Community Forums

agiledog · 04-02-2009, 11:39 PM

Anyone out there have a US Gear brake controller on their workbench? I have everything but the part that goes in the motohome. New price is really high. I believe it needs to be a TC-6000. I thought maybe someone might have taken it out when they changed to a different type brake.

John-D · 04-03-2009, 02:18 PM

I will ask a slightly different question:

Since the US-Gear controller uses but a single wire, I'm wondering if it is compatible with any other controller, Many controllers use a single wire. and they have many of the same features as the US-Gear.

I"m not going to suggest any substitutes. (Could not if I wished to) but I'm wondering if some other brand might work as well, for less

Robert Rice · 04-03-2009, 03:47 PM

Unless you have an INTIMATE knowledge of EXACTLY how the United tow brake works, I would suggest that you bite the bullet and purchase the correct controller for the system you are installing.

RVDude · 04-03-2009, 04:23 PM

The US Gear controller is pricey because it contains an internal accelerometer. This is the device that measures the *rate* of braking and "progressively" applies the toad brake in relation to the *rate* of braking (i.e. it applies more brake pedal pressure given a faster rate of deceleration). Exceedingly few toad brake systems have both "progressive" and "proportional" capabilities like the US Gear has. The dial on top of the controller is to set the “proportional” braking setting. Technically, "proportional" simply means accounting for the difference in weight between the RV and the toad and making a fixed setting on the braking device to accommodate that difference. It is a fixed setting designed to limit toad brake lock-up and in no way varies in response to changing braking rates. Think of it as the “base” upon which the “progressive” braking is applied. Most braking systems only have this “proportional” feature. Numerous posts will now sprout up disputing this precise distinction. For those who truly understand the difference it is what it is.

This is why you shouldn't play with the USGear controller. The toad brake actuator (that big toad solenoid) is a variable force device controlled by the USGear toad computer and signals from the controller. The actuator receives a variable voltage (unlike most systems that get a fixed voltage signal – basically apply or release) and as a result applies a varying amount of force to the pulley/brake pedal. This is how USGear achieves the “progressive” braking capability. That accelerometer is why the controller must be mounted so precisely in terms of angles and orientation. It needs to measure g-forces in the front-back direction and not any side-side motion.

Robert Rice · 04-03-2009, 04:29 PM

RV Dude you took the words right out of my mouth! Well said!!

agiledog · 04-03-2009, 06:52 PM

Thanks guys. I too don't think it is wise to try to substitute any controller for the one it is supposed to have. I was only hoping to find a good used one and if not then I will "bite the bullet" and buy a new one. I keep hoping that some of these RV salvage yards might have one but no luck so far.
Tom