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#1 |
One shot, one kill.
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Saratoga Springs NY
Posts: 859
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Morning everyone. Problem, trailer brakes pulsate (apply then release) when 4 way flashers operating. Brakes, electronic brake controller and all lights function as they are designed. I know what the cause is (4 way flashers use the brake light circut, not the signal light circuts) I thought of several different ways to beat this, but all of them are rather cumbersom or draw to much current. I thought of using a switch to stop the backfeed into the controller to kill brake imput, but then I wouldn't have trailer brakes when the 4 ways were on. I thought of using a relay but the added load of the relay coil would strain an already loaded circut. My last idea was to use a diode to stop the backfeed into the brake light circut and still have the trailer brakes operate normally. Diode has to be able to handle at least 10 amps, 15 or 20 would be better. Question, does anyone know where I might locate such a diode? Radio Shack isn't any help and the trailer place doesen't even understand the problem. Many thanks, Jim
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#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Shreveport LA
Posts: 3,170
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Re: Trailer brake issues
Why are you driving with the 4-ways on in the first place? The semi-conscious people driving behind you won't notice that you've hit the brakes until the brake lights have quit blinking for a couple of seconds, and they'll hit you from behind.
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#3 | |
One shot, one kill.
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Saratoga Springs NY
Posts: 859
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Re: Trailer brake issues
Quote:
Have fun out there and if you see a big red Freightliner behind you and all you can see in your mirror is grille and flames are shooting out the stacks GET OUT THE WAY ![]() |
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#4 |
Until Seventy Times Seven
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Rocky Mountain Front Range
Posts: 1,301
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Re: Trailer brake issues
I've noticed truckers driving their flashers on when they'll 'crawling' up some of the mountain grades here in Colorado. I've also noticed some vehicles in tow with their flashers.
I must have came across your brother on 285 between Fairplay and Denver last year. He was flying when he past me. He was really moving especially for mountain, deer crossing and nighttime driving. Talk 'bout carving curves in an 18 wheeler ... Interesting concept of isolating the brake signal from the flashers. For diodes, check out the electrical parts at your local RV/Marine Shop. They use 'heavy duty' diodes for protection in power backup systems. Here's a link (http://www.dan-marc.com/rv-parts-electrical-diodes.html) from a quick search. You also might try Jameco (http://www.jameco.com) or Digi-key (http://www.digikey.com/).
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boxRODz 1983 C10 SWB Fleetside When two halves is gone, there's nuthin left. Two nothings is nuthin. That's mathematics son. You can argue with me but you can't argue with figures. Two half nothings is a whole nuthin... |
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#5 |
Dirteh Kitteh
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Mormon country
Posts: 2,484
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Re: Trailer brake issues
What you could do is run a wire directly from the brake light switch to a relay and use that to control the trailer brakes. That circuit is already isolated from the 4-ways and turn signals.
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Darrin 1955 Willys CJ-5 all original and the oldest CJ-5 on the road. 2001 Dodge Neon (wife's car) 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited Edition SOLD 1981 K15 Custom Deluxe 4X4, rusty but trusty wood hauler. SOLD 1993 S-10 4X4 Tahoe SOLD ![]() ![]() RIP ESLL |
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#6 |
One shot, one kill.
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Saratoga Springs NY
Posts: 859
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Re: Trailer brake issues
Morning guys: I got the cure ordered. It's an isolating diode made specifically for the problem I'm haveing. Thanks for your imput, Jim
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 466
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Re: Trailer brake issues
I had the same thing happen to me. I didnt find out until I had a problem with my trailer and had to use my 4 way flashers. When my flashers would flash the trailer brakes would lock. I found that when the hitch and plug were installed by a trailer company they did a crapy job and the wires were touching the wrong poles inside the pug. I cleaned up the connections at the plug and never had a problem with the brakes. I did have damage to the motorcycles I was hauling and the trailer company had to pay for the damages. I hope this helps
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