Brakesmart & Hensley setup

Dwight · 02-09-2005, 07:44 AM

What settings are you using with your Brakesmart and Hensley hitch?

Dwight · 02-09-2005, 09:49 AM

Some folks that I have spoke with are using the following setup with a 30' trailer:
Adjust The Brake Controllers Gain: 3
Set Initial Brake Constant: 51
Set Beeper Mode: OFF

Porky Pig · 02-09-2005, 03:09 PM

Whatever the default settings were from the factory ... I started out with those ... everything works great ... so I left it that way.

johnbaker · 02-09-2005, 05:55 PM

Dwight,

I agree with Porky Pig. I have a 99 tri-axle and found the factory setting fine.
this past September, I had it converted to disc-brakes, factory setting too agressive so I dialed it down by 2 or 3. It works unbelieabley nice, there is so much braking power and they never fade!

Jimmy311 · 02-10-2005, 06:45 AM

What type of disc brakes did you retrofit?

johnbaker · 02-10-2005, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimmy311

What type of disc brakes did you retrofit?

Since I live in Dallas, I took the A/S to BrakeSmart and had the disc conversion done there. Since they designed and make the brake controller, I just felt better about the disc conversion done there (price was comparable to other vendors). I can't remember the part's manufacturer but I know replacement parts are available at NAPA and other auto supply outlets that carry brake parts. If you want the specifics, I'll call BrakeSmart (its a local call).

Dwight · 02-10-2005, 01:00 PM

John,

I would be interested in the cost for converting the brakes. I also have a 1999-34' and Hensley.

Jimmy311 · 02-15-2005, 06:00 AM

John Baker or anyone else with input,

I have been looking into the conversion to disc brakes. Since you are in Texas, most likely you got Kodiak hub/rotor/caliper. The actuation is what I think is the biggest component to the conversion. If you know what type of actuator/hydraulic pump you have that would be great. Also while I am on it. Do you notice a slight delay from the time you start braking until the trailer brakes kick in?

johnbaker · 02-15-2005, 03:22 PM

Jimmy,

Yes, Kodiak is the brand of the disc assemblies, the BrakeSmart customer service has closed for the day, I'll call them in the morning and get the electric Hydralic booster info. As far remember, delay was less than 1/10 a second, I'll verify tomorrow.

The BrakeSmart controller (get's hydralic pressure from tow-car) coupled with the elechydralic, had the fastest reaction time (when I was checking on the conversion).

Dwight,

The cost of the tri-axle conversion was $3300. I already had the BrakeSmart Controller. There are other controllers that are compatable but I don't know which ones are recommended.

Dwight · 02-26-2005, 10:41 AM

I have tried many setup combinations and have found that the "BCG" (Brake Control Gain) works best set at 54 and the "IBC" (Initial Brake Constant) works best set at 50. I spoke with the Hensley folks when they sold the TruControl units and their units came with the "IBC" already set at 50.

What screen do you monitor on your Brakesmart? I use the "amps" and "voltage" page.