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An electric trailer brake controller is an electronic device that controls the braking system of a trailer. It is necessary equipment when towing heavy loads, as it regulates the electric trailer brakes by activating and monitoring them from the cab of the vehicle. The device is composed of an interface within the driver's reach and a central part responsible for activating the trailer's brakes. There are two main types of electric brake controllers: time-delay and proportional or inertia-based. Electric trailer brake controllers improve towing safety and come in various styles and capacities, with newer options providing wireless and smartphone-based solutions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | An electronic device that controls the braking system on a towable RV |
| Types | Non-proportional, time-based, proportional, inertia-based |
| Function | Activates and controls the electric brakes of a trailer |
| Parts | Interface positioned in the cab within the driver’s reach and the central part responsible for activating the trailer’s brakes |
| Installation | Wired, wireless, remote |
| Compatibility | Trailers with a loaded weight exceeding 3,000 pounds; any trailer with electric or electro-hydraulic brakes |
| Sensitivity | Adjustable |
| Manual activation | Available |
| Brands | Elecbrakes, Echo, Ford TowCommand |
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What You'll Learn
Electric trailer brakes require a controller to operate
There are two basic types of brake controllers: time-delay and proportional or inertia-based. Each type is classified by the method of activation the brake controller uses. A time-delay brake controller operates on simple electrical principles. As soon as the driver presses the brake pedal, the time-based brake controller activates the trailer brakes, applying an increasing amount of power, fixed over time. 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.
Proportional or inertia-based brake controllers use 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. This is especially apparent when braking on a hill. If travelling uphill, the controller applies less power, and when travelling downhill, it applies more power.
Conventionally, electric brake controllers have been installed "in-car". That is, they had to be hard-wired aftermarket within the vehicle for towing. The interface would be mounted within the driver's reach in the cab. This would typically involve drilling holes into the dashboard, fixing mounting brackets with screws, and attaching the interface to these brackets. However, advancements in microprocessors and wireless technology have changed how electric towing systems work. For example, the latest innovation in electric brake controllers is the Australian-designed Elecbrakes, which is installed directly on the trailer, eliminating the need to modify every car used for towing.
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There are two main types: time-delayed and proportional
An electric trailer brake controller is an electronic device that controls the braking system of a towable trailer. It is an essential component for towing safety, especially when managing heavier loads. The controller uses electricity from the tow vehicle to apply a specific amount of power to the trailer brakes.
There are two main types of electric trailer brake controllers: time-delayed and proportional. Time-delayed controllers allow the driver to select a gain setting, which determines the amount of braking force to be applied. Once set, this force remains fixed, whether the driver is coming to a slow stop or braking abruptly. This can cause jerky stops and push-pull between the trailer and the tow vehicle.
On the other hand, proportional controllers apply force to the trailer's brakes proportional to the amount of force being applied to the tow vehicle's brakes. The harder the driver brakes, the more force the controller applies to the trailer's brakes. Newer proportional controllers utilize an accelerometer to detect changes in momentum and apply the appropriate amount of brake force. This results in smoother and more efficient braking, ensuring that the speed of the trailer matches that of the tow vehicle.
Another type of controller mentioned in some sources is the inertia-based or motion-sensing controller, which falls under the proportional type.
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They can be installed in-car or directly on the trailer
Electric trailer brake controllers are electronic devices that control the electric brakes of a trailer. They can be installed in-car or directly on the trailer.
Conventionally, electric brake controllers have been installed in-car, which involves hard-wiring the device aftermarket within the vehicle for towing. This typically involves drilling holes into the dashboard, fixing mounting brackets with screws, and attaching the interface to these brackets. The wiring is then connected to the vehicle's wiring loom and run to the rear, terminating at the vehicle's trailer adapters.
However, advancements in microprocessors and wireless technology have led to the development of remote mount electric trailer brake controllers that can be installed directly on the trailer. For example, Elecbrakes, an Australian innovation, is a compact device that contains a high-speed microprocessor connected to sensors, continuously sampling the operating parameters of the brakes. The main unit communicates wirelessly with the driver interface, a smartphone app that allows for convenient control and monitoring of the trailer brakes.
The benefit of installing the brake controller directly on the trailer is that it eliminates the need to modify every vehicle used for towing purposes. This provides added flexibility and convenience, especially when multiple vehicles are used for towing the same trailer.
Overall, the installation process for electric trailer brake controllers offers options for both in-car and trailer-mounted setups, providing flexibility to meet the specific needs and preferences of trailer owners.
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They can be controlled via a smartphone app
Electric trailer brake controllers are electronic devices that regulate electric trailer brakes. They are necessary for trailers with electric brakes. They are controlled by the driver from the cab of the vehicle, where the interface is usually installed.
Traditionally, electric brake controllers have been installed "in-car", requiring hard-wiring and drilling holes in the dashboard. However, advancements in wireless technology have led to the development of remote-mount electric trailer brake controllers that can be installed directly on the trailer, eliminating the need for modifications to the tow vehicle.
One such innovation is Elecbrakes, an Australian-designed system that uses a high-speed microprocessor connected to sensors to continuously monitor the operating parameters of the brakes. Elecbrakes communicates wirelessly with the driver interface, which is a smartphone app compatible with Apple and Android devices. This allows for convenient control and monitoring of the trailer brake activity via your smartphone, providing added flexibility and configuration options.
Another example of a smartphone-controlled electric trailer brake controller is the CURT mobile brake controller, which utilizes Bluetooth technology to connect with your smartphone. This plug-and-play adapter installs between the trailer-to-vehicle 7-pin electrical connector, allowing for wireless control of the brake settings without the need for an additional interface in the tow vehicle.
These smartphone-controlled electric trailer brake controllers offer a range of benefits, including ease of use, flexibility, and precise control of the trailer brakes, ensuring a smoother and more efficient braking experience.
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They are necessary for towing heavy loads
Electric trailer brake controllers are necessary for towing heavy loads. They are electronic devices that regulate the electric trailer brakes, allowing the driver to activate and monitor trailer brake activity from the cab of the vehicle. They are essential for managing heavier loads as they provide the power and control needed to bring the weight of the trailer and the towing vehicle to a complete stop.
There are two basic types of brake controllers: time-delay and proportional or inertia-based. Time-delay brake controllers activate the trailer brakes when the driver presses the brake pedal, applying an increasing amount of power over time. This can be adjusted to accommodate different trailers. However, the response of the trailer brakes will always be the same, regardless of whether the driver brakes gently or abruptly.
Proportional or inertia-based brake controllers, on the other hand, measure the changing momentum or inertia of the moving car using an accelerometer. They work independently of the car's brakes and send the precise amount of voltage to the trailer brakes to match the speed of the tow vehicle. This results in a smoother and more efficient braking experience, ensuring that the trailer brakes last longer.
Newer brake controllers, like the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite, offer both proportional braking for everyday use and a time-delayed mode for off-road use. Elecbrakes, an Australian innovation, is another example of a modern brake controller. It is mounted directly on the trailer and uses wireless Bluetooth technology to communicate with the driver's smartphone, eliminating the need for modifications to the tow vehicle.
Overall, electric trailer brake controllers are crucial for towing heavy loads, providing the necessary power and control to ensure safe and efficient braking.
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Frequently asked questions
An electric 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.
Electric trailer brake controllers can be classified into non-proportional, time-based, proportional or inertia-based types. Older non-proportional electric brake controllers are activated when the driver presses on the car’s brakes, applying braking force over time based on the chosen setting. Proportional controllers, on the other hand, react proportionally, meaning there is a direct, linear relationship between what the tow vehicle's brakes are doing and what the trailer's are told to do.
If your trailer has electric brakes, you will need a brake controller to utilise them. It is also necessary equipment to tow heavy loads.
The process varies based on the device’s manufacturer. However, some common steps include disconnecting your tow vehicle’s negative battery cable, choosing where to mount the controller’s interface, and connecting the interface using a vehicle-specific wiring harness.
