Electric Brake Controllers as an aftermarket purchase

» dmr - Chev S10 and 1999 Coleman Mesa

Hi All:

We have a 1990 Chev S10, 4X4, 4.3 L, manual, extended cab pickup. We recently bought a 1999 Coleman Mesa pop-up, rated at 2262 lbs, trading up from a 1980 Starcraft rated at 1860 lbs. The Starcraft had a surge-brake, which never worked properly and was disabled for the last two years, and we didn't have a problem with braking on truck power alone. We don't live in a mountainous area, nor do we have any plans to travel in one for the near future, anyway.

The Coleman has electric brakes installed (although the brake pads are probably cooked, which is elaborated below). In order to use the brakes, we will have to have an electric brake controller installed in the S10.

So, my questions are these:
First, does anyone have experience towing a similar-size trailer in an S10? Do you think we need the brake controller (the breakaway switch will work from the installed battery)?

Second, what is a reasonable price for having a controller installed in an S10? I've been quoted $265 CDN (about $180 US).

Finally, relating to the "other story" above, I asked the trailer dealer when I picked up the trailer if there was any way the brakes could be on, since the new trailer felt much heavier than the Starcraft, even though there was not that much weight difference. They said no, there was no way, and if the brakes had been on, I would have been skidding the tires. Well, they were on because of the way a previous trailer dealer had wired my 7-pole connector, which I discovered when I was waved over a few miles down the road because there was smoke coming from the hubs. The previous dealer has gone out of business (wonder why), but the dealer from whom I bought the new trailer let me leave without checking to see if the brakes were on, even after I had asked. While they aren't responsible for the way the connector was wired, should I chase them for letting me drive away with the brakes on after asking them?

Appreciate your input. I'm new here, so please copy to my email: mailto:druxton@tbaytel.net.

Thanks.

Duncan

-- posted by dmr

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» geomiklas - Re: Chev S10 and 1999 Coleman Mesa

In response to message posted by dmr:

I would certainly go to the general manager or owner and tell them this story. If he is reputable, then you will get new brakes at no cost.

About your controller....well the cost can vary depending upon whether the wiring harness in your truck has the brake wires or doesn't. I bought a Reese Brakeman Compact that worked great on my pop up, then on my travel trailer. This controller cost $59 USD and I installed it myself.

Good Luck,
George

-- posted by geomiklas

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