Trystan Casey
When towing on freeways or dirt roads, it is crucial to understand how to navigate and control your vehicle effectively. Adjusting an electric brake controller is essential to ensure the trailer and car are braking as a system. There are two common ways of applying the trailer brakes with an electric brake controller: User-Controlled and Proportional (or inertia sensing). The User-Controlled method is a good basic method where the user adjusts the braking force via an interface with the controller. The Proportional mode uses accelerometers to provide great accuracy of braking measurement across a range of conditions to give optimum braking in response to how hard the vehicle is braking.
Characteristics and Values of Adjusting an Electric Brake Controller
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Speed | Test at a slow speed of 1-5 mph, or 25-30 mph |
| Foot Pedal | Keep foot off the gas pedal |
| Trailer Brakes | Should slow the vehicle without locking the trailer wheels |
| Vehicle Movement | Adjust the trailer brake slide so the vehicle can move forward slowly |
| Vehicle Stopping | Adjust the controller if the vehicle stops too slowly or too fast |
| Override Function | Allows independent operation of trailer brakes and is useful to avoid trailer sway |
| User Interface | A user interface is installed in the vehicle to adjust the controller, e.g. a small LED-lit knob |
| Controller Settings | User-Controlled and Proportional (inertia sensing) are two common settings |
| Testing | Test several times to get a feel for the trailer and typical loads |
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What You'll Learn
Adjusting the braking force via the controller interface
The user-controlled method is a basic approach where the driver adjusts the braking force through the controller interface, and when a brake light signal is given, the trailer brakes are applied to the set level. This method is typically found in lower-cost brake controllers, as well as advanced controllers that offer it alongside a proportional mode.
The proportional (or inertia-sensing) mode uses accelerometers to provide accurate braking measurements across various conditions, resulting in optimum braking in response to the vehicle's braking force. This mode is ideal for off-road towing and provides flexibility for drivers.
When testing the braking force, it is recommended to drive at a slow speed, with your foot off the gas pedal, and observe if the trailer brakes can slow down the vehicle without locking up the trailer wheels. Repeat this process several times to get a feel for how the trailer behaves with different loads.
Additionally, when on a level surface, you can adjust the trailer brake slide to fully shut as the vehicle moves forward slowly (1-5 mph). If the truck and trailer can come to a smooth stop while in gear, the gain is set correctly. If you feel it's too slow or too fast, adjust the trailer brake accordingly.
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Testing the trailer brakes
Initial Checks
Before embarking on a journey with a trailer, it's essential to perform some fundamental checks to ensure the trailer brakes are operational. Start by inspecting the brake components for any visible wear or damage. This includes checking the brake pads or shoes for adequate thickness and examining the brake drums or rotors for any signs of glazing or scoring. Ensuring the brake components are in good condition is vital for optimal braking performance.
Brake Controller Settings
The brake controller settings play a significant role in the effectiveness of the trailer brakes. Adjust the brake controller to a setting that suits the weight and size of the trailer you're towing. This adjustment process typically involves setting the gain or output current to match the trailer's braking force with that of the towing vehicle. Refer to the brake controller's user manual for specific instructions on adjusting the settings.
User-Controlled vs. Proportional Braking
It's important to understand the two common methods of applying trailer brakes with an electric brake controller: User-Controlled and Proportional (inertia sensing). In the User-Controlled method, you manually adjust the braking force via an interface with the controller. When the brake light is activated, the trailer brakes will apply according to the set level. Proportional braking, on the other hand, uses accelerometers to measure the vehicle's deceleration and automatically apply the trailer brakes proportionally to the vehicle's braking force.
Road Testing
Once the initial checks and controller settings are complete, it's time to test the trailer brakes on the road. Find a safe, level surface, ideally a flat, straight road with minimal traffic. Accelerate to a moderate speed, typically around 25-30 mph, and then gradually release the accelerator pedal while maintaining a steady course. The trailer brakes should respond by slowing down the vehicle without locking up the trailer wheels. Adjust the brake controller settings if the trailer wheels lock or the stopping distance is unsatisfactory.
Fine-Tuning
After the initial road test, you may need to fine-tune the brake controller settings to achieve optimal performance. Make minor adjustments and retest the trailer brakes until you find the ideal setting where the trailer and towing vehicle decelerate smoothly and synchronously, without the trailer pushing or pulling the car. Remember, the goal is to find a balance where all wheels, including the trailer and towing vehicle, brake evenly, ensuring a safe and controlled stop.
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Using the manual lever
Electric brake controllers can be adjusted using the manual lever, which is installed in the vehicle and is usually within reach of the driver's normal seating position. This method of adjustment is known as "User-Controlled".
The manual lever allows the driver to adjust the braking force via an interface with the controller. When a brake light signal is given, the trailer brakes will be applied according to the set level. This method is common in lower-cost brake controllers and offers a basic level of control.
To use the manual lever effectively, the driver should first ensure that the trailer and car are braking as a system, without the trailer pushing or pulling the car. This can be tested by driving at a slow speed, with the foot off the gas pedal, and observing if the trailer brakes slow down the vehicle without locking up the trailer wheels.
It is important to note that the manual lever setting may bypass the controller's settings. Therefore, it is recommended to test the brakes several times to get a feel for how the trailer brakes respond to different loads. Adjustments can then be made as needed to ensure optimal braking performance.
By following these steps and utilizing the manual lever, drivers can effectively adjust their electric brake controllers and ensure safe and smooth braking while towing.
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Understanding the difference between User-Controlled and Proportional modes
Proportional mode, on the other hand, uses accelerometers to monitor your vehicle's speed and braking force. This mode applies the trailer brakes in proportion to the vehicle's momentum. The controller applies less power when travelling uphill and more power when travelling downhill. This results in smoother stops and less stress on the cargo and vehicle. Proportional mode is ideal for highway conditions, where it can feel like the trailer is an extension of your vehicle.
Proportional controllers are more expensive than time-delay controllers, but the price gap has narrowed in recent years. They are also more versatile, with the ability to adapt to each individual braking situation.
Combination controllers, which offer both proportional and timed braking modes, give you the greatest control over your trailer. This allows you to choose the braking style that best suits the road or terrain conditions, vehicle type, or driver preference.
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Using the override function
The override function is an essential feature of electric brake controllers. It allows you to operate the trailer brakes independently of the vehicle brakes. This function is usually used to avoid or rectify trailer sway and is also handy when testing the brakes or hitching a trailer.
The manual override switch is typically used during the initial setup of the controller, but it can be used anytime a gentle brake input is required. Activating the manual switch will usually turn on the trailer tail lights, although this may vary depending on the manufacturer. For example, in the case of the Hopkins Agility Electric Brake Controller, pressing the manual override switch harder will send more voltage to the trailer brakes.
When using the override function, it is important to have the brake controller control knob mounted in a convenient location, within easy reach of the driver or passenger. This ensures that you can react quickly and engage the override function if needed.
To set the trailer brake gain using the override function, follow these steps:
- Locate a flat stretch of pavement and accelerate to about 25 miles per hour.
- Pull the manual override lever fully without stepping on the tow rig's service brakes.
- If the trailer brakes lock up, stop, pull the override lever again, and reduce the power level.
- Repeat this process until the brakes no longer lock up, then slightly reduce the power level to find the optimal setting.
- If the trailer does not respond with a lockup, increase the power level until lockup occurs, and then reduce the power slightly.
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Frequently asked questions
There are two common ways of applying trailer brakes with an electric brake controller: User-Controlled and Proportional (or Inertia Sensing). In the User-Controlled method, the user adjusts the braking force via an interface with the controller. In the Proportional mode, accelerometers are used to provide accurate braking measurement across a range of conditions.
The ideal setting for an electric brake controller is when the trailer and car feel like they are braking as a system together, without the trailer pushing or pulling the car. The trailer brakes should slow the vehicle down without locking up the trailer wheels.
On a level ground when hooked up, put the vehicle in gear without touching anything and start to move forward slowly. Now move the trailer brake slide so it's fully shut. If you can stop the truck and trailer smoothly while in gear, the gain is set right.
