The CURT Venturer is a brake control module designed for use with 12-volt negative ground systems and trailers equipped with two to six brakes. This installation and user guide provides comprehensive instructions for setting up and operating the device, ensuring smooth and reliable trailer braking.
Function Description:
The Venturer brake control module provides both automatic and manual trailer braking, allowing for precise control over the trailer's stopping force. It features solid-state electronics, eliminating the need for leveling and enabling flexible mounting options within the tow vehicle. The device continuously monitors the trailer connection and performs self-diagnostics to check for short circuits, enhancing safety and reliability. The manual control lever activates the tow vehicle and trailer stoplights, providing an additional layer of safety during manual braking.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Compatibility: 12-volt negative ground systems.
- Brake Capacity: Suitable for trailers with two to six brakes.
- Power Adjustment: Fully-adjustable power and time (sync) settings.
- Display: LED display shows brake force output, sync settings, and error conditions.
- Internal Components: No internal moving parts, contributing to durability and reliability.
- Electronic Systems Compatibility: Compatible with electronic systems such as anti-lock brakes and cruise control.
- Circuit Breaker: Requires a 30 amp, auto-reset circuit breaker, mounted as close to the battery as possible.
- Wiring: Utilizes 10-gauge or 12-gauge wires for power and ground connections, and a 12-gauge or larger blue wire for the trailer brake connection.
Usage Features:
- Display: The device features an LED display that indicates the output setting when activated. This display is crucial for setup and monitoring the brake control.
- Blank Display: Indicates the control is not activated by either the brake pedal or manual control.
- Single Green: Shows the unit is ready, with no trailer connected, when the brake pedal or manual control is activated.
- Green Bars: Indicates the output setting (1 to 8 bars) when a trailer is connected and the brake pedal or manual control is activated.
- Green Bars with Flashing Green: Displays the sync setting (1 to 8 bars) when a trailer is connected, and the brake pedal or manual control is activated, and the sync control is moved.
- Single Red: Signifies a trailer disconnect. Users should check for unplugged connections or wiring failures.
- Flashing Red: Indicates a brake circuit overload or short.
- Output Control: This adjustment establishes the maximum power available to the trailer brakes. Moving the control to the right increases power. It should be adjusted during initial setup, when trailer loads change, when different trailers are used, or to adapt to road conditions. The output setting is shown as one to eight green bars on the display.
- Sync Control: Located on the left side of the unit, the sync control adjusts the aggressiveness of the trailer brakes. Moving the switch toward the front of the tow vehicle increases aggressiveness. This setting is independent of manual control and should be adjusted based on driver preference or road conditions. The sync setting is shown as one to eight bars with a flashing green status LED.
- Manual Control Lever: Positioned on the front left of the unit, this lever applies only to the trailer brakes. Pushing it to the right progressively applies the brakes up to the maximum set by the output control. It is useful for initial setup and situations requiring slow speed reduction. The manual control activates the tow vehicle and trailer stoplights.
- Electronic Activation: Ensures smooth stops without abrupt jerking, enhancing comfort and safety.
- Mounting Flexibility: The solid-state electronics allow the unit to be mounted anywhere in the vehicle, horizontally, vertically, or at any angle, without affecting performance. However, it is important to avoid mounting near CB radios or other RF transmitters.
Maintenance Features:
- Self-Diagnostic: The Venturer continually monitors the trailer connection and checks for short circuits, providing immediate feedback through the display.
- Disconnect Indication: In case of a trailer disconnect or wiring failure, the status LED glows steady red for approximately 10 minutes or until the connection is restored. This prompts the user to inspect and repair the wiring if the disconnect was unintentional.
- Error Conditions Troubleshooting Guide: The manual includes a detailed guide to help users diagnose and resolve common issues based on the display indications.
- Blank Display (with brake pedal pushed or manual control activated): Probable cause is a tripped circuit breaker, no battery connection (B+ or ground). Solution involves checking and repairing battery connections.
- Loss of Trailer Connection (Single Red): Probable cause is an unplugged trailer or failed wire to the trailer. Solution involves checking tow vehicle to trailer connectors and repairing brake circuit wiring.
- Flashing Red (with brake pedal pushed or manual control activated): Probable cause is a brake circuit overload or short. Solution involves confirming the six-brake maximum load and locating/correcting the short circuit.
- Bench Test Instructions: The manual provides a detailed bench test procedure using a standard 1156 automotive bulb to verify the functionality of the brake control unit before full installation. This includes testing standby condition, brake pedal activation, and manual activation, ensuring the unit operates as expected.
The CURT Venturer brake control is designed for ease of installation and intuitive operation, making it a reliable choice for managing trailer braking in various towing scenarios.
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