Electric Trailer Brakes

[Callee's Dad]

I have had my 98 Rockwood Premier for 4 years now.  About 2 weeks ago I mentioned to my brother that I wished my camper had brakes.  It occured to both of us that it probably does. I took the wheel and drum off and sure enough it does.  But, when I took the drum off the magnet fell out onto the driveway. The wires were corroded and rusted.  We hooked his jeep to it, he has a brake controller - I don't, and we were getting power to the wires.
 I am not sure what I need.  When I looked for a magnet it gave me several options like 10" x 2 1/2". Is this the wheel size or is this the drum size or what? I don't think the brakes have ever been used because I bought it from the original owner and he had a 4 prong plug on it.  Also any suggestions on a brake controller would be helpful. Thanks in advance.

[AustinBoston]

I have had my 98 Rockwood Premier for 4 years now.  About 2 weeks ago I mentioned to my brother that I wished my camper had brakes.  It occured to both of us that it probably does. I took the wheel and drum off and sure enough it does.  But, when I took the drum off the magnet fell out onto the driveway. The wires were corroded and rusted.  We hooked his jeep to it, he has a brake controller - I don't, and we were getting power to the wires.
 I am not sure what I need.  When I looked for a magnet it gave me several options like 10" x 2 1/2". Is this the wheel size or is this the drum size or what? I don't think the brakes have ever been used because I bought it from the original owner and he had a 4 prong plug on it.  Also any suggestions on a brake controller would be helpful. Thanks in advance.

First, I would replace the magnets (You seemed to have figured that out ).  There is probably nothing wrong with the magnets themselves, but it's probably not worth trying to fix leads that are in that condition.  The 10" x 2-1/2" refers to the size of the drum.  Your camper almost certanly has a Dexter axle and brakes, so you want the magnets for a Dexter 10x2-1/2 brake.  It will have a clip that loosely holds the magnet on until the drum is re-assembled.

Any proportional electronic controller will do.  Don't take a timer-based controller even if it's free.  By far, the Tekonsha Prodigy is the favorite around here, and is the controller I use.  I have also used the Tekonsha Voyager, which is not bad (and about half the price), but the Prodigy does better  in every category.

Probably the best controller is the Jordan Ultima, but at 2-3 times the price of a Prodigy, it's difficult to justify for a pop-up.  It also can't be used in all tow vehicles and is not easily portable between tow vehicles.

Austin

[tlhdoc]

I agree with Austin.  Good luck on the project.  Dexter sells parts on their website.

[Callee's Dad]

Hey you guys are awesome.  I ordered the magnets from dexter and I am looking for the best deal on the Prodigy. Thanks again.

[tlhdoc]

Hey you guys are awesome. I ordered the magnets from dexter and I am looking for the best deal on the Prodigy. Thanks again.

Your welcome.

[brainpause]

Prodigy is 94.99 at http://www.rvingcompany.com/rvparts/home.php

Friends at another board have used them and were impressed by fast delivery and service.

Larry