1978 24ft Argosy brakes

[juel]

We are going to pick up our 1978 Argosy, 24ft TT in about 2 weeks. I have had an Airstream in the past; however, my husband has not. I can't remember much about the trailer brakes. Can you tell us where we need to take our 2000 Ford pickup to have the electrical hook up and trailer brake system installed. I guess what I'm asking is what type of store should we go to? Can you give me some suggestions or information so we will know if we are doing the correct things? Does the electrical hook-up on the trailer have to be a special kind--same with the one on the pickup. Do I need to give you more information?

[Janets Husband]

Originally Posted by juel

We are going to pick up our 1978 Argosy, 24ft TT in about 2 weeks. I have had an Airstream in the past; however, my husband has not. I can't remember much about the trailer brakes. Can you tell us where we need to take our 2000 Ford pickup to have the electrical hook up and trailer brake system installed. I guess what I'm asking is what type of store should we go to? Can you give me some suggestions or information so we will know if we are doing the correct things? Does the electrical hook-up on the trailer have to be a special kind--same with the one on the pickup. Do I need to give you more information?

Any good RV maintenance facility, or the local Ford delear should be able to install a brake controller on your truck. The wireing is in your truck, you should only need a harness and the controller.
As to the trailer connector, find out what is currently installed on the trailer. You can't count on what the factory installed it could have been changed. Check with the current owner.
In the long run I would reccommend that the connectors be changed to standard 7 flat pin connctors, they are much better in the long run. If necessary have the 7 pin flat connector installed on the truck and rewire the trailer, or get an adapter.

[juel]

Originally Posted by Janet's Husband

Any good RV maintenance facility, or the local Ford delear should be able to install a brake controller on your truck. The wireing is in your truck, you should only need a harness and the controller.
As to the trailer connector, find out what is currently installed on the trailer. You can't count on what the factory installed it could have been changed. Check with the current owner.
In the long run I would reccommend that the connectors be changed to standard 7 flat pin connctors, they are much better in the long run. If necessary have the 7 pin flat connector installed on the truck and rewire the trailer, or get an adapter.

thank you very much. Juel

[Inland RV Center, In]

Flat pins corrode over time. The round pin type connectors are called "aircraft type," are plated and therefore don't corrode.

The round terminals are self cleaning everytime you use them.

The flat terminals are not plated, and therefore corrode very easily. Additionally, one grain of sand, between the flat terminals, will keep that circuit open. Not a good thing.

Andy

[TomW]

Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In

Flat pins corrode over time...The flat terminals are not plated, and therefore corrode very easily. Additionally, one grain of sand, between the flat terminals, will keep that circuit open...

Andy is right on target with his advice. Unfortunately, round pin connectors can be hard to find.

I am currently using the flat pin connectors, and spray out the whole works with silicone spray every so often. Between that, and having a Tekonsha Prodigy brake controller that senses whether or not I have a good brake wire connection (the most important wire; Brake lights are second IMO), I feel okay going down the road.

The grain of sand will will be obvious at initial hookup. Check all your lights/brakes when you first hook up. If they work then, there is a high probability they will work for the length of your trip.

Tom

[Inland RV Center, In]

The 7 way aircraft round pin connectors will be listed in our web site parts sale list, by this Tuesday.

Andy

[TomW]

Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In

The 7 way aircraft round pin connectors will be listed in our web site parts sale list, by this Tuesday.

You are just plain Da Man! In spite of the sh....grief I give you in other threads, I am super impressed at how much you care about the right way to Airstream.

Tom