Author Topic: brake controllers  (Read 4633 times)

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Offline scruffycol

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brake controllers
« on: September 27, 2013, 03:16:10 PM »
hi has anyone had trouble with redarc remote head, towing a jayco penguin,jayco are telling me they dont work good engough and i would void my warranty on it, they suggust i buy off them a tekonsha. and they would wire it up.
i have a redarc already. help

Offline Mace

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Re: brake controllers
« Reply #1 on: September 27, 2013, 03:28:26 PM »
hi has anyone had trouble with redarc remote head, towing a jayco penguin,jayco are telling me they dont work good engough and i would void my warranty on it, they suggust i buy off them a tekonsha. and they would wire it up.
i have a redarc already. help

Be interesting to see if they would provide that instruction in writing and a reason why?
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Offline scruffycol

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Re: brake controllers
« Reply #2 on: September 27, 2013, 03:48:51 PM »
they say redarc is a static controller and the tekonsha works on a pengulum affect

Offline Diesel Power

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Re: brake controllers
« Reply #3 on: September 27, 2013, 03:49:34 PM »
hi has anyone had trouble with redarc remote head, towing a jayco penguin,jayco are telling me they dont work good engough and i would void my warranty on it, they suggust i buy off them a tekonsha. and they would wire it up.
i have a redarc already. help

Pppfffttt!
Sounds like they are trying to sell you another brake controller that you don't need.
Have a look on here, someone has posted about Redarc brake controllers, mainly the remote head version.
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Offline Bm0

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Re: brake controllers
« Reply #4 on: September 27, 2013, 04:12:36 PM »
First up I am not an expert nor do i proport to be... however what they have told you is kinda wrong kinda right

wrong... they cant void your warranty based on the controller you use
wrong... it will work with your penguin

HOWEVER

the redarc is a solid state (or static if you like) controller and the Tekonsha is a proportional (or pendulum as they have called it)

this means that with the redarc.. when ever you hit the brakes (either tap the pedal or stand on it) the braking to the trailer will be the same

A proportional controller will vary the amount that it applies the brakes on the trailer acccording to how much the vehicle is slowing down.

For me, I prefer a proportional controller and I think they perform better. But that doesnt mean YOU have to have one, the Redarc will work fine (and probably look better)

by the way if you change your mind and want the tekonsha.. buy one on ebay it will be heaps cheaper than Jayco :)

Offline scruffycol

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Re: brake controllers
« Reply #5 on: September 27, 2013, 04:36:17 PM »
thankyou  for that info that help heaps

Offline Just some guy

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Re: brake controllers
« Reply #6 on: September 27, 2013, 05:15:37 PM »
First up I am not an expert nor do i proport to be... however what they have told you is kinda wrong kinda right

wrong... they cant void your warranty based on the controller you use
wrong... it will work with your penguin

HOWEVER

the redarc is a solid state (or static if you like) controller and the Tekonsha is a proportional (or pendulum as they have called it)

this means that with the redarc.. when ever you hit the brakes (either tap the pedal or stand on it) the braking to the trailer will be the same

A proportional controller will vary the amount that it applies the brakes on the trailer acccording to how much the vehicle is slowing down.

For me, I prefer a proportional controller and I think they perform better. But that doesnt mean YOU have to have one, the Redarc will work fine (and probably look better)

by the way if you change your mind and want the tekonsha.. buy one on ebay it will be heaps cheaper than Jayco :)

I agree almost completely with this - just not the part of the redarc working fine.  I have a Jayco Penguin.  I used to have a Redarc remote head brake controller - the brakes locked up when going slow, so i adjust the controller back, then they didn't work well enough at moderate and high speeds, so i adjust the controller up. There was no happy place for that controller.  I replaced it with a Tekonsha P3 and happy days!
« Last Edit: September 27, 2013, 05:17:35 PM by Just some guy »
Please keep in mind - I'm just some guy.  I don't know nothin about nothin!

Offline Bm0

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Re: brake controllers
« Reply #7 on: September 27, 2013, 05:55:09 PM »
I guess what I was saying is that it will make the brakes work.. And will not void a warranty...

However the reasons above is why I personally prefer a proportion controller (I have a p3)


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Offline Mallory Black

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Re: brake controllers
« Reply #8 on: September 27, 2013, 06:00:14 PM »
ditto, got the hayman reece branded version of the tekonsha, it's good
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Offline Just some guy

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Re: brake controllers
« Reply #9 on: September 27, 2013, 07:35:45 PM »
I guess what I was saying is that it will make the brakes work.. And will not void a warranty...

However the reasons above is why I personally prefer a proportion controller (I have a p3)


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Yes - quite right!  Also, many others are happy with their redarc brake controllers.  Perhaps they work well with lighter trailers, or perhaps there was a gremlin somewhere in my system, but i too prefer a proportional controller.
Please keep in mind - I'm just some guy.  I don't know nothin about nothin!

Offline PAC1977

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Re: brake controllers
« Reply #10 on: September 28, 2013, 07:08:57 AM »
Yes - quite right!  Also, many others are happy with their redarc brake controllers.  Perhaps they work well with lighter trailers, or perhaps there was a gremlin somewhere in my system, but i too prefer a proportional controller.

I've got both, the wifes car has the Redarc Remote head unit and my car has the P3. We tow a Swan (similar size to the Penguin) and in my opinion they are miles apart. Much prefer towing with the P3, have to constantly adjust the Redarc, while generally the P3 is set and forget.

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