Trailer Brake Controller
Encyclopedia
A brake controller is usually an oem or aftermarket installed device or module. It is mounted to the tow vehicle's drivers side dashboard area that engages a trailer’s braking system time delayed or proportional to the tow vehicle's brake engagement when slowing down or coming to a halt. A brake controller is not needed with a trailer
surge braking system unless using modern electric over hydraulic devices.
Most basic brake controllers will generally have a +/- gain adjustment. The tow vehicle operator would set the gain as high as possible but without the trailer brakes locking-up after making a few test stops. The heavier the trailer, the higher the gain adjustment would be set and therefore the less chances of wheel lock-up.
A wide range of trailers will contain trailer brakes (for example; larger boats trailers, horse trailers, covered utility trailers, travel trailers including small 10-foot and longer tent trailers and car carriers). Smaller trailers may not contain trailer brakes (for example; basic 4'x8' utility trailers). It is highly recommended that if the total trailer weight is over a couple thousand pounds, the trailer needs to have some sort of braking system and the tow vehicle be equipped with a brake controller.
Trailer (vehicle)
A trailer is generally an unpowered vehicle pulled by a powered vehicle. Commonly, the term trailer refers to such vehicles used for transport of goods and materials....
surge braking system unless using modern electric over hydraulic devices.
Most basic brake controllers will generally have a +/- gain adjustment. The tow vehicle operator would set the gain as high as possible but without the trailer brakes locking-up after making a few test stops. The heavier the trailer, the higher the gain adjustment would be set and therefore the less chances of wheel lock-up.
A wide range of trailers will contain trailer brakes (for example; larger boats trailers, horse trailers, covered utility trailers, travel trailers including small 10-foot and longer tent trailers and car carriers). Smaller trailers may not contain trailer brakes (for example; basic 4'x8' utility trailers). It is highly recommended that if the total trailer weight is over a couple thousand pounds, the trailer needs to have some sort of braking system and the tow vehicle be equipped with a brake controller.
External Links
- Draw-Tite webpage
- What You Should Know About Trailer Brakes 1951 Popular Science article that covers the basics very well