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Author Topic: trailer brake controller  (Read 1125 times)
the bull
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Posts: 147



« on: November 15, 2014, 06:47:47 AM »

I live in New York and I have a 2000 Interstate.  I recently purchased an Aspen Classic that has electric brakes on it.  I want to install all of the necessary wiring and a brake controller.  Was hoping that the wonderful members could help me out because I have no idea what I have to do.

Would also consider paying somebody to do this or help if they can provide the assistance.  I am traveling down to the Ocala area at the end of Dec. and will be bringing the bike down with me.  I know that Florida has a very strong Chapter and was hoping they might be able to assist as well.  Maybe I can even get in some riding with the local members when I am down there.

I am retiring in June and I need to get ready.  Plan to spend winter months in the Ocala area.

Rich
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indybobm
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Posts: 1601

Franklin, Indiana VRCC # 5258


« Reply #1 on: November 15, 2014, 07:12:47 AM »

I found the following articles on installing a brake controller on a Harley.

http://www.etrailer.com/question-32907.html

As a caveat, be sure to read the last paragraph in the article, seems like doing this might be dangerous.


From the GL1800 crowd:
http://gl1800riders.com/forums/showthread.php?288063-Electric-Brake-Controller-Question

« Last Edit: November 15, 2014, 07:16:28 AM by indybobm » Logged

So many roads, so little time
VRCC # 5258
John Schmidt
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Posts: 15230


a/k/a Stuffy. '99 I/S Valk Roadsmith Trike

De Pere, WI (Green Bay)


« Reply #2 on: November 15, 2014, 07:13:41 AM »

Is that trailer a large camper style? Personally, I've never seen a trailer towed by a bike that used or even needed brakes on it. Not sure I'd want a bike towed trailer with brakes on it. As for our Florida gang, we have a lot of talent down here and some of it is located in the Central Fla. area.
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the bull
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Posts: 147



« Reply #3 on: November 15, 2014, 09:10:23 AM »

I would say that it weighs about 400 pounds after it is loaded.  I bought the trailer used and it had brakes on it.  The manufacturer show brakes as an option on this trailer.  Your bike is beautiful.
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gordonv
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Posts: 5763


VRCC # 31419

Richmond BC


« Reply #4 on: November 15, 2014, 09:44:45 AM »

I was wondering the same thing, brakes on a trailer.

I was thinking about a trailer, I could haul stuff around in, and thought the added braking would help in the bike stopping. It's not how much it can pull, but if you can stop it.

I live on the flats, so it's more of hauling around an appliance or chair from the store to home, and building material.
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1999 Black with custom paint IS

TJ
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Posts: 1816

Lake Placid , Fl.


« Reply #5 on: November 15, 2014, 09:45:17 AM »

If it only weights 400lbs , I would not worry about brakes on it... I've towed a number of trailers behind bikes ( up to 600 lbs ) and never really seen the need for them... you just need to remember its back there an adj. your riding and braking ...

PS:  when you get down here just check the Fl. board for our riding...
« Last Edit: November 15, 2014, 09:47:25 AM by TJ » Logged
Michvalk
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Posts: 2002


Remus, Mi


« Reply #6 on: November 15, 2014, 10:01:23 AM »

I think Clintsdivco was pulling a fold down camper with his Valkyrie, and I think I remember him saying that the trailer had brakes of some kind on it. That has been some time ago, but, I'm sure that there are threads on the board about it. Might try search cooldude
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Mike in AR
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Posts: 352


Redfield, Arkansas 72132


« Reply #7 on: November 15, 2014, 10:41:39 AM »

I have a 2011 Aspen Sentry(the next size down from the Classic) and the only thing to remember is to start braking a little bit sooner than normal, because the trailer will be pushing you. I have been using it  for our vacations and have had no problems as far as stopping with it. The Classic is only 3 cubic feet bigger than the Sentry, so I don't think you would have any problem with the towing and stopping without the electric brakes. Of course, this is only my opinion, based on my experience with the camper.
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Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.
chrise2469
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Posts: 295

Winnipeg Manitoba Canada


« Reply #8 on: November 16, 2014, 06:13:25 PM »

I also have the aspen classic and had it hooked up with a prodigy brake controller on the trailer tongue.

My bike was (it has been written off and gone to the wreckers last month) a standard.  I'm not sure if the tie in points are the same on an interstate but I will be glad to give you some advice if needed.

As others have said it's up to you if you want to add the brakes or not.  I liked having them-any time the towed device starts getting close to vehicle weight its nice to have something else slowing it down.

One thing I found, was I needed a longer tongue on the trailer when I had a cooler installed.  I would get a bit of wiggle but the longer tongue sorted it out.  I don't know if the airflow will be different with an Interstate.

Let me know if you want the assistance and I will start a write up-  I may not get it written up very quickly though as life is always busy- there's always lots of snow shoveling in my future.

Here are two links
http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,33398.0.html
http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,21535.0.html
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CASABROKER
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Posts: 274



« Reply #9 on: November 17, 2014, 12:14:36 PM »

No need from brakes. 
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Gryphon Rider
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Posts: 5227


2000 Tourer

Calgary, Alberta


« Reply #10 on: November 17, 2014, 12:55:02 PM »

My bike was (it has been written off and gone to the wreckers last month) a standard.
Chris, did I miss your post explaining why the write-off?

Do you have any observations about the usefulness of having trailer brakes?  What effect do you think they have on the bike, particularly when braking in a corner?
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old2soon
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Posts: 23402

Willow Springs mo


« Reply #11 on: November 17, 2014, 01:24:12 PM »

As an ex truck driver(18 wheeler)trailer brakes are nice to have. I have very little experience pulling a trailer with a M/C-about 500 miles. I've also pulled R/V type trailers with a pick up and smaller trailers with a cage. I liked that the pulled trailers-pick up or cage pulling-had either surge brakes or electric brakes on the trailers. I M H O-I don't want to deal with trailer brakes on a M/C. The only exception I MIGHT consider having trailer brakes with a M/C is with a trike. When I pulled a trailer with a M/C I did my best to increase my following distance and stay aware of the extra weight that was behind and NEVER let it get ahead of me. I hope some of this helps you. RIDE SAFE.
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Today is the tommorow you worried about yesterday. If at first you don't succeed screw it-save it for nite check.  1964  1968 U S Navy. Two cruises off Nam.
VRCCDS0240  2012 GL1800 Gold Wing Motor Trike conversion
chrise2469
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Posts: 295

Winnipeg Manitoba Canada


« Reply #12 on: November 19, 2014, 04:16:41 PM »

My bike was (it has been written off and gone to the wreckers last month) a standard.
Chris, did I miss your post explaining why the write-off?

Do you have any observations about the usefulness of having trailer brakes?  What effect do you think they have on the bike, particularly when braking in a corner?

There wasn't much of a post about the accident, it was inside an innocuous title .There is nothing about the write off yet.

The brakes work best before the corner. It allows you to drive a lot easier in twisties.  You don't have to be on the brakes super hard on every corner and it isn't pushing the back of the bike. 

It allows a better transition especially when there are fast changes.  The trailer brakes and stays more in line with line with the bike.  Since I use a proportional inertial controller the faster you slow down the more voltage is applied to the trailer brakes.

Good trailer towing technique should apply, being slightly on the power throughout the turn so as not to be pushed by the trailer.

I never tried trail braking through the twisties so can't comment on that.
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