Otis Singleton
Electric trailer brakes are controlled by an electronic device called a brake controller, which regulates the electric trailer brakes. It allows the driver to activate and monitor trailer brake activity from inside the vehicle. Brake controllers come in either 12-volt or 24-volt varieties and need to match the power source of the towing vehicle. The trailer brake controller is wired directly into the trailer's electrical circuit and draws power from the taillight and brake light circuits. The controller then manages the amount of electrical current (amps) that reaches the trailer brakes from the car’s battery, determining the power and timing of brake activation.
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What You'll Learn
Electric brake controllers
A brake controller is an electronic device that regulates the electric trailer brakes. It allows the driver to activate and monitor trailer brake activity from the cab of the vehicle. A brake controller mounts in the cab of the vehicle and generally has a few different controls, such as an interface to view braking information and buttons to control the output and manual activation.
The controller takes power from the car battery and controls the flow of power to the brake magnets on the trailer wheel hubs. The newer proportional electric brake controllers measure the changing momentum, or inertia, of the moving car via an accelerometer; they are not directly connected to the car’s brakes and work independently of them. Continuously monitoring the vehicle’s dynamics, these controllers send the precise amount of voltage to the trailer brakes to ensure that the speed of the trailer matches that of the tow vehicle. This generally makes for a smoother braking experience and more efficient braking, ensuring your trailer brakes last longer.
When the driver presses the brake pedal, the time-delayed brake controller activates the trailer brakes, applying an increasing amount of power, fixed over time. This is called gain. The gain setting of a time-delay brake controller can be adjusted by the driver to accommodate each specific trailer. However, the time-delay approach is not as precise as the proportional method. A proportional or inertia-based brake controller uses an electrical circuit called an accelerometer to sense changes in momentum. When the driver presses the brake, the brake controller applies power to the trailer brakes in proportion to the vehicle's momentum. Proportional brake controllers provide smooth stops and efficient braking, especially when braking on a hill.
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Trailer brake gain
The best setting for a brake controller is one that will match the trailer and load size. To set trailer brake gain, start with the values specified by the manufacturer. Test your trailer brakes at 25 mph. If the vehicle stops slowly, increase the trailer brake gain. If the brakes lock up, decrease the gain.
The gain setting of a time-delay brake controller can be adjusted by the driver to accommodate each specific trailer. However, the time-delay approach is not as precise as the proportional method. A proportional or inertia-based brake controller uses an electrical circuit called an accelerometer to sense changes in momentum. When the driver presses the brake pedal, the brake controller applies power to the trailer brakes in proportion to the vehicle's momentum. Proportional brake controllers provide smooth stops and efficient braking.
When adjusting the trailer brake gain, increase or decrease the amount of gain in set increments. Slide the control to engage the trailer brakes. Adjust the gain setting before using the trailer brake controller for the first time. The gain should be set to provide the maximum trailer braking assistance while making sure the trailer wheels do not lock when using the brakes. Locked trailer wheels may lead to trailer instability.
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Brake sensitivity
To adjust the brake sensitivity, it is recommended to start with the manufacturer's suggested settings. Then, drive forward at approximately 25 mph and apply the brake pedal. If the vehicle stops too slowly, the sensitivity setting should be increased. Conversely, if the vehicle stops too abruptly or locks up, the sensitivity should be lowered. This process can be repeated at various speeds to fine-tune the sensitivity and ensure smooth stops under different conditions.
The brake controller, an electronic device that regulates the electric trailer brakes, plays a central role in brake sensitivity adjustment. It allows the driver to control and monitor trailer brake activity from the vehicle's cab. The controller takes power from the vehicle's battery and manages the electrical current supplied to the trailer brake magnets. This determines the power and timing of brake activation.
It is worth noting that trailer brakes assist the tow vehicle's braking system, reducing wear and tear and improving safety, especially when towing heavier loads. Properly adjusting the brake sensitivity is essential for optimal braking performance and ensuring the brakes engage smoothly and effectively. Regular maintenance and adjustments are recommended to keep the braking system in top condition.
Additionally, it is important to comply with legal requirements regarding trailer brakes. In some states, electric brakes are mandatory for trailers exceeding certain weight thresholds, such as 1,500 or 3,000 pounds. Failure to use trailer brakes when required can put you and other drivers at risk.
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Wiring and connectors
The wiring of electric trailer brakes is a crucial aspect of ensuring their proper functioning and compliance with road rules. The wiring process involves connecting the trailer brake controller to the trailer's electrical circuit, which regulates the electric trailer brakes. It is important to note that the brake controller requires a power connection from the vehicle and a link to the trailer brakes for effective towing.
When wiring electric trailer brakes, it is essential to consider the type of connector harness on the trailer. If your trailer has a 4-way connector harness, it needs to be upgraded to a 7-way connector to accommodate the additional brake functions. This upgrade can be achieved using a kit that includes a junction box and a new harness. The wiring process involves tapping into the existing 7-pole wiring and running a 2-wire 12-gauge section from brake to brake.
The wires used for electric trailer brakes are typically 10-gauge wires, which are considered sufficient for most applications. However, for longer trailers, it is recommended to use heavier-gauge wires to account for the increased wire length. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the brake controller matches the power source of the towing vehicle, as they come in either 12-volt or 24-volt varieties. Most conventional controllers are compatible with one voltage type, so it is crucial to make sure they align.
The wiring process involves connecting the wires from the brake controller to the trailer's brake magnets. Each brake will have two wires: one for 12-volt power to the brake magnet and the other for the ground. In some cases, there may be multiple wires of the same colour, such as two white wires, and it doesn't matter which wire is connected to the ground and which is used for the brake feed. It is recommended to test the wires with the brakes activated to identify their functions.
It is worth noting that some electric brake controllers, like Elecbrakes, offer a trailer-mounted solution that eliminates the need for hard wiring into the tow vehicle. These controllers draw power from the taillight and brake light circuits, ensuring sufficient power for the brake magnets. Elecbrakes is compatible with both 12V and 24V power sources, making it versatile for different towing setups.
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Brake response presets
Electric trailer brakes rely on a brake controller to function, and this device is responsible for regulating the amount of electrical current that reaches the trailer brakes from the car's battery. This, in turn, determines the power and timing of brake activation.
The Elecbrakes system, for example, offers a wireless remote for in-vehicle brake response modification. It uses microprocessors and accelerometers to measure, calculate, and adjust brake response an astonishing 1000 times per second, ensuring a seamless and precise braking experience.
The Tow-Pro Elite Electric Brake Controller is another advanced option, featuring both User-Control and Proportional Modes. This controller allows for a customised braking experience, adapting to different driving conditions and ensuring the trailer follows the same line as the vehicle.
When using a brake controller, it is important to ensure the trailer wiring harness is securely plugged into the vehicle. Additionally, during setup, it is recommended to have the vehicle and trailer parked on a level surface, in a safe and open area with ample stopping distance.
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Frequently asked questions
A trailer brake controller is an electronic device that regulates the electric trailer brakes. It allows the driver to activate and monitor trailer brake activity from the cab of the vehicle.
A trailer brake controller manages the amount of electrical current (amps) that reaches the trailer brakes from the car’s battery. This determines the power and timing of brake activation.
Trailer brake gain is the amount of power a brake controller applies to the trailer brakes. It is equal to the maximum amount of stopping force for the trailer. Trailer gain should be set based on the trailer and load size. To set trailer brake gain, start with the values specified by the manufacturer and test your trailer brakes at 25 mph.
Sensitivity is how aggressively your brake controller will apply the brakes. You can set sensitivity by testing the trailer brakes. Drive forward at about 25 mph and press the brake pedal. If the vehicle stops too slowly, increase the sensitivity setting. If it stops too abruptly, lower the sensitivity.
The best trailer brake controller to use is one that activates the brakes proportionally instead of time-delayed. A proportional brake controller will activate the trailer brakes at the same time and with the same intensity as the tow vehicle, providing smooth stops and efficient braking.
