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RV-Dreams.com Home -> RV-Dreams Community Forum -> RV Maintenance and Technical Tips -> 5th Wheel Brakes Alert
Post Info TOPIC: 5th Wheel Brakes Alert
thebearII


RV-Dreams Family Member

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Posts: 544
Date:
5th Wheel Brakes Alert
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Just wanted to pass on a lesson learned.   From day one of towing our 5th wheel, I was never happy with the performance of the brakes on the fifth wheel trailer.   I've towed it with two different trucks, using brake controllers connected to the trucks brake system.  Used the right adaptors specified for the trucks so I should have been getting the correct performance from the contorller. 

I checked the voltage output at the trailer plug numerous times and always had the correct voltage.  I've adjusted the brakes, checked wire connections, made sure the magnets were operating and still had just fair brakes on the 5th wheel.

Even several trips to the trailer factory and they were unable to find any problem and led me to believe the brake performance was normal for this heavy of a 5th wheel. 

I was even considering adding disc brakes or a 3rd axle, to improve the braking.

I ended up just allowing plenty of space for stopping and would go down hill most times in first gear. 

Fast forward to last year when we got the new truck, equipped with an electronic trailer brake controller.  All of the sudden the 5th wheel brakes are perfect, plenty of stopping power. 

Before, I could barely feel the brakes come on.  Now, if I don't turn down the controller the brakes will lock up.  That would never happen with the other controllers, no matter what I tried.

So here's the moral:  If your fifth wheel brakes aren't stopping your truck and trailer safely don't live with it like I did. 

Look into one of the new electronic controllers.  The one I have increases the braking the longer I keep my foot on the truck brake.  It doesn't use motion sensor or penduluums to brake, it gets it's signal from the truck brake light circuit or from the manual activation lever. 

I'm very happy with the performance of the 5th wheel brakes using this new controller.  Sorry I don't have the brand name, from reading forum post there are several good ones on the market.

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Larry
"Small House, Big Yard "
7 years to go to FT
Alfa See-Ya 5'er and 2007 Kodiak C4500 Monroe Pickup
Speedhitch


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 1043
Date:
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Thanks Bear! I use to have the same problem on my electric brakes. Always wondered why and now I know. I have since bought a new trailer with Hydraulic brakes which work fine with the old controller...but they hesitate for just a moment before they stop?? Someone told me that was natural with the hydraulics but I will check out this controller to be sure it works properly. We all appreciate the information. This may keep some of our fellow Dreamers out of trouble.

Speedy

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Joe Sherri and Kris living in a Open Range Lite 308BHS. 2500 Dodge Ram Diesel  http://speedysgreatadventure.blogspot.com/
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