Wiktor Wise
Brake controllers are an essential component of safe and legal towing. They are electronic devices that regulate the electric brakes of a trailer, allowing the driver to monitor and activate trailer brake activity from the cab of the vehicle. When installing a brake controller, it is important to first disconnect the vehicle battery to prevent injury and damage to the vehicle's electronics. The brake controller is then mounted onto the dash or trailer draw bar and plugged into the vehicle's wiring harness or trailer cable. The specific steps for installation may vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle, so it is important to refer to the owner's manual or seek professional assistance if needed.
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What You'll Learn
Mounting the electric brake controller
Firstly, it is essential to disconnect the vehicle's battery to prevent any potential damage to the vehicle's electronics and ensure safety during the installation process. Disconnect the negative battery cable and move it to the side. This step is crucial for protecting the vehicle's electrical components.
Next, choose a suitable mounting location for the brake controller. The placement should be easily accessible and visible to the driver while not obstructing the view of the road or other controls. A common location for the mounting bracket is on the lower right side of the dashboard, providing easy access in case of emergency braking situations. Another option is to mount it below and to the side of the steering wheel, keeping it within sight but out of the way. Ensure that the controller is not installed close to sensitive electronics like a CB radio or other RF transmitters.
Once the mounting location is selected, use the mounting bracket as a template to mark the drill holes. Place the bracket in the desired position and use it as a guide to mark where the holes need to be drilled. Be cautious not to drill through components on the other side of the dashboard. If possible, remove the panel you're drilling into to avoid any unnecessary risks of damaging vehicle electronics.
After marking the drill holes, proceed to drill the holes for the fasteners included with the bracket. Drill a hole for each fastener, being mindful of the components behind the dashboard. With the holes drilled, reposition the brake controller bracket and install the fasteners securely. Many brake controllers come with self-tapping screws, so be careful not to overtighten or strip out the holes.
Finally, attach the brake controller to the mounting bracket using the included bolts. Secure the controller in place, ensuring it is firmly mounted. With the physical installation complete, you can now proceed to the wiring process, connecting the brake controller to the vehicle's electrical system.
Please refer to the specific instructions included with your electric brake controller unit for detailed wiring instructions.
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Connecting the brake controller
The next step is to find a suitable mounting location for the brake controller. The controller should be easily visible while driving but not obstruct the view of the road or other controls. The brake controller can then be mounted onto the chosen location, such as the trailer draw bar, using a bracket and hardware such as bolts or self-tapping screws.
After mounting, the brake controller can be plugged in. If the vehicle is equipped with a plug-and-play harness, this can be used to connect the brake controller to the vehicle's factory harness under the dashboard. If the vehicle does not have a plug-and-play harness, splicing may be required. This involves carefully separating the bundle of wires under the dash and stripping the wires as needed before connecting them to the brake controller harness.
Finally, power must be supplied to the brake controller unit. This can be done using a factory power feed wire located under the hood near the fuse box, which can be attached to the auxiliary power terminal on the fuse box.
Some brake controllers may also offer alternative connection methods, such as connecting to a smartphone app. This involves turning on the car headlights to supply power to the device and opening the app to complete the connection.
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Using a vehicle-specific wiring harness
To begin the installation, you will need to disconnect the negative cable from your vehicle's battery and move it to the side. This is an important safety precaution to prevent injury and protect your vehicle's electronics.
Next, locate the vehicle's factory wiring harness, typically found under the dash. The exact location may vary depending on your vehicle, so it is advisable to refer to a diagram or your vehicle's manual. With the factory harness located, plug one end of the vehicle-specific wiring harness into it.
The other end of the vehicle-specific wiring harness will then plug into the brake controller. This step integrates the brake controller with your vehicle's systems, allowing them to communicate and function together.
Finally, you will need to find a suitable mounting location for the brake controller. Ensure that it is securely mounted and easily visible while driving, without obstructing your view of the road or other controls. With these steps completed, your electric brake controller is installed and ready for use.
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Splicing wires from the vehicle
To begin the splice-in installation, disconnect the negative battery cable and move it to the side. Locate the wiring bundle for the brake controller, which is typically found underneath the dash. Carefully separate the wires and remove any tape holding them together. Strip the vehicle-side wires as needed and separate them to prepare for splicing in the brake controller harness.
Strip the wires on the brake controller harness if necessary, and attach butt connectors. Splice the wires from the vehicle to the brake controller harness, ensuring that the colours match. With the wires securely crimped together, you can now plug the brake controller harness into your brake controller unit.
Find a suitable mounting location for the brake controller, ensuring it is easily visible while driving but not obstructing your view or other controls. The final step is to supply power to the brake controller unit. Locate the factory power feed wire under the hood, near the fuse box, and attach it to the auxiliary power terminal.
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Calibrating the brake controller
First, ensure that your trailer is plugged into your tow vehicle. This will initiate the calibration process for most brake controllers. Modern brake controllers are often self-calibrating, and you will know the calibration has begun when you see a flashing light or signal. If your brake controller did not come with a manual, check online for the specific model to ensure you are using the correct calibration procedure.
Once the calibration has started, you may need to adjust the settings to match your vehicle, trailer, and load size. Begin by selecting the gain level and sensitivity as recommended by the manufacturer. The gain level refers to the amount of power the brake controller applies to the trailer brakes, and it should match the trailer and load size.
After setting the gain level, test the brake controller and brakes. If you need more stopping power, increase the gain or sensitivity as required. Remember to refer to your manufacturer's instructions for specific details on how to adjust these settings. It is important to take the necessary precautions when testing the brakes to ensure your safety and compliance with road rules.
Some brake controllers also offer personal settings that can be adjusted to your preferences, such as the angle of the interface, the brightness of the screen, and the location of the brake controller. Ensure that you adjust these settings before driving.
Finally, if you encounter any issues during the calibration process or if your brake controller is not functioning properly, consult a professional or refer to online forums for troubleshooting advice.
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Frequently asked questions
The brake controller's wiring needs to be connected to the vehicle's wiring loom and run to the rear of the vehicle and the trailer plug. The trailer wiring harness should be plugged into the vehicle. The brake controller will then calibrate.
The first step is to disconnect the vehicle battery. This is to prevent injury and damage to the vehicle's electronics.
The next step is to mount the brake controller onto the dash or in the cab of the vehicle. The brake controller should be easily visible while driving but not obstructing your view of the road or other controls.
