How to Pick the Right Brake Controller for Your Trailer

If you have a trailer, chances are you already know what a brake controller is.

But if you don't, here you'll learn about the available trailer brake controller alternatives, how these controllers function, and how to choose which brake controller will work best for your specific requirements.

What Exactly Is an Electronic Trailer Brake Control?

When a driver presses on the brake pedal of the tow vehicle, power is transferred from the trailer brake controller to the trailer's braking system. These gadgets underwent a fundamental transformation when anti-lock braking systems (ABS) were first introduced onto the market.

Brake controllers in this day and age now interface electronically with the braking system of the tow vehicle. Whereas in the past, they were linked with the hydraulic lines in the braking system of the tow vehicle.

Do I Absolutely Need to Invest in a Trailer Brake Controller?

Braking systems separate from the vehicle are typically unnecessary for lightweight trailers. Nonetheless, accessibility is expanding directly due to improved awareness and safety standards. As a result, the use of surge brakes, which do not necessitate the use of a controller, is common on boat trailers.

So pay attention to how your car is configured because the major manufacturers now include the controller in some factory-installed towing packages they sell. If you do not require one, you should forego the additional cost.

Different Types of Controllers for Trailer Brakes

There are as many as four distinct types of control modules. Each of these might be categorized differently depending on the context. The price of a trailer brake controller can range anywhere from $45 to several hundred dollars.

However, when you tow regularly or over a significant distance, the initial investment in your controller will prove to be well worth the money.

Controllers for the delayed application of the brakes

The time-delayed brake controllers are the most cost-effective option. They function by applying a certain amount of force to the trailer's brakes for a predetermined period.

The operator is responsible for adjusting the onset delay, power level, and length of the brake application to be compatible with the load requirements, the frequency with which a vehicle is utilized for towing, and the operator's driving style.

The controller installation may be done at any angle (we'll explain why this is crucial in a bit). This controller may work extremely well for someone who just tows on occasion, for very short distances, or tows loads that are quite light to medium in weight.

The absence of a variable in the amount of braking power it provides is the primary limitation of this system.

As a result, compared to the brakes on the tow vehicle, the brakes on the trailer may apply much more forcefully under low braking conditions. Because of this, the brakes on the trailer have to bear the weight of slowing down both the vehicle and the trailer. This causes the brakes on the trailer to wear out far faster than they should.

On the other hand, more difficult braking conditions need the tow vehicle to compensate for the restricted power given to the trailer brakes. Because of this, the vehicle's brakes being towed may experience excessive wear and heating, and in the worst-case scenario, a larger trailer may become jackknifed.

Brake controllers that are based on inertia

A subgroup of controllers known as inertia-based controllers adjusts the amount of braking power applied to a trailer whenever it detects a shift in the position of a pendulum. The more abruptly a vehicle applies brakes, the more pendulum movement it creates, and the more force is sent to the trailer's brakes.

This type of controller has several problems, including the requirement that it be installed on a flat surface and the fact that it is easily deceived by steep inclines.

Proportional controller

A proportional controller, such as the one illustrated above, makes use of accelerometers to determine how hard the brakes are being applied and then applies the appropriate amount of force to them.

This reaction ensures that the tow vehicle and trailer continue to function together in light, heavy, or rapid braking scenarios. It also ensures that the stress is distributed equally for a smooth and responsive operation.

Even if they are a superior gadget, the installation process is more complicated, and the price is higher, so if you don't tow very frequently, installing them in your car might not be worth it. The current cost trends make proportional controllers more accessible to consumers with lower budgets than they were in the past.

Hydraulic-over-electronic controller

The hydraulic-over-electric controller is a product of recent technological advancements. Utilizing minicomputers converts the pressure in hydraulic lines into electric current.

However, people generally associate "new" with "expensive" until they become more prevalent. This is because they are the next generation of controllers, and they are currently the most flexible controllers available on the market.

A Look at Some Installation Considerations for Trailer Brake Controllers

The installation of a trailer brake controller is quite straightforward for most do-it-yourself mechanics.

Although newer models of cars often come with a seven-point harness for installing controllers, various types are available. Should you find that you need to purchase the controller side of the harness, you may do it with ease at any auto parts store or online.

You could find a factory pre wired plug tucked away under the dashboard of your vehicle. When seated in the driver's seat, it will be tucked away in a little space just over your right knee. On rare occasions, you'll discover that it's located on the left side.

If the manufacturer did not prewire a run back to the trailer brake harness, you would be responsible for installing one in a single length of wire that does not break up at any point.

Keep in mind that to function correctly, inertia-activated controllers and some proportional controllers need to be positioned so that they are approximately level. In order to avoid jarring the device while you are driving, you should also check the clearance above your knees.

If you tow in high-demand scenarios because of the slope, the distance, or the frequency, you should also consider updating your rotors to a slotted and cross-drilled style, as well as upgrading your pads and brake fluid to high-temperature items.

Conclusion

If you're looking for a brake controller that will work well with your trailer, look for one with a wide range of adjustment settings. Then, you won't have to spend hours fine-tuning each setting to find the perfect fit. And when it comes to safety, you should always err on caution.

A brake controller that doesn't offer enough adjustment options could cause problems down the line.

For more valuable information, check out our blog full of answers to questions you didn't even know you needed.