Integrated Trailer Brake Controller.

[Rustic Eagle]

Learned something new today from someone in the know......; Apparently the integrated trailer brake controllers that are included in some of the newer TV's are designed and set-up to work effectively up to the manufacturer's specified weight limits (GVWR, GCWR, etc.). Exceeding the manufacturer's weight limits may compromise the effectiveness of the system.

Bob

[Crabman]

I wonder if it also stores a code if you go over the limits, possibly voiding the warranty. Far fetched but possible.

[3Pillons]

How is the truck going to know how heavy the trailer is? Do they just argue that the engine was under stress so you must've been too heavy? Brake controllers just turn the brakes on and off based on pedal application or inertia, should'nt matter if it's an 800 lbs utility trailer or a 14k lbs TT.

[Rustic Eagle]

Bryan,

I don't think it's so much that the system knows when the weight "limit" is reached, it's more that the system was set-up and optimized based on specific weight limitations, just as the standard TV brake system is.

My nephew spent the last week at Chrysler Corporate Auburn Hills, MI., with product design and control system engineers, and the integrated trailer brake controller was one of the products discussed.

Bob

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by Crabman

I wonder if it also stores a code if you go over the limits, possibly voiding the warranty. Far fetched but possible.

Lee,

Anything is possible. My understanding is that existing vehicle systems have the ability to record vehicle dynamic data under abnormal conditions (collision, etc.). Vehicle speed, brake application, steering angle, seat-belt use, airbag activity, etc., can be stored.

Don't know about the stored brake controller data, but I try and find out.

Bob

[Crabman]

Originally Posted by 3Pillons

How is the truck going to know how heavy the trailer is? Do they just argue that the engine was under stress so you must've been too heavy? Brake controllers just turn the brakes on and off based on pedal application or inertia, should'nt matter if it's an 800 lbs utility trailer or a 14k lbs TT.

Well I did use the words "far fetched" in my post. But today`s vehicles are getting smarter regarding data storage as Rustic Eagle said. Perhaps TOO smart.

[3Pillons]

Well I did use the words "far fetched" in my post.

very true. I was just curious how they would be able to set it up for optimum conditions when one guy might be lugging a big TT while another is pulling a lawnmower. Do they take the adjustibility out of the controller? One size fits all?? No more dial wheel to adjust braking strength?? Weight sensors on the hitch assembly to figure tonue weight and push/pull pressure to indicate overall trailer weight??

Can't we just go back to carburators, throttle cables and hydraulic brakes? lol

[Albertaguy]

Originally Posted by Rustic Eagle

Bryan,

I don't think it's so much that the system knows when the weight "limit" is reached, it's more that the system was set-up and optimized based on specific weight limitations, just as the standard TV brake system is.

My nephew spent the last week at Chrysler Corporate Auburn Hills, MI., with product design and control system engineers, and the integrated trailer brake controller was one of the products discussed.

Bob

Do you know what was discussed? I have been on the Dodge Ram site and there is a discussion on the set up of this controller and whether it works to our satisfaction.

I have pulled my 5th through the mountains and I am not convinced it is as good as my old controller which I took off my old truck when I got the new 2010 Ram.

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by Albertaguy

Do you know what was discussed? I have been on the Dodge Ram site and there is a discussion on the set up of this controller and whether it works to our satisfaction........snip

I should see my nephew this weekend and will ask some more questions on the subject, but he didn't mentioned any issues with the product being discussed during his meeting last week.......but I will ask.

Bob

[Albertaguy]

Originally Posted by Rustic Eagle

I should see my nephew this weekend and will ask some more questions on the subject, but he didn't mentioned any issues with the product being discussed during his meeting last week.......but I will ask.

Bob

Thanks!!!