I just had installed a Tekonsha brake controller installed on my 3 axel 5er and realized after the fact that the instructions say it's for 1 or 2 axels and the 3 0r 4 axels is another controler with bigger gauge wires and it needs a different fuse. Does this mean it won't work on mine? In other words will only 2 axels of brakes work and the third won't or is it just that there would be more juice needed for the 3 axel deal? Can I use what I had installed seeing I just put about 1000 miles on the 5er or should I buy another for the 3 axel? I can't exchange it and if I have to buy another one, is there one out there that I don't have to exchange the fuse?.Thanks ..I NEED HELP ON THIS TODAY.

 

Sounds like you have a lot of money tied up in a very large rig there. Why take chances and cut costs by going with a controller that is undersized and may or may not do the job? The controller you have will more than likely control all three axles since they are usually tied to one brake circuit from the controller. It may not supply enough power to all three axles though to effectively apply all of the brakes at one time. It may cause legal problems too if anything ever happens and the investigation shows an underrated controller. There will also be the question of am I going to be able to stop in time or are my brakes going to work right coming down this mountain.<br><br>Do yourself a favor and go buy the right one. Put the old one for sale in the classifieds section on here and get at least some of your money back. I pull up to 26,000 pounds with my GN trailer and I make sure my brakes will lock up both axles everytime I pull out, before I am loaded, and do an independent trailer brake check using the controller by itself after loading. Atleast I know that they worked initially before leaving.<br><br>Good luck.<br>DD4X4

 

Thanks Diesel Dude..That's what I was afraid of. My axels are only rated 4500 pounds each. Do you think that's small enough for all brakes to lock up? I DEFINATELY don't want to take a chance on this

 

Not sure with a 5'er that size that they would actually lock up or not. I will usually check mine in the drive way (in the gravel) and have someone watch the tires and make sure they all stop on both my GN and my dump trailer. You don't have to drag them 50 yards or nothing, just a couple inches to make sure they all work. I check my brake shoes and wheel bearings every spring and adjust anytime as needed.<br><br>If you're rolling at a slow speed, like around 35 mph, apply just the trailer brakes with the controller and see how well the rig stops. Of course make sure you have a clear space in front of you before attempting this move. Three axles should stop you pretty well if the controller is performin adequately.

 

Thanks for all the info fellows. I'm going to put on the apropriate brake controler. My RV guy said if I don't the harness could burn up as he has seen some do just that. <br><br>Got lucky on the old one. The name of the RV place has it's name on the box and my guy is going to exchange it. He even worked for the place at one time. Man, does God love me or what.

 

I just wanted to ask how anyone else that has a Tekonsha break controller likes it. I just got mine in December and am impressed so far. I was told it's the best one on the market.

 

I've had the Tekonsha Sentinel now for about three years and it performs flawlessly. Even told me my new GN trailer had wiring problems.

 

Yep DD is right, I put a Napa Voyager on my truck and one day with a little over 30k behind me on the goose neck, I had to make a pretty quick/hard stop when a woman thought she'd turn left right in front of me with no signal. I mashed the brakes and all went well at first, then the pedal went to the floor and the truck started to speed up. I just missed the woman in the Toyota and then noticed something smoking under the dash. The dang brake controler wash cooking right before my eyes. I ended up buying a Reese Digital Brakeman and love it. Easy to adjust and it stays adjusted. 8) It will also stop up to 5 brake axles.

Happy Towing.

DB