? on brakes

[thunter]

I bought a 1984 16 ft scamp with breaks. The guy I bought it from didnot know it had breaks. The camper had a 4 prong plug when checking wiring cont. I found that the brakes were wired onto left brakelight wire.thise ment it was not through controler.When pulling camper i did not feel brakes. Did the 84 scamp need controler? If so what did thise do to brakes. I have 2 trucks both have controlers. I didnot find the answer in forem if I missed please point me.Thanks thunter

[Thomas G.]

Yes, all electric brakes need a controller. Wiring the brakes to the brake lights was incorrect. You may need to take off the hubs and examine the brake assemblies to confirm that they are not frozen or that the electrical wiring is not shorted or frayed.

The good news is that electric brakes are simple and parts are readily available. Even whole replacement assemblies are not that expensive.

You can buy an inexpensive brake control from Amazon for less than $50.

Example:
Amazon.com: Reese Towpower 74642 Brakeman Compact Brake Control: Automotive

[Roger Kimble]

You need a 7 prong RV plug to have brakes and all electric. Tow vehicle and trailer.

[Darwin Maring]

How to check to see if the brake magnets work as wired now:

Connect a 12V battery to the - side of the brake wiring then have someone hold a
compass close to the hub then touch the + side of brake wiring to the + side of the battery. If the compass needle moves, the magnets R working.

Even if that works, you need to remove both hubs to check the condition of the hubs and magnets. Repack your bearings at the same time and install new bearing seals.

Portable Generators, Heaters, Power Tools, Welders | Northern Tool + Equipment has brake parts and hubs at a reasonable price.

[Kenny Strong]

Originally Posted by thunter

I bought a 1984 16 ft scamp with breaks. The guy I bought it from didnot know it had breaks. The camper had a 4 prong plug when checking wiring cont. I found that the brakes were wired onto left brakelight wire.thise ment it was not through controler.When pulling camper i did not feel brakes. Did the 84 scamp need controler? If so what did thise do to brakes. I have 2 trucks both have controlers. I didnot find the answer in forem if I missed please point me.Thanks thunter

hi
good suggestions, I bought a 93 13' big foot. I t has electric brakes, they were never used. removed the drums everything very rusted. cleaned everything up all is good; wish you luck. It may seem interesting; when towing, there is a very noticeable difference in having the brakes work, even with our small eggs.

later Kenny

[mary and bob]

The September/October issue of "Escapees" magazine has a one page article on brake controllers. The basic info is: the cheapest ones are the time delay controllers, next step up is the pendulum sensor controller or the newer versions that are inertia sensing. Those controllers may not work good on a downhill grade where braking is not necessary. Hybrid controllers use a pendulum along with the stop light circuit, an example is the Draw-Tite Pinnacle or Tekonsha Accutrac. Best controller is the Hensley TruControl. All this info is from the Q & A column, I have not used any of these products myself. Bob

[thunter]

Thanks everyone for info. I will check magnets .I have not taken hubs off yet will to see what condition every thing is in. Will post back when i have time to check. thanks everypne thunter

[Donna D.]

Frankly, I don't think you'd go wrong with a P2 Tekonsha Brake Controller! Tekonsha Brake Controllers - RVWholesalers.com RV Parts

[Dennis Clinton]

Amazing what is done by prior owners. My 16' Scamp-bought it military surplus. Marine Corp had gutted the brakes-just leaving on the backing plate. I found out when I pulled the hubs-also finding out the bearings had never been regreased(almost had to chip out the old grease).

[Roy in TO]

Originally Posted by Roger Kimble

You need a 7 prong RV plug to have brakes and all electric. Tow vehicle and trailer.

I may be wrong; and request a correction from my more informed peers:

My understanding is that a brake controller can used in a "standard" 5 or 6 pin connector. If I recall the 7th pin is an "accessory" connector.

[Thomas G.]

Originally Posted by Roy in TO

I may be wrong; and request a correction from my more informed peers:

My understanding is that a brake controller can used in a "standard" 5 or 6 pin connector. If I recall the 7th pin is an "accessory" connector.

Right. After tail, left, right signal and ground, the other three are brake, charge and backup or accessory connectors. You may find the 7 pin to be cheaper as it is a common type.

[thunter]

I will be towing with a 05 tacoma and i have a controler on it and plug instaled already and put plug on camper to match when i get brakes working . have not checied yet I think I will neet to replace everything. the truck came with tow package and the plug installed. thanks Kenneth