A
brake controller is usually an
original equipment manufacturer or aftermarket-installed device or module. It is mounted to the tow vehicle's driver's-side dashboard area, and engages a trailer's electrical braking system either time delayed, or in proportion 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. The trailer in this case usually has either
electric friction brakes or electric-hydraulic trailer brake actuators.
Most basic brake controllers will generally have a plus-minus gain adjustment. The tow vehicle operator sets 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 is set and therefore the less chances of wheel lock-up.
A wide range of trailers contain trailer brakes (for example, larger boat trailers,
horse trailers, covered utility trailers, enclosed trailers, travel trailers including small and longer tent trailers and car carriers). Smaller trailers may not contain trailer brakes (for example, basic utility trailers). It is recommended that, if the total trailer weight is over a couple thousand kilograms, the trailer have some sort of braking system, and the tow vehicle be equipped with a brake controller.
Types
There are a different types of brake controllers that are currently or previously on the market.
Air-actuated electric brake controller
This controller uses the air pressure of the brake system on a vehicle with
pneumatic brakes to provide a current to control the electric brakes of a trailer.
Hydraulic actuated electric controller
This controller uses the hydraulic pressure of the brake system on a vehicle with
hydraulic brake
A hydraulic brake is an arrangement of braking mechanism which uses brake fluid, typically containing glycol ethers or diethylene glycol, to transfer pressure from the controlling mechanism to the braking mechanism.
History
During 1904, Frederick ...
s to provide a current to control the electric brakes of a trailer.
Some truck manufacturers offers this as an OEM option, like Ford with its
Ford TowCommand.
Pedal-mounted pressure pad proportional controller
A separate sensor is mounted on the brake pedal to connect to the controller.
Proportional brake controller
Senses the deceleration of the vehicle through a pendulum or similar device to apply a suitable current for braking of the trailer.
Surge brake
When the tow vehicle slows down the trailer pushes against it, an actuator applies force to its master cylinder and the hydraulic pressure is transferred to the brakes
Time-delayed brake controller
Applies brake current with a ramp-up over time to a certain level set by the driver.
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References
Brakes
Vehicle braking technologies
Automotive accessories
Vehicle modifications