Troubleshooting Inconsistent Trailer Braking with Tekonsha Voyager Brake Controller

Published 06/22/2022

Question:

I have a 2018 Coleman Dutchman 28 foot trailer that I tow with a 2006 Chevy silverado. The truck has a Tekonsha Voyager trailer brake controller that came with the truck. I looked online and found info on how it works. It worked fine for a couple of years. This year I towed it about 200 miles and at first the brakes worked great then on the return trip the brakes started grabbing hard especially at lower speeds. I just returned from another camping trip and this time the brakes didnt work at all, unless I used the manual lever on the controller. Is my controller bad and if so is there a current replacement that is easier to use. Thank You

asked by: Mark L

Expert Reply:

The Tekonsha Voyager # 39510 is a decent controller but it was one of the older models from Tekonsha so for a replacement I recommend checking out the Tekonsha Primus IQ # TK90160 which will plug in using the existing pigtail on your Voyager and is pretty intuitive to use.

Before you replace the controller though I do recommend checking the adjustment of your trailer brakes. There should be a slight drag when you freely spin the wheel. If there is too much drag or too little drag then that would explain aggressive and non-aggressive braking respectively.

If your brakes are at a good place then it is likely the controller and I recommend replacing it with the IQ I mentioned above.

expert reply by: Jon G