What is trailer brake controller

In fact, the compact device goes directly on the trailer and contains a high-speed microprocessor connected to sensors, which continuously sample the operating parameters of the brakes.

The main unit communicates wirelessly with the driver interface, which takes the form of a simple to use app, compatible with both Apple and Android smartphones. The data is conveyed at your fingertips directly on your smartphone, via the widespread Bluetooth technology. Elecbrakes is compatible with 12V and 24V voltage systems and designed to operate 1 to 2 braked axles. We believe a smart, trailer-based, wireless electric brake controller such as Elecbrakes makes towing so much simpler and gives you the freedom to be more flexible and spontaneous to tow with a broader range of vehicles.

Electric brakes and their controllers are essential for managing heavier loads, as significant power and control are required to bring the weight of the trailer and the towing vehicle to a complete stop. For any owner considering to tow their trailer with more than one vehicle, Elecbrakes is the best solution in terms of electric brake controllers. Now imagine what would happen if your trailer only had its own electric trailer brakes and did not have a brake controller system in place.

You drive down your driveway towards the road, brake to turn and BOOM! Your caravan may push the vehicle into a dangerous situation. Electric trailer brakes do not activate on their own; they require a brake controller in order to do so.

The relevant legislation in our country is provided by ADR38 , which specify trailer brake requirements based on GTM Gross Trailer Mass and are legally binding in all states. To this end, you may choose to install either surge or electric brakes.

Read more about how they work here [link to previous post]. Option one: the trailer can be equipped with mechanical or hydraulic override brakes, which do not require electricity to work and are therefore well-suited for boat trailers, which often end up in water.

In this case, a brake controller is not required as they activate automatically. Option two: equipping the trailer with electric brakes, which run on the electricity supplied by the vehicle.

In this case, an electric brake controller is required. The law also requires that trailers over 2,kg GTM likewise have a breakaway system. A breakaway system is a device that ensures that the trailer slows down on its own accord in the hazardous and unpredictable event that it becomes disconnected from your vehicle while moving.

Consisting of a battery mounted on the trailer and a cable connecting the trailer to the vehicle, the breakaway system is activated if the trailer breaks free, pulling the cable out of its plug with it. A switch will then trigger the battery and apply the trailer brakes to slow the trailer down. The brakes will remain locked for 15 minutes. It is recommended to always check that the battery is charged it should be able to operate for at least 15 minutes and the breakaway system is functioning properly.

To test, simply pull the cable: the trailer brakes should lock automatically. Replace the cable in the switch to disengage. As we have seen, if you are planning on towing any type of trailer with GTM above kg, electric brakes and an electric brake controller are your best bet if your aim is to be safe and compliant with legal requirements.

We at Elecbrakes have developed the electric brake controller that fits the bill. New Cars For Sale. Used Cars For Sale. Sports Cars. Used Cars. Vehicle Care. Ford Edge vs Ford Escape. Toyota Highlander vs Toyota 4Runner. Kia Telluride vs Hyundai Palisade. Honda Pilot vs Toyota Highlander. Toyota Camry vs Honda Accord. Toyota Avalon vs Toyota Camry. Toyota Tundra vs Ford F Ford F vs Chevrolet Silverado Back To Forbes.

Wheels Accessories. Best Trailer Brake Controllers For Mike Hagerty. Updated: Jul 21, Forbes Wheels independently tests and reviews cars and automotive accessories.

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Read Less. If your trailer weighs over 3, pounds loaded, chances are you will need a trailer brake controller. Another reason you might need one is if your trailer has electric brakes. This is definitely a benefit when towing a large rig. I mean, everyone wants to be able to stop as they drive across the country.

But beyond that, having one helps you have a smoother ride and prevents you from having a clunky slowdown. A brake controller also helps decrease your stopping distance. This could be the difference between stopping in time or getting in an accident. Additionally, some automatically adjust based on the terrain.

This is especially helpful when traveling through hilly or mountainous terrain a favorite for many RVers. Using a trailer brake controller is a simple process. The first thing you need to do is set up and install the brake controller. Some brake controllers require a wiring harness.

But, for others, all you need to do to get started is plug in your brake controller. Most brake controllers require very little setup while others are more customizable. You can personalize the settings based on the amount of force you want to apply to the brakes. Update Comments. Product Addons for. Empty Cart. Please log in! Checkout Transfer Cart. Blog Categories. RSS Feed. Follow RSS Feed. Google Plus. What Is A Brake Control?

A typical brake control looks like the image on the left: How does a brake control Work? All brake controls can be devided into two main groups: Proportional also known as pendulum or Inertia and Time Based Also known as 'Solid State' Time Based Brake Controls When the brakes on the vehicle are applied, an electronic signal is sent.