Advice - Trailer brakes, actuator & in car controller

Hi guys, long time reader, first time user here.

Need to get some advice on my trailer brakes.

I have a tandem axle, disc brake, 4 caliper mackay trailer. I was previously running the sensa brake system on it but the actuator decided to die.

I have now replaced the actuator with a Carlisle HBA 1200 unit. I was advised by several people in the industry that the sensa brake in car controller would still function with the Carlisle unit.

I have tested the new unit and it seems to work fine. The brakes work good when under normal load, however the panic button on the in car controller does not. The actuator cycles, but it does not seem to pump the fluid to pressure. As a result the calipers do not compress.

Has anyone changed units as above and how do they perform ?

The usual in car controllers work on inertia via the vehicle movements but the sensa brake system does not. Could this be an issue with the panic button ?

 cheers

Kev.

 

 

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Blank Cheque's picture

Posts: 221

Date Joined: 28/03/09

Im not going to be much help to ya

Sat, 2009-11-28 16:16

But why did you go away from the sensa-brake unit? I am a user of the sensa brake system and think its the best system iv ever towed with. Have you tryed Martins trailer parts in O'connor or bayswater there a good bunch of guys that should be able to help you out.

Garry

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Its a little late to head home early

Rick's picture

Posts: 1112

Date Joined: 22/12/06

x2

Sat, 2009-11-28 16:28

Also running Sensa-Brake setup. May unit on the trailer fried itself and it was about $1500 to replace it. There is a place in Wangara (Prindiville Dve I think) that specialise in Sensa set-up they may be able to help. Will try and find the receipt and PM you name and address.

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PGFC Member

 

The_Wanderer's picture

Posts: 735

Date Joined: 24/09/08

X3 sensa break is the way to

Sat, 2009-11-28 16:37

X3 sensa break is the way to go for sure. Rick I think the place you are talking about is Martin Trailer Parts

 

Ben  

Posts: 408

Date Joined: 23/11/09

cheers

Sun, 2009-11-29 08:33

Thanks for the replys guys. I went away from the sensa brake unit due to cost and the carlisle unit having less moving parts. With the $ the way it is, i had one sent from the states at less than half the cost of getting one here. In Aust. the sensa brake unit is about $1600 and the carlisle $1400. Shipped express from the states was $710. My friends in the  business dont like that, but you cant argue with savings like that.

The place in Wangara is North Coast Electrics. They installed the in car kit and then attempted to service the sensa brake actuator,  but advised it was kaput.

 Everyone knows that salt water, metal and  moving parts dont play well with each other, the less moving parts the better i figure. Sensa brake being air over hydraulic is one more thing to worry about. If it wasnt for the fact i've gotta send the trailer over the pits next week, i'd take the calipers of and just put them back on when i do the long trip up the coast !

cheers

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