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08-18-2011, 06:02 PM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 341
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Brake "sense" for trailer brake controller??
Question for those who are towing trailers and have installed a brake controller - where did you find the brake sense for the controller - what the controller instructions calls the cold side of the stoplight switch?
(Trying to wire a Tekonsha Primus IQ controller.)
Thanks.
__________________
David Horn, TX; 2014 40ft Phaeton QTH; 2014 Mazda CX5; 2013 Can-AM Spyder RT-S on TandemTow trailer; Traveling with Ringo (an English Cocker)
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08-18-2011, 06:25 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Workhorse Chassis Owner
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: wherever
Posts: 432
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I think what you are asking is where is the lead that the brake controller is wired to in order to sense the application of the tow vehicle's brakes, right?
It is the cold lead on the brake pedal switch, the one that you would NOT see 12VDC to ground, until the brake is applied and the switch makes across. Under the dash, attached to the brake pedal on mine.
Get a voltmeter, and find which side of the switch only has power when the pedal is engaged. That's your brake sense.
When the brake controller sees this lead got hot (12VDC), it applies power, from a fused supply, to the trailer brake circuit, normally attenuated by a adjustment/sensitivity wheel.
hope that helps
jack
__________________
2007 Adventurer 38T w/
sway & trac bars, Koni FSDs and SafeT+
2006 Jeep Liberty toad
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08-18-2011, 11:39 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Alpine Owners Club
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Long Beach, CA
Posts: 1,563
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David:
Be aware that a relay is usually needed on Alpines when using the brake sense wire to signal. Cheap standard relay from NAPA, Pep Boys, etc. I'm not sure if the Vansco setup changes that. Mine is pre-Vansco (luckily ).
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2003 Alpine 40FDTS (400HP)
Long Beach, CA
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08-18-2011, 11:58 PM
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#4
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Registered User
Newmar Owners Club
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,899
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Jack, alpines have a hydroboost brake system over hydraulic. So finding the brake cold side is not like a standard car system. Additonally, alpines after 04-05 I think have vansco electrical management system, so this makes it more complicated to wire in the controller. We appreciate your comments.
TP - Sent you an e-mail about LED's, did you get it?
David, TP is correct, you will need to install a relay but not sure where. More information is needed from folks who have done it.
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08-19-2011, 01:05 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Auburn, CA, Havasu, AZ & Mulege, BCS
Posts: 5,385
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Here's a thread, and
posts 6, 8 & 12 in this thread
have the pertinent discussion for an easy, clean & professional install.
David- alert your tech to these links; i described this to him this a.m., but not sure the technique was as clear as in those posts.
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Baja-tested '08 2-slide 36'
Alpine: The Ultimate DIY'er Project
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08-19-2011, 10:29 AM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 341
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Thanks Mike and Monty for all your help. Info passed on to Chris.
__________________
David Horn, TX; 2014 40ft Phaeton QTH; 2014 Mazda CX5; 2013 Can-AM Spyder RT-S on TandemTow trailer; Traveling with Ringo (an English Cocker)
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08-19-2011, 11:22 AM
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#7
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Senior Member
Damon Owners Club Workhorse Chassis Owner
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,024
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In most vehicles the stop light switch is under the dash, look for a pair of wires going to a plunger switch that is impacted by the brake pedal arm when it's not depressed.
(That is the switch is realased by pressing on the pedal)
Use a test lamp to determine which is the "Cold side" (with the key on, and on many vehicles even if it's off, the "HOT" side will light the lamp, the cold will not unless you press the pedal.
On some vehicles it may be a pressure operated switch but I've not seen one like that since... well... A long time.
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Home is where I park it!
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