I might of found my dream trailer??

[Bird]

Thank you all very much, I feel I bought a great trailer and it just needs a few minor items, I expect that, I bought a used not new trailer. The brake controller I am looking at is this one in northerntool
Hopkins Reliance™ Digital Electronic Brake Control |Trailer Brakes | Northern Tool + Equipment

and I also need a break-away kit, battery and switch and some tail lites and a good coat of black paint and I will post pictures when done.
Thanks
Jim

Jim, that's a brake controller that I'm not at all familiar with, so it may be the finest one made anywhere. However, in the RV world, everyone I've ever met who bought one of the cheap ones soon threw it in the trash and bought a good one. So be sure before you spend your money.

 

[MrJimi]

Tom,
Thats exactly what it is, but the battery is shot and the actual switch is missing that pull out of the unit, I will buy a new one and not worry about patching something that may not work when I need it. I like this breakaway
Tap Trailer Breakaway Kit 20099

Bird
There is 3 basic different kinds of controllers, I know nothing about these things?? They all seem to do the same thing, I think.
Trailer Brake Controls

Thanks
Jim

 

[Bird]

Bird
There is 3 basic different kinds of controllers, I know nothing about these things?? They all seem to do the same thing, I think.

Yep, Jim, there are the 3 basic different kinds, then several brands and models of each. As for doing the same thing . . . well, not really. I guess you could say they do the same thing; i.e., they apply the brakes, but there's a tremendous difference in how they do it, how much braking force they apply, and when. Actually, I'm surprised that they even make and sell the cheap ones. I wouldn't even consider anything but the proportional type.

 

[CurlyDave]

There is another "dirty little secret" about electric brakes, I found out through experience.

They are all drum brakes and as such, they need to be adjusted. If they are not adjusted, the best brake controller in the world won't help.

Many are of the "self-adjusting" type, but you must apply the brakes firmly while going in reverse to activate this feature.

The brakes on my trailer came from the factory so badly adjusted that the self-adjusters would not work either. The fix was simple -- about an hour with a brake spoon (remember those?) and a small flashlight got them into adjustment, but I never even thought of it, since I didn't know about it.

I have a Prodigy brake controller in my RV and that brand gets a lot of good press. They are only about $100, and I agree with Bird. A good one will save you grief.

 

[MrJimi]

I can see myself now, taking the wheels and hubs off to check what I have inside, and I need shoes on four hubs and bearings and other misc. items. CurlyDave I remember the old brake adjusters very well and I just did shoes on my wifes 97 Corolla Glad I'm experienced with this stuff.
Thanks for all the tips and there must be more out there. I found a Prodigy for $98.
Jim

 

[sandman2234]

Nice trailer!
Let me know if you need any help with it, and when your done with all the repairs....

Can I borrow it?

David from jax

 

[patrick_g]

MrJimi, The controller brand that Bird and I recommended is what I would call an industry standard. I have no information on the brand X unit you mention. I personally would not think any savings (pretty small) would be worth the risk of not getting a unit that performs well for many years. There is a lot more technology in a modern controller than the casual observer might suspect. The good ones are way superior to the old fashioned circuits.

The unit you posted could be the absolutely best possible design with the best features for the best price but I would never find out because the risk that it were inferior outweighs any small $ savings.

I am reminded of the two bins at the grocery store. One is labeled MUSHROOMS $1.25/half pound. The other is labeled MUSHROOMS?? $0.25/lb. I would probably not buy from the cheaper bin.

Pat

 

[em14]

Mr Jimi,
I have owned Crosley Trailers (and still do) and have had great service from them. I don't know where you are located but I am close enough that I can go by their place when I need something. They are great people to deal with ... a family business. Unfortunately they no longer manufacture trailers. They sell Wells Cargo and Anderson. I have a 12' Wells Cargo I got from them and am presently looking to buy a 29' Gooseneck 20T Anderson (Work Horse Series) this March. This are very nice looking trailers. Well Built! If you need anything for your new trailer give them a call. You will like your new trailer and all your dealings with the Crosleys will be enjoyable!
Leo

 

[MrJimi]

Leo I'm in Orange Park, Fl. near Jacksonville I love Crosley trailers and I could never afford them till I found this one, its a 1999 built and will be painted black soon. Here are some pictures of my playing this past weekend
skidsteer fits real good

This picture is just to hold trailer.

and checking wheel bearings


Jim

 

[Huey]

Mr. Jimi,
Looks like you found a good trailer. My first thought was when you go to buy plywood next time, you won't have to leave any of it there. You can load it all on this trailer. I hate to bring it up, but did you get your money back or what on the problem with HD?Somebodysaid you went to lowes, but I still don't know how you came out with HD.
Huey