What is a Break Controller for Trailers

A brake controller allows the trailer that a driver is towing to slow down from a traveling speed to a smooth and even stop. The brake controller tells the trailer’s brake system how much braking power is needed to stop the trailer.Thus a brake controller is often an essential tool for those who need to tow.

In most states a brake controller is required to be legal when towing. Please be sure to check your states regulations to be sure you.

There are a variety of brake controllers on the market however there are only two distinct groups of brake controllers for your tow vehicle in the market today.  The two groups are referred to as proportional and time delay brake controllers.

The proportional is normally more expensive and has a more intensive installation. The reward of installing the proportional brake controller is smoother operation of the brakes due to the fact it allows the tow vehicle and trailer to act as one unit thus decreasing brake wear. the proportional brake system  uses a pendulum to sense when the vehicle is slowing down to activate the unit. When on level ground the pendulum will be straight up and down. When the tow vehicle accelerates the pendulum will swing to the back of the unit. As the driver applies the brakes on the tow vehicle the pendulum will apply power to the brakes on the towed trailer. The amount of power of course is proportional to the amount of brake pressure the driver applies. Hence if the driver stands on the brakes for a quick stop the trailer brakes will also respond in kind. Typical installation requires the unit to be between  thirty degrees and seventy to allow the pendulum to work properly with almost no side ways tilt allowed. Often due to the nature of the installation one might have to find a professional installer.

The delay brake controller is often less expensive and easier to install. As the name implies, the controller will always have a delay in the power sent to the brakes of the trailer per the the setting determined by the driver. The power setting is set by the driver giving consideration to the amount of weight the tow vehicle is pulling. Often this controller is not as smooth and provides a jerky motion in the towing vehicle when the adjustment is not spot on. For short trips this type of controller will do the  job just fine and can be installed in any direction

A function of newer proportional brake controllers is the boost button. The boost function allows the trailer to brake first then the  towing vehicle by supplying 25% to the brakes set by the driver and then reverts back to using the pendulum to smooth out the stop.

It is our hope that this article has been helpful to you. We do encourage of course that you read and follow all your owners manuals to maintain any warranties you may have. The verbiage above is only to stir your mind as to what you might look for to make your ownership more enjoyable and not to be construed as advice. Storage Oregon will not be held liable for any actions acted upon that cause property or personal damage, likewise real or imagined.

OEM Supplied Brake Controller Wiring Harness Color Guide

If your vehicle did not come equipped with a brake control wiring harness, a brake controller wiring adapter may be available for your vehicle which will provide a simple plug-in installation.

If your vehicle came with a factory provided brake controller wiring harness, the chart below can be used to help match wire colors

Information courtesy of Tekonsha, vehicle manufacturers change wiring configurations regularly, use a circuit tester to verify all connections.