How does trailer brake controller work

Elecbrakes works via wireless Bluetooth technology: the trailer-installed device utilises Bluetooth 4. It is also fully customizable: the driver can easily control the brake response with precise settings you can choose up to 5 favourite programs through the smartphone app, available both for Apple and Android. A driver who is borrowing or renting a trailer equipped with Elecbrakes will only need to download the free app on their phone—that is the only set up required, once the trailer is attached to the towing vehicle.

The trailer-mounted, compact device employs a high-speed microprocessor connected to sensors, which continuously sample the various operating parameters at a thousand times per second. Its long range capabilities guarantee a consistent, trustworthy wireless connection, without dropouts under typical operating conditions.

No matter how many vehicles will tow your trailer, you will only ever need to install Elecbrakes once—and have the peace of mind of a high-precision, safe, and compliant solution to your towing needs. Unless your trailer weighs less than kg when loaded, you will be required to install brakes. Vehicle-based electric brake controllers require modifications to be made to the tow vehicle or vehicles , usually to the dash area. Both units should be mounted inside the vehicle with screws or other secure fitting methods, to avoid any movement on their part.

Depending on whether the brake controller is of motion-sensing or time-delay type, you may need to position the main unit at a certain angle with respect to the direction of motion. You will then fix the provided mounting brackets with screws by drilling a few holes into the dashboard and attach the interface to these brackets. Ease of use and ease of installation are a priority here at Elecbrakes. This is why Elecbrakes can be installed and set up in 5 easy steps that require only a few tools and minimal mechanical knowledge, all easily accomplished in under 2 hours.

The compact device, with dimensions of 14x9cm, is designed to be mounted on the chassis rails or draw bar of the trailer; it can be mounted on the side, the top or the bottom as long as it is not mounted on an incline.

Plug and play options for existing connections are also available, for an even faster setup. Centre punch mounting hole location and pre-drill mounting holes use mm drill. Lubricate and insert 4 self drilling and tapping screws into pre-drilled mounting holes. Follow the wiring diagram supplied to connect the wires to the trailer wiring circuits, using splice connectors as illustrated. For more information on wiring, click here. The app will automatically establish a connection with the Elecbrakes main unit.

Brake response will begin once calibration is complete. Now you can set and save up to 5 favourite programs accounting for load, driving conditions, driver preferences by swiping left from the Home Screen. Swipe right to select an existing program. The programs are saved within the Elecbrakes device on your trailer, so any changes made to programs will be accessible to other users when towing this trailer, even if they are using a different smartphone.

What makes Elecbrakes so innovative and different is that this electric brake controller is a trailer-mounted solution rather than an in-car one. The distinction may be a bit fuzzy until you think about the practicalities of towing. Say that, after years of research and saving up, you finally bought the caravan of your dreams. Caravans are durable goods, not to mention important investments, and chances are you are looking forward to using it for years to come.

This often involved hanging out of the side of trains and working on top of train cars in all types of weather.

This perilous job often resulted in brakemen falling from trains, colliding with structures on the side of the railway or being run over and crushed. This resulted in extra long stopping distances and occasional accidents. As the ability of trains to go faster improved, so too the requirement for a more efficient braking system. It can all be done electronically. However, the principle remains the same. You can think of an electric brake controller as your vehicles brakeman.

When brakes are activated on the towing vehicle, they signal to apply the brakes on the trailer or caravan as well. Without proper brake control, the inertia of the load behind can result in excessive stopping distances, damage to vehicle parts as well as danger of shifting loads and jackknifing. Modern electric brakes on trailers and caravans work by electromagnets and friction. When an electric signal from the vehicle flows through the electric brake controller to the trailer brake, the magnet 5 is attracted to the drum face.

When it makes contact, the drum will cause the actuating arm 4 to rotate which pushes the shoes 3 against the drum, causing friction. To resist the heat caused by this friction, the shoes are covered in a heat resistant brake pad material. The degree to which the brake is applied is directly proportional to the current flowing to the electromagnet via the electric brake controller.

A time delay brake controller applies the brakes with a preset time and intensity once the brake pedal is depressed. The braking power is not proportional to the pressure you apply to the brake pedal of the tow vehicle.

In this way, the trailer or caravan acts as the lead braking mechanism. This is great for when going off road. The last thing you want is your trailer to be pushing your tow vehicle down the road on a gradient or valley.

However, it relies on the user properly setting the braking power for the road and conditions. I mean, everyone wants to be able to stop as they drive across the country. But beyond that, having one helps you have a smoother ride and prevents you from having a clunky slowdown.

A brake controller also helps decrease your stopping distance. This could be the difference between stopping in time or getting in an accident. Additionally, some automatically adjust based on the terrain.

This is especially helpful when traveling through hilly or mountainous terrain a favorite for many RVers. Using a trailer brake controller is a simple process. The first thing you need to do is set up and install the brake controller. Some brake controllers require a wiring harness. But, for others, all you need to do to get started is plug in your brake controller. Most brake controllers require very little setup while others are more customizable.

You can personalize the settings based on the amount of force you want to apply to the brakes. The higher you set the maximum braking the more power will apply to your brakes. You might also need to set the sensitivity level. This will help your trailer slow down at the perfect speed for a smoother stop. Every wheel that has these wires will have brakes. You may not have brakes on all wheels, depending on how the trailer was designed at the manufacture. However, remember that having brakes on a trailer does not mean the brakes actually work.

The brake controller usually has an image of a trailer and you would see a dial and two small knobs. On the OEM controller, the brake settings are usually controlled from the dash but the settings are displayed on the screen directly on your instrument panel. Aftermarket brake controllers look similar, but are often installed under your steering column and have a digital readout directly on the controller module.

Inertia brakes use an accelerometer to detect changes in momentum. The trailer brakes are applied based on these momentum changes. The Time Delay Brakes are activated when the driver presses on the brake peddle. The Time Delay Brakes are more common on most trailers and this is the braking system we will talk about in this guide. If you need to purchase an aftermarket trailer brake controller, you can find them at your local parts stores or they can be purchased online. There are several brands but Curt and Reese are among the more popular brands.

Disclaimer: The information contained on this page is provided by Big Trailer Rentals, LLC as a general guide to assist with the proper use of a trailer brake controller.