Installing trailer brake controller

We mounted the trailer brake controller in the change pocket under the radio. Since this is a time-delay unit, we could mount it anywhere, even upside down. Once the harness is connected to the unit, the ignition was turned on and the system was checked. Pressing the stop button causes the reader to quickly jump up to 99, which is full application. Pressing the brake pedal causes the display to read up to the max gain, which is adjustable by using the two arrow buttons on the left.

Out back we needed to mount a 7-pin trailer plug connector. We could have mounted this under the truck with a bracket, but we chose to cut a hole in the bumper for a more factory-looking install.

This takes some time, so be patient. Next, the exterior plug was centered and squared to the vehicle, and we pre-drilled the four mounting holes and then used stainless-steel screws to secure the plug to the bumper. The result is a factory-looking installation with proper trailer brake controls. We tested the system hauling a foot Pace American enclosed trailer loaded with a 4,pound car. With the trailer brakes now functioning like they should, the truck is much better at slowing and stopping.

In a heavy crosswind, the enclosed trailer was getting pushed around, which before would have been a bit scary. With the trailer brakes, we were able to tap the actuator button and bring the trailer back in line without issue. If you are going to haul a trailer on a regular basis, you need a proper brake controller. Want to know more about towing? Here are 11 trailer towing tips to keep you safe on the road. Know How. A life-long gearhead, Jefferson Bryant spends more time in the shop than anywhere else.

His career began in the car audio industry as a shop manager, eventually working his way into a position at Rockford Fosgate as a product designer.

In , he began writing tech articles for magazines, and has been working as an automotive journalist ever since. Jefferson has also written 4 books and produced countless videos. Jefferson operates Red Dirt Rodz, his personal garage studio, where all of his magazine articles and tech videos are produced.

Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Skip to content Hauling a trailer may be part of your job, part of your hobby, or just an occasional jaunt to pick up some materials. Trailer Brake Types There are two main types of trailer brakes, hydraulic and electric. Enter The Electric Trailer Brake Electric trailer brakes operate under a similar principle to an emergency brake, only they are not cable operated, rather a magnetic piston pulls when energized, operating the brakes.

The Voyager XL is a proportional trailer brake controller. It is plug and play, but you have to have the right connector. Time-delay controllers like this one operate on a basic timing circuit, so the brakes are engaged the same way every time you press the pedal.

Plug the electric brake controller into the trailer cable and the tow car socket. Connect the electric brake controller using the free Elecbrakes smartphone app. Mount the device onto the trailer draw bar Elecbrakes makes it easy to install an electric brake controller. Step 1 Hold the device in the desired position and mark the drill holes for mounting on the draw bar.

Step 2 Pre-drill the holes using a mm drill bit. Step 3 Lubricate screws before tightening. Step 4 Place unit in position and mount with your drill using self-tapping screws and a No. Plug the loom into the trailer connection The plug and play version of the Elecbrakes device has identical functionality to the hardwired version. Step 1 Turn on your car headlights to supply power to the elecbrakes device and launch the app.

This indicates that the brake controller is working and the trailer brakes are being activated. Step 5 Release your foot off the brake pedal and the circle on screen returns to a blue tick icon. This installation is more complicated and may require a lot of extra parts in addition to the controller itself. You can plug them in yourself as long as you have the required plug.

These brake controllers are easier to install overall, though they may be a bit less reliable. You only have to plug in the receiver and you can control your brake settings via your smartphone over a Bluetooth connection. They are simple and convenient, but they are also fairly new. Wireless brake controllers can only be proportional.

Trailer-mounted brake controllers may require some installation steps, but for the most part, they are easy to install. Trailer-mounted brake controllers are usually proportional.

These brake controllers install in much the same way as traditional under-dash controllers. The only difference is that you have to install a dash-mounted knob to control your brakes. This may require additional adaptors, harnesses, and wiring, though some knobs can adhere to the dash rather than fully installed. Dashboard-mounted controller knobs can be proportional or time-delayed. Trailer-mounted controllers are next, followed by traditional brake controllers. Wireless brake controllers are the least expensive to install, even if the controller itself is more expensive.

Just follow the link to Amazon where you can see current pricing. Keep in mind that some wireless and trailer-mounted controllers are much easier to install yourself, but may cost more upfront. Check around for service shops, trailer stores, and family mechanics to find the best installation prices for your vehicle and RV. A brake controller allows vehicles that are towing a trailer to activate the trailer brakes independently of their vehicle brakes. There are two types of electric brake controllers: time-delay controllers and proportional controllers.

Proportional controllers are more difficult to install, as they have to be mounted very precisely and be tuned correctly. These controllers activate your trailer brakes in response to how your vehicle is braking. If you press the brake pedal to the floor very quickly like an emergency stop , the trailer brakes are immediately going to activate. Time-delayed controllers are simpler to install. Essentially, you can adjust the delay between when you brake inside the vehicle and when the trailer brakes apply.

You can have multiple settings for different conditions if you wish, and you can switch between them on the device itself which installs on or under your dashboard. Can you pull a trailer with electric brakes without a controller? Yes, It is possible, but not only could it be dangerous but pulling a trailer of 1,lbs, or over without adequate, integrated braking systems are illegal.

Your brake controller manages the electric current that runs from your car battery to the trailer brakes. The trailer takes the current from the car battery and controls this flow to power the magnets on the trailer wheel hubs. Without the synchronized controller, the trailer-load weight may push the towing vehicle ahead of it into an intersection or jackknife.