Electric Brakes For 8FT Taos

[rb_beachcpl]

I have read a few posts regarding electric brakes for pop-ups. I have two questions:

1) Should we get them for our small 8ft Taos?
2) Are they easy to install?

Thank you

[flyfisherman]

I have read a few posts regarding electric brakes for pop-ups. I have two questions:

1) Should we get them for our small 8ft Taos?
2) Are they easy to install?

Thank you

Believe I've seen it posted here on this board that California requires brakes on trailers weighing in at 1500 lbs. You might check with your Highway Dept and see what those regs are.

Not too familar with your tow vehicle ... what is it rated at for towing?


Fly

[rb_beachcpl]

Our tow vehicle has a capacity of 3500 lbs.

Thanks

[jtprevatte]

I have read a few posts regarding electric brakes for pop-ups. I have two questions:
 
 1) Should we get them for our small 8ft Taos?
 2) Are they easy to install?
 
 Thank you

I have them on my Taos....they are good.

The Taos is lightweight so I think you could get away without them.  But I can tell when they kick in.  The problem lyes in panic stops.   In a panic stop the trailer weight pushes the tow vehicle and even if you don't lock the brakes it can cause the rotors on the TV to warp from the added heat.

[rb_beachcpl]

Any idea where I would go to have the brakes installed?

Thanks

[AustinBoston]

I have read a few posts regarding electric brakes for pop-ups. I have two questions:

1) Should we get them for our small 8ft Taos?
2) Are they easy to install?

Thank you

If your Taos really is a 2002, there is a better than 99% chance they are already there, and it is just a matter of hooking them up.  If I recall correctly, 2000 was the last year brakes were optional on any Coleman/Fleetwood camper.  After that, they were standard on all their trailers.

Austin

[tlhdoc]

Auston is correct.  Starting in 2001 all Coleman/Fleetwood trailers have brakes standard.  So your trailer should have them.  You will need to get a brake controller installed and have the wiring run to the trailer plug.  Then you will be set to go.

 
PS I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy brake controller.

[rb_beachcpl]

Awsome information folks. I love this site!

Thanks

[rb_beachcpl]

Well, I came home, went into the garage and looked under our Fleetwood Taos PU. I do see drums next to the tires with wires going into them. I'm guessing those are brakes? I'm knew at this and have no idea what electric brakes look like. So if they are brakes, then I may need to have them serviced and buy a brake controller.....I think?

[AustinBoston]

Well, I came home, went into the garage and looked under our Fleetwood Taos PU. I do see drums next to the tires with wires going into them. I'm guessing those are brakes? I'm knew at this and have no idea what electric brakes look like. So if they are brakes, then I may need to have them serviced and buy a brake controller.....I think?

That's the real McCoy.  I would check them myself, but it's not a big deal to have them checked.

I too recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy.

Austin

[rb_beachcpl]

OK, so if I buy the Tekonsha Prodigy brake controller and wiring on line, is it a pretty straight forward installation?

Thanks

[AustinBoston]

OK, so if I buy the Tekonsha Prodigy brake controller and wiring on line, is it a pretty straight forward installation?

Thanks

Some tow vehicles already have the necessary wiring harness.  I don't know about Mitsubishi.  That can make a big difference.

Austin

[rb_beachcpl]

I don't know a lot about electrical or mechanical stuff, I'm a software engineer (a geek). So I called around a few places to see if they install electric brake controllers (pep boys, my local mechanic, etc.). Maybe an RV place or a Mitsubishi dealer?

[AustinBoston]

I don't know a lot about electrical or mechanical stuff, I'm a software engineer (a geek). So I called around a few places to see if they install electric brake controllers (pep boys, my local mechanic, etc.). Maybe an RV place or a Mitsubishi dealer?

RV places do it all the time, but they will charge top dollar if you did not buy a camper from them (and you will have to wait until their service schedule is good and ready to deal with you).

Trailer shops can usually do it.

Austin

[tlhdoc]

Try U-Hall.  They do a lot of TV wiring in my area.