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Topic: Brake Controller Install - 95 U295 (Read 691 times) previous topic - next topic

Brake Controller Install - 95 U295

I did some searching and i am finding many different opinions of setup for brake controllers. I have some specific questions that perhaps you all can help with.

Does my coach have the extras bundle of wires running front to back?

What is the best way to set this up so I can control trailer brakes separate from retarder. (ie. During regular driving and short use of retarder trailer brakes kick on. Ability for longer grades to shut off trailer brakes and use coach driveline only to slow down)

Do I have to separate the light wiring with an adapter/isolater/overload device?

Anything else I am missing or perhaps a post I missed that covers this in detail already?

Thanks for all your help!

FYI - Will be towing a trailer with 2 axles, electric brakes, ~4500# gross loaded weight.

Re: Brake Controller Install - 95 U295

Reply #1 –
No experience with the RV but do have a bit with other vehicles.

I am a fan of the units that have a built in "g" meter that detects actual deceleration and then only applies brakes in a variable manner depending on the braking rate.  This eliminates a lot of constant adjustment issues.

As to a light isolator my advice would be to do it.  With modern LED lights you probably aren't anywhere near overloading the circuit but they are cheap, easy to install, and good insurance against an outside short. 

When connecting the wiring I have recently become a huge fan of the Wego lever lock wire connectors.  Fairly cheap and a LOT easier to work with than the alternatives.  The only down side is that they are not water tight so you will still need to do some waterproofing if the connection is exposed.  The only downside is that you usually need to special order them.
Gene
97 U320 3rd Owner

Re: Brake Controller Install - 95 U295

Reply #2 –
You should have spare wires that run from under the dash right to the rear of the coach
right by the air cleaner. They will have EX 1 to 6 marked on them. I added an extra air
switch by the other ones to the electric controller so the electric brakes only come on
with the brakes
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Brake Controller Install - 95 U295

Reply #3 –
Yes you have extra wires. As Peter noted. I also separated the dual redundant pressure switches at the dash with a diode so you can separate the brake controller from the retarder. Brake controller only actuated them when you use the brake peddle. When running downhill using retarder brake controller remains inactive. Touch the brakes and it's active. Also a great time to run a reverse light circuit to have reverse lights on your trailer. Will require changing to a seven pin connector also. I added a tail light converter on the coach side of the seven pin so then turn and brake lights are trailer ready. I am recommending using a powered converter so as all the lights are much brighter

Side note the G controlled controllers are good but you need to separate from the retarder function. That's what I run also with good results

Re: Brake Controller Install - 95 U295

Reply #4 –
For those that have engine air cleaner in small side compartment, the extra wires are located in the rear, streetside corner near the side to side frame member.

Assume in the front streetside compartment on the front metal wall there are two air pressure brake switches. And next to them a 12v relay that closes when retarder is active. Relay and or pressure switches will turn on brake lights.

Easy to use a dash switch that will disrupt this relay coil so you optionally will control brakes lights with retarder joystick. Keeping retard from turning on brake lights will also help on highway dips disabling cruise control.

Re: Brake Controller Install - 95 U295

Reply #5 –
If you use a 7 pin connector check into the Curt blue tooth trailer brake controller. No wires to the dash and you can use it on any tow vehicle. I bought one and love it. Jim.            Echo Mobile Trailer Brake Controller SKU #51180 for 1.84 by CURT Manufactu...
Jim and Dona
2002 U295 36'
Lily, blue healer. Our fury person
Manx mid travel Ecotec turbo
2022 Bronco badlands Sasquatch
Trail 90 and 110cc

Re: Brake Controller Install - 95 U295

Reply #6 –
EDIT: My assumptions listed below were possibly not quite correct. I removed the diagram of how I "thought" I would install the brake wire and diode. I will make a new post asap showing as-built drawings of my install.

I think I have the controller almost done being installed. I used a powered tail light converter for the trailer lights. I am installing a P3 brake controller. I have everything wired and hooked up except the brake signal wire to the controller. I think I found the correct air switches (in my driver front compartment next to the gen set cooling fan housing). See pic. I am following the wiring except the part about the retarder signal wire. None of my wiring diagrams have that detail that I can find.

Here is what I have confirmed. The power wire coming into the air switches are orange. I assume the red coming out goes to the brake lights. What I am curious on is what is the extra orange wire coming into the same lug as the red wires on the one switch? Is that the retarder signal wire? Is that what I would cut and install the diode on? Then run off the red wire to my controller input?  I also attached a quick drawing to see if I am correct in my thinking.

Re: Brake Controller Install - 95 U295

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Barry & Cindy –
For those that have engine air cleaner in small side compartment, the extra wires are located in the rear, streetside corner near the side to side frame member.

Assume in the front streetside compartment on the front metal wall there are two air pressure brake switches. And next to them a 12v relay that closes when retarder is active. Relay and or pressure switches will turn on brake lights.

My extra wires were in a bundle mounted right on the side of the engine. Looking from the rear they were on the right bottom corner. Took me awhile to find them!

Yup you are right about the air switch location. I don't see any relays in that area though...

Re: Brake Controller Install - 95 U295

Reply #8 –
Quote from: oldguy –
You should have spare wires that run from under the dash right to the rear of the coach
right by the air cleaner. They will have EX 1 to 6 marked on them. I added an extra air
switch by the other ones to the electric controller so the electric brakes only come on
with the brakes
Can I ask what air switch you bought, where you installed it and how you wired it? I'm having a hard time with the search feature on this forum.  Thanks!
Eric and Lisa; Milwaukee, Wi
1996 Foretravel U270

Re: Brake Controller Install - 95 U295

Reply #9 –
Quote from: dsd –
Yes you have extra wires. As Peter noted. I also separated the dual redundant pressure switches at the dash with a diode so you can separate the brake controller from the retarder. Brake controller only actuated them when you use the brake peddle. When running downhill using retarder brake controller remains inactive. Touch the brakes and it's active. Also a great time to run a reverse light circuit to have reverse lights on your trailer. Will require changing to a seven pin connector also. I added a tail light converter on the coach side of the seven pin so then turn and brake lights are trailer ready. I am recommending using a powered converter so as all the lights are much brighter

Side note the G controlled controllers are good but you need to separate from the retarder function. That's what I run also with good results

Can I get more specific instruction on how you tie in the brake control wire to bypass the retarder?
Eric and Lisa; Milwaukee, Wi
1996 Foretravel U270

Re: Brake Controller Install - 95 U295

Reply #10 –
Quote from: theGreenLarkin –
Can I get more specific instruction on how you tie in the brake control wire to bypass the retarder?
If you go into your profile page and enter your coach info it will be easier for someone to assist you. There are different ways to accomplish this.  Jim.
Jim and Dona
2002 U295 36'
Lily, blue healer. Our fury person
Manx mid travel Ecotec turbo
2022 Bronco badlands Sasquatch
Trail 90 and 110cc

Re: Brake Controller Install - 95 U295

Reply #11 –
Quote from: fourdayoff –
If you go into your profile page and enter your coach info it will be easier for someone to assist you. There are different ways to accomplish this.  Jim.
I have a 1996 u270
Eric and Lisa; Milwaukee, Wi
1996 Foretravel U270
 

Re: Brake Controller Install - 95 U295

Reply #12 –
I wish I could be more helpful but to be honest I didn't take great notes and I can't remember how I made it work! The coach is in storage now so I am not able to look at it.