Trailer brake controller

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, enclosed 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

• How to use a brake controller when towing an enclosed trailer
• Draw-Tite webpage
• What You Should Know About Trailer Brakes 1951 Popular Science article that covers the basics very well
• "What You Should Know About Trailer Brakes." Popular Science, July 1969, pp. 111-113, and update of the 1951 article.