide race in a rental car, watching everybody hitting the brakes constantly for no reason other then they were all following too close, you begin to think of " crying wolf" One begins to ignore them.
Chris
That's as it should be, at least in my opinion. I use my retarder to gradually slow down or to maintain speed on a downgrade, but I use my brakes (which activate the retarder) to stop. Therefore, I want my stop lamps and my Center High Mount Stop Lamp (CHMSL) to be activated when I'm stopping and not just when gradually slowing down. (I find it interesting that in the Federal Motor Vehicle Standard they are actually called "stop" lamps.)
So am I reading that when the retarder slows down the coach the service brakes are not activated it is only the motor doing the slowing.
The lights coming on does not mean the service brakes are being used
My brake lights come on with the retarder, if there is a wire that can be disconnected to keep them from coming on with the retarder and only when I push the brake pedal where is it. I am with you guys, they are brake lights not running lights..
Keith
Thanks guys interesting read that got me wondering how my exhaust brake actually operates and how to best use it. I can switch it on or off, same with the brake lights each with an red ON indicater light. What I do know, if you lift off the thottle entirely it engages, so there must be end switch somewhere. I have a exhaust back pressure gauge that is now functional, and a manual joystick to increase or decrease back pressure up to the 28 psi redline. Works quite well on my 10.4. liter cat. As I don't touch the brake pedal on 6% long straight interstate grades very often. Before I fixed the broken exhaust pressure tubing to the gauge I used to get a very nice audible hiss when it was on, and how hard it was working. Is there someway to recreate a audible signal electronically?