Installing a brake controller

Just remember to place the device close enough to the trailer plug for it to be connected to both the trailer and the tow vehicle. We recommend mounting the device on either the inside or outside of the trailer draw bar.

The plug and play version of the Elecbrakes device has identical functionality to the hardwired version. The difference is that it comes with waterproof connectors and the adaptors are pre-wired. In that case the device would be configured as per the following electric brake controller wiring diagram. For more information on how electric brake controller option using our hard-wired option, see our handy installation guide.

For the ultimate in on-the-go brake response adjustment, our customers love the Elecbrakes in-car remote control. Once you have connected your device simply power up your remote and it will automatically connect to your brake controller. It will display a tick on screen when connected.

We believe that the easy 10 minute Elecbrakes installation is just one more reason to join the towing revolution and get brake smart Elecbrakes — the ultimate in proportional brake control.

Elecbrakes makes electric brake controller installation fast and easy and it gives you the freedom to use any compatible tow vehicle with your trailer.

Without the synchronized controller, the trailer-load weight may push the towing vehicle ahead of it into an intersection or jackknife. How long do trailer brakes last? On average you can expect between 6 to 24 months. However, depending on the size of your average load or miles clocked, you should look to replace them every six months.

Lighter use may give your trailer brakes a year lifespan, so you should monitor your usage and conduct frequent checks on your trailer brakes.

How much does it cost to fit a Redarc brake controller? Some people claim that it is possible to install the Redarc oneself, but it is not advised.

The proper functioning of the unit is crucial for your safety and the safety of other drivers. The main unit sensors your vehicle speed, direction, and braking force. If it is not correctly attached its readings may be faulty, which can be disastrous on the open road.

Do you need a brake controller if you have a tow package? Yes, generally, tow packages will not provide you controller but will provide a hitch platform, transmission and engine cooling, a strong frame to mount the hitch, and a towing wiring harness. This harness will allow you to connect your brake controller without having to cut or splice electric wires for connection.

Ask your dealer about tow packages. Dealerships such as Ford offer the Max Tow Package provides all of the above and an onboard brake controller. Facts You Should Know. Read This First. The electric current from the brake controller energizes a magnet that attaches itself to the spinning brake drum. This causes the actuating arm to pivot and spreads the brake shoes to contact the brake drum and apply the brakes. Brake controllers are an electronic device that powers electric trailer brakes.

The driver activates and regulates trailer brake activity from the cab of the vehicle. The mounted brake controller has an interface to view braking information and buttons to control output and a manual override switch. The two main types of brake controllers are:. This type of controller operates on a simple system. When the driver presses the brake pedal, the time-based controller engages the brakes, increasing power over a fixed time, which is called gain.

The driver can adjust the gain setting to suit his specific trailer, but this system is not as precise as the proportional system. Inertia based controllers use an electrical circuit called an accelerometer to sense momentum changes. This system provides a smooth and efficient form of braking, especially on hills. The controller lessens power on the uphill and increases pressure on downhill momentum. How much does it cost to fit an Anderson plug? 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. The button on the right is the actuator for engaging the trailer brakes manually. This is the harness we chose for our truck. There are a couple of options on the plugs for GM trucks, the year and model determine where the red wire goes, the instructions are clear for each vehicle.

Under the dash is a panel that covers the ports. The hex knob in the center unscrews to release the cover. Behind the cover is the electrical port block. The harness simply plugs in, then the cover can go back on. We mounted the trailer brake controller bracket under the dash, in the coin pocket below the radio. The harness is a direct plug-in to the controller. In order to connect to the trailer, a 7-pin plug is required. This one came from NAPA as well. Our truck had the right connector for the plug from the factory.

If your vehicle does not have one, you can add one using the factory wires and a harness from NAPA. This is a special hole cutter called a rota-broach. It makes cutting holes in metal much easier. You can do this with a regular hole saw, but it takes much longer and the result is not as clean.