Beatrice Lang
Electric trailer brakes are an invaluable tool for safe and efficient towing. They are legally required for caravans and trailers over a certain weight (3,000 lbs in some states, and 4,000 lbs in others). There are two types of electric trailer brake controllers: user-controlled and proportional (or inertia-sensing). User-controlled is a basic method where the user adjusts the braking force via an interface with the controller. In the proportional mode, the braking force is automatically adjusted based on the motion of the trailer. To set up electric trailer brakes, you need to connect the brake controller to the tow vehicle's electrical system, typically using a wiring harness. You may also need to adjust the settings on the brake controller to ensure the brakes are applied correctly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to identify if a trailer has electric brakes | Block the tires, crawl under the trailer and look at the inner side of the wheel. If you see two wires running from the frame of the trailer and feeding inside a hole in the backing plate behind the wheel, the trailer has brakes. |
| How to set up electric trailer brakes | Download the Elecbrakes app on your smartphone, connect the trailer to the vehicle, attach the electrical connections and turn on the vehicle's lights. Launch the app and enable Bluetooth. Take the trailer for a drive on a straight road and apply the brakes. Check if the installation angle is set by confirming the "Settings Device Angle" in the app. |
| How to adjust settings | Use the plus and minus buttons or the dial to control the braking force or "Gain". The higher the number, the more braking power. |
| How to test brakes | Drive at 25 mph on flat level ground and apply brakes. If you don't feel enough braking force, increase the number on the dial until you can stop safely. If there is too much braking force, reduce the number. |
| Types of braking | User-controlled and Proportional (or inertia sensing). In the user-controlled mode, the user adjusts the braking force via an interface with the controller. In the Proportional mode, the controller senses motion and adjusts braking accordingly. |
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What You'll Learn
Check if your trailer has brakes
To check if your trailer has electric brakes, the first thing to do is to block the tires using wheel chocks. Then, grab a flashlight and crawl under the trailer. Look at the inner side of the wheel. If you see two wires running from the frame of the trailer and feeding inside a hole in the backing plate behind the wheel, then your trailer has brakes. Remember that not all wheels may have brakes, depending on the trailer's design.
It is also important to note that the presence of brakes does not guarantee that they are functional. To test if the brakes are working, you can begin driving on flat, level ground at a speed of around 25 miles per hour. Apply the brakes as you normally would when coming to a stop. If you don't feel enough braking force, it may be necessary to adjust the settings to increase the braking power.
If your trailer has brakes, it is essential to have a brake controller installed. This device allows you to control the braking force applied to the trailer. There are two common types of electric trailer brake controllers: User-Controlled and Proportional (or inertia-sensing). The User-Controlled method allows the user to manually adjust the braking force via an interface with the controller. In contrast, the Proportional method relies on motion sensors to automatically adjust the braking force based on the trailer's movement.
In addition to built-in brake controllers, there are also smartphone-based solutions such as Elecbrakes. This device is mounted directly on the trailer and communicates wirelessly with your smartphone via Bluetooth. It offers precise control over the brake response and can be customized according to your preferences.
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Connect the brake controller to the truck
To connect the brake controller to your truck, you must first identify the type of brake controller you have. Most trucks come with an OEM brake controller installed by the manufacturer. These are typically integrated into the dashboard and controlled via the dash, with settings displayed on the instrument panel.
If you are installing an aftermarket controller, there are several options available. One option is to install a wired controller directly into the truck. This typically involves connecting the brake controller to the 7-pin connector on your truck and then connecting the trailer's 7-pin wire harness to the other end of the brake controller.
Another option is to use a wireless brake controller, such as Elecbrakes, which is mounted directly onto the trailer and eliminates the need for hardwiring the tow vehicle. This system uses Bluetooth technology to communicate with a smartphone app, allowing for precise control and monitoring of the brake system.
Once you have identified the type of brake controller you are working with, follow the specific instructions for that system to ensure proper installation and setup. It is important to refer to the owner's manual or seek professional assistance if you are unsure about any part of the process.
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Adjust brake settings
Firstly, you need to locate your brake controller. This could be a dial and two small knobs, or a plus and minus button, and will usually be found on the dash or integrated into the dashboard.
The brake controller will display a number between 0-10, which indicates the amount of braking force or 'gain' that will be applied to the trailer brakes. The higher the number, the more braking power.
You can then test the brakes by driving at around 25 miles per hour on a flat, level surface. Apply the brakes as you normally would, and if you don't feel enough braking force, increase the number on the gain dial until you can stop safely. If there is too much braking force, reduce the number until you feel you can stop safely.
You can also test the brakes at a slower speed, with your foot off the gas pedal. The trailer brakes should slow the vehicle down without locking up the trailer wheels. Test this several times until you get a feel for the trailer and the loads you typically carry.
You can save your preferred brake settings in the device's memory, which is useful if multiple people use the trailer.
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Test the brakes
Once you have adjusted the settings on your controller, it is time to test the brakes. Begin driving at a speed of around 25 miles per hour on a flat, level surface. You can then apply the brakes as you would normally when coming to a stop. If you do not feel enough braking force, increase the number on your gain until you are able to stop safely. If you have too much braking force, reduce the number on your brake controller until you feel you can stop safely.
You want to very slightly feel the trailer. If your unit is inertia-based, it may struggle to lock the wheels on flat ground from a standstill as they apply brake force based on motion. You can test at a speed of 25-30 miles per hour. Keep increasing the adjuster until you lock the brakes, and then back off. Ideally, you want the trailer brakes to be a little stronger than the truck brakes.
On level ground, with the vehicle in gear, you can put the trailer brake slide to fully shut at a speed of 1-5 miles per hour. If you can stop the truck and trailer smoothly, then the gain is set right. If it feels too slow or too fast when applying the trailer brake, adjust as needed.
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Download the Elecbrakes app
Setting up electric trailer brakes can be a complex process, but the ElecBrakes app provides a convenient and user-friendly solution. By downloading this app, you'll have a powerful tool that simplifies the entire process of controlling and monitoring your electric trailer brake system.
The Elecbrakes app is designed to be intuitive and easy to use. Once you've downloaded it from your preferred app store, you'll find that it offers a range of features that make setting up and managing your electric trailer brakes a breeze. With this app, you can say goodbye to the hassles and uncertainties of manual adjustments and calculations.
One of its standout features is the ability to automatically sync with your brake controller. This means you can easily adjust and fine-tune your brake settings directly from your smartphone or device. No more fiddling with complicated hardware setups or relying on imprecise manual adjustments. The app also provides real-time data and feedback, allowing you to monitor your brake system's performance and make any necessary adjustments on the go.
Additionally, the Elecbrakes app offers a comprehensive suite of tools to ensure your trailer brakes are set up correctly. It provides step-by-step guidance through the entire setup process, from initial installation to testing and calibration. With this app, you can be confident that your electric trailer brakes are optimized for safety and performance.
Lastly, the app offers convenience and peace of mind. It enables you to monitor your trailer brakes' health and sends alerts for any potential issues, ensuring you're always aware of your trailer's braking capabilities. With its user-friendly interface and powerful features, the Elecbrakes app is an indispensable tool for anyone looking to streamline electric trailer brake setup and management.
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Frequently asked questions
Block the tires using wheel chocks and crawl under the trailer with a flashlight. Look at the inner side of the wheel. If you see two wires running from the frame of the trailer and feeding inside a hole in the backing plate behind the wheel, the trailer has brakes.
First, download and install the Elecbrakes app on your smartphone. Then, connect the trailer to the vehicle and attach the electrical connections. Turn on the vehicle's lights to power up the Elecbrakes unit. Open the app and ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone. The app will automatically establish a connection with the Elecbrakes unit. Take the trailer for a drive on a straight road and apply your brakes for 4-5 seconds. Check that the installation angle is set by confirming the "Settings Device Angle" in the app.
Your controller should have a plus and minus button or a dial that controls your braking force, also known as "Gain." Adjust the settings until you feel you can stop safely.
Begin driving at 25 miles per hour on flat, level ground. Apply the brakes as you normally would when coming to a stop. If you don't feel enough braking force, increase the number on your gain until you can stop safely.
