Troubleshooting Trailer Brakes Causing Harsh Whiplash Feel When Stopping For a Red Light

Question:

I watched your video on brake systems for RVs. I’m a new RV owner having driven from Ohio to Florida. Now I’m getting ready to travel back to Ohio. The one thing I could not figure out, every time I slowed for a red light or to stop my truck shook so bad, almost giving me whiplash. What’s the deal? Please help

asked by: Debbie J

Expert Reply:

There could be a few different things going on in this case Debbie. If you can tell me what tow vehicle, trailer and brake controller you have I will be able to better identify what you may have going on.

Most often this is associated with using a timed style brake controller like the Curt Venturer # C74VV. Often times these are selected because of the price but they use a set figure of brake signal to send to the trailer so no matter if you slam on your brakes or lightly press them the trailer does not know the difference. A better option is a proportional controller like the P3 # 90195 which has an accelerometer built in to tell the trailer how fast you are trying to stop and adjusts based on that. Do know if a controller like this is installed incorrectly that would cause it to also act up and could also cause the issues you are having.

expert reply by: Bud M