2016 Jayco Pinnacle 38FLSA (Brakes) - Page 2

RV-IN · 03-17-2016, 11:52 AM

Well, I'm back to report what has happened in the brake saga.

First I want to apologize for a mistake in my previous post about axle's.... The old saying about trust but verify bit me. So, my dealer told me I had Dexter Axle's on my Pinnacle..
But, I didn't actually crawl under my unit and look until this morning.
Guess what brand axles are really under my Pinnacle..... *Lippert Components*
Sorry to you all for providing incorrect information. I shouldn't have trusted and went and verified for myself...

As far as braking, I'm now using the Tekonsha P3 and have bypassed the Integrated brake controller that was installed from RAM as part of my towing package. I can say that I did have to crank it up more then I ever expected but at least I can now comfortably say I have a much better grip then I ever did with my Ram controller at a gain of 10. I had to set the P3 at 11.5 with Boost 2 to feel comfortable with the trailer in tow.

With my Ram's controller at 10 I couldn't even set my slider from tow to maneuver position or vice a versa. Now with the P3 I can honestly say I’m getting a much better response on the brakes.

I'm not 100% saying I'm convinced that I have resolved the issue. I did take it on some back city roads and attempted several manual stops and around 20 to 25mph, I have the P3 set at boost 2 and 11.5 which significantly slowed the trailer and truck down but didn't lock the trailer up. I did also get out on the interstate and went on and off two on ramps from a speed of 55 to 60 mph. It was a huge improvement from my ram controller.

klassic · 03-17-2016, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by norty1

Lippert owns Dexter.

Would there be any point in saying Dexter is better than Lippert, or are they about equal?
Brake wise, not axel

Edit.. I just went under a Pinnacle, they are Lippert

klassic · 03-17-2016, 12:21 PM

RV-IN can you still pull your trailer with the with the manual slider on?
And when you say significantly slows the trailer, can you still get back on the gas an speed up again?

Rock · 03-17-2016, 01:26 PM

RV-IN
You have the same after market controller as me. Read the Lippert brake in procedure. U might still need to wear them in since the Ram controller did little. Hope to get mine back soon. Waiting for dealer update. At least I will know mine are all brand new
Rock

**norty1** · 03-17-2016, 01:30 PM

I can't lock up nor do I want to lock up my brakes. IMO that is not a good practice.
I never had Lippert brakes so I can't compare. It would be interesting to find the sources of what the Lippert parts are since they are the same company.

RV-IN · 03-17-2016, 01:37 PM

When adjusting the brakes I started at 6 just like Tekonsha says, And I kept moving it up until I felt the trailer was tugging but not locking up. I got up to 11.5 before I felt like the truck and trailer were braking at equal pressure.

When using the Ram controller set at 10 it was pretty much useless, it was grabbing, but it would never hold so that I could set my reese slider hitch, it would just push the trailer backwards. At 10 that trailer shouldn't move.. If at 10 in the gain, the tires should lock up and I would have to drag it across the parking lot. *I wouldn't never do that* But, saying as an illustration only... This is my 3rd RV not new to all this.. But, just never had a trailer respond like this. This is my second trailer with this truck and never had issues in the past.

Thanks for all the input, help and assistance. My goal is simply to share information so that I may save someone else the frustration and headaches. Allot of great people here!

klassic · 03-17-2016, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by norty1

I can't lock up nor do I want to lock up my brakes. IMO that is not a good practice.
I never had Lippert brakes so I can't compare. It would be interesting to find the sources of what the Lippert parts are since they are the same company.

I don't want mine to "lock up" either. But with the controller set as high as it can go and I can't even get a squeak out the tires on gravel. Then something is wrong.
Setting 10 is all there is, there is no more headroom. You have to have headroom for when the trailer is heavier. I'm not even close to the trailer's gvwr.

Rock · 03-17-2016, 02:38 PM

klassic
U just need to by a truck made in America and not Canada, like my Ram made in Ameramexica (lol)

klassic · 03-17-2016, 03:10 PM

Haha.. My truck isn't metric.
Built in good ol Kentucky

Rock · 03-17-2016, 03:11 PM

klassic
Just looking on the e trailer web site they tell you exactly how to check the magnet volts, amps an resistance by using a 12v battery plunged into the harness but to ensure ur truck is not hooked up. So u could just go to the last or farthest out wire brake in plug the connector and if it reads good it is ur truck. U can also check all the other wheels to see if all r also good.
Rock

dalengail · 03-17-2016, 03:14 PM

RV-IN, I don't mean to change the subject but, in your original post, you said you was headed to FL in 3 weeks. Can I ask where you are headed because, we are headed to Destin.

yellowdog00 · 03-17-2016, 04:23 PM

RV-IN,
Thanks for feedback on the setup of your P3 controller.

I installed one a couple weeks earlier but have yet to set it with the fiver hooked up. I'm hoping to have similar results as you did. Just about anything will be an improvement.

Rock · 03-17-2016, 06:08 PM

dalengail
Enjoy Destin. I went there a lot when in Mobile in the Coast Guard. Got property in Mexico Beach and that will be my winter home once I sell my house. I will be another snowbird half year in Fl half in Adironadack mountains in N Y. Ya and some side trip out west. Maybe run into u guys someday
Rock

Rock · 04-11-2016, 08:49 AM

Klassic
Got my Rv back Saturday. With my prodigy controller set B2 and
to 14 brakes seem to work fine. I tried to wear them in like Lippert says but in Tampa on highways that is hard to do. I used just the controller about ten times and u could feel improvement after each slow down. My controller when stopped if u move the lever full the voltage will spike high but goes down to like 4. So like u, I cannot lock brakes when going very slow. It is made like that to keep from jerking when barely moving. So I have to still block the wheels to do a pull check after I hitch up to make sure all is good. This is how they were before. My next trip to the paint shop should seat the brakes in. The dealer just recieved a FW Jayco toy hauler and demo for pick up brakes not working good. Pulled all wheels and they burnt out like mine were. Delievery driver just dropped off and never said a word. That is three now in three months.
Rock

klassic · 04-11-2016, 11:02 AM

Well mine are at least acceptable now that the tabs in the cord were bent tighter. Still not what I would call great braking.

Glad you got to tow your rig again!
Wonder if it's the same driver cooking the brakes. He must be over using them in the mountains. No point wearing his trucks brakes out if he can keep getting away with it.

Did you ever check your roof for the buckling rolled edge?

Rock · 04-11-2016, 12:49 PM

klassic
I have just a small amount on the back right side that the dealer was to document. I inspected my three vent covers and noticed what might be a raised screw on the left side about mid way. It is causing a raised dimple that is pretty tight in the TPO material. I figure after my month trip this summer if I have and warranty issues I will bring it in and get that done also. I will keep an eye on it and fix it if needed
Rock

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