If you are going to be towing a travel trailer, chances are it will have trailer brakes and require a trailer brake controller. Many newer trucks and SUVs come with a towing package that includes an integrated trailer brake controller. If they don’t have one equipped, they should at least have a connector for it under the dash. This article will help explain trailer brake controllers and briefly explain how you can install one yourself with basic knowledge and tools.
Understanding Trailer Brake Controllers
What Is a Trailer Brake Controller?
Most travel trailers, toy haulers, and fifth wheels will come equipped with electric brakes. They use voltage to activate the brakes and slow down the trailer. A trailer brake controller regulates the brakes on a trailer being towed and ensures that the trailer’s brakes respond in sync with the towing vehicle. This allows for better control and reduces stopping distances.
Benefits of Using a Trailer Brake Controller
Enhanced Safety
A trailer brake controller significantly improves safety by reducing the risk of trailer sway and allowing for more controlled stops, especially in emergency situations.
Extended Brake Life
Properly adjusted trailer brakes wear out less quickly, saving you money on maintenance and replacements.
Legal Requirements
In many states, using a trailer brake controller is a legal requirement when towing trailers over a certain weight. Complying with these regulations is essential to avoid fines and ensure road safety.
Types of Trailer Brake Controllers
There are several types of trailer brake controllers available:
Time-Delayed Controllers
Time-delayed controllers apply the trailer brakes with a predetermined delay after the towing vehicle’s brakes are engaged. They are suitable for various towing situations and are cost-effective.
Proportional (Inertia-Based) Controllers
Proportional controllers sense the deceleration of the towing vehicle and apply the trailer brakes proportionally. This results in smoother and more precise braking, making them ideal for heavy loads.
Integrated Controllers
Integrated controllers are built into the towing vehicle’s dashboard, offering seamless control, and monitoring of the trailer brakes. They are often found in modern trucks and SUVs.
Installation and Setup
Installing a Trailer Brake Controller
Installing a trailer brake controller may seem daunting, but with basic tools and a little bit of mechanical ability you should be able to do it yourself and save some money in the process. Each brand of brake controller and will be a little different. Depending on the year, make, and model of the truck the location of the harness will be different, but the process should be the same.
Step 1: Locate your truck’s trailer brake wiring harness.
Normally it can be found under the dash near the pedals or closer to the center near the radio.
Step 2: Connect the wiring harness.
If you have the right wiring harness, you should be able to plug the harness from the truck into the harness for the controller. If the truck does not have a harness, it may have four loose wires that you can connect with the supplied wire connectors. Match the colors and you’re good to go.
Step 3: Mount the controller.
You need to find a suitable place to mount the controller. Make sure that it is out of the way when driving and won’t interfere with any other controls in the truck. I usually mounted them on the lower dash nearest to the center console. Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions; the controller may need to be kept at certain angles. Finally, you will have to secure the mount to the dash. This was always the scary part for me, but it isn’t as big of a deal as it seems. Make sure there aren’t any wires in the dash behind the mounting location and slowly install the screws into the dash.
Step 4: Calibrate
To calibrate your brake controller, you will need to adjust using the dial or buttons on the controller. The way I like to set up my controller is to manually apply the trailer brakes at a slow speed. Keep your feet off the gas and brake pedals and apply the trailer brake. It should slow the vehicle down without locking up the trailer brakes. From the you can adjust more or less brake depending on your needs and preferences.
