Brake Controller Information

Recommended Proportional Brake Controllers
From Amazon, we suggest the Tekonsha 90195 P3 Electronic Brake Control The Tekonsha P3 Electronic Brake Control is easy-to-see, it has a distinct LCD display with select-a-color options. It has electric or hydraulic switchable easy-to-understand diagnostics, dash-hugging design and is compact. Selectable patented boost feature to customize stopping easy access and up-front controls. Quick disconnect for easy storage with storage pouch included. One of the most populart brake controllers on the market, consider the Tekonsha 90195 P3 Electronic Brake Control today.
We are also working with AutoAnything to provide you with access to the high quality Valley Odyssey Proportional Brake Controller. If you are in the market for a brake controller, then you know that a proportional brake controller is your best option. We encourage you to seriously consider the Valley Odyssey Proportional Brake Controller.

Brake Controllers In A Nutshell

A brake controller supplies power from a vehicle to a trailer’s electric brakes. There are two types of brake controllers; Time Delay Activated and Inertia Activated.

Even though each type of controller has a specific function and purpose, brake controllers all share the following properties:

They are wired the same way.
The driver can adjust how much braking power is applied.
Each type has a manual override switch that allows the driver to apply the brakes.

Time Delay Brake Controllers

Time Delay controllers are also known as solid state controllers. They are activated when the brake pedal in the tow vehicle is depressed. Once activated the brake controllers apply voltage to the trailer’s brakes using a Time Delay Circuit.

Solid state brake controllers are generally more inexpensive than Inertia Activated controllers. In addition, they can be mounted just about anywhere and do not take up a great deal of space. A fairly common issue with the time activated brake controller is pulsing brakes when controls are set too aggressively. Gain problems can be rectified with a pulse preventer to isolate the controller from the vehicle electrical system.

Inertia Activated Brake Controllers

Inertia Activated Brake Controllers are also called Pendulum Style controllers. A pendulum controller senses the slowing motion of the vehicle and applies increased voltage to the brakes as the vehicle slows. A pendulum style controller will slow the trailer at the same rate the vehicle slows down. The advantage of this is better braking efficiency and therefore less brake wear over time.

When the Inertia activated brake control is properly adjusted, the trailer will decelerate at the same speed as the towing vehicle. A result of this is increased braking efficiency and reduced wear on the brakes.

The pendulum style brake controllers tend to be larger than solid state controllers and have to be mounted in a level position (although there are some exceptions). They are also usually more expensive.

Connecting a brake controller isn’t the end. Drivers often want to know how much brake power they are applying during a stop or whether the trailer brakes are even functioning at all. A quality brake controller will have some type of monitor built in, which should be easily viewable from the driver’s seat.

Brake controller monitors make use of a digital display screen to show the voltage delivery going from the brake controller to the trailer’s brakes. The brake controller monitor reflects the amount of pressure and power you’re applying to the brakes. Brake controller monitors basically do what you would expect… they give you information about all of the aspects of the brake controller so that you can be sure everything will work as you expect when you need to stop.

Regardless of the brake controller you choose, be aware of the common features they share. By doing some homework you will ensure that you are buying a quality controller.

An electric trailer brake controller is a device that supplies power from a vehicle to a trailer’s electric brakes when the vehicle’s brakes are applied. Any trailer with electric brakes needs a brake controller to activate the operation of the brakes. You should check your state laws to determine if the trailer you are planning to tow required an electronic controller. We’ve reviewed various types of brake controllers; time activated and motion-sensing or proportional. Here we will explore the proportional controller a bit more.

If you find that you are pulling trailers on a regular basis, then a proportional brake controller is probably your best option. These types of controllers typically cost a bit more, and depending upon the brand you choose may be a bit bulkier than a timed controller, but for smoother, more predictable stopping the proportional controller offers better design and features. The basic design includes a dual solid state accelerometer. The accelerometer can measure gravity and deceleration of the tow vehicle. These types of controller can tell up from down regardless of how they’re mounted and how steep the grade is (self-leveling). As the vehicle slows, the controller supplies a proportional amount of voltage to the trailer brakes. The more rapid the deceleration, the more voltage supplied. Voltage is supplied equally to all trailer brakes (different models specify the number of axles the controller can serve). This design causes the trailer to stop at the same rate as the tow vehicle when everything is adjusted properly. This can have the effect of making it seem as though you are stopping the vehicle by itself with no trailer in tow. One major benefit of this design is that in a situation in which the driver must apply maximum brake pressure (slamming on the brakes) a proportional controller will send maximum power to the trailer brakes immediately.

The design of the proportional brake controller provides the quickest and most even braking power and has the added benefit of causing the least amount of wear on the trailer and vehicle brakes. For these reasons and the reasons describe above you would do well to research different brands and models of proportional brake controllers.

Features of this Proportional Brake Controller

* Provides controlled and uniform braking power
* Works with 2, 4, 6 or 8 brake systems
* Mounts in a variety of positions
* 4 adjustable load level settings accommodate multiple trailer weights
* Polarity protection
* Convenient self-diagnosis
* Manual override switch for stop lamp activation
* Simple installation
* Lifetime Warranty

Description

Keep your trailer under control with Valley Odyssey Proportional Brake Controllers. These brake controllers are overflowing with innovative features that will make stopping your rig safer and easier. It all starts with the patented dual axis accelerometer that provides superior detection of your vehicle’s deceleration to bring you to a strong stop in nearly any situation.

Go with the Odyssey model for smooth, seamless braking that features 4 adjustable power level settings, polarity protection, a manual override switch and easy installation. The easy-to-read digital display and self-diagnostic features keep you in control and informed at all times.

Or, get the burly Odyssey II model. It’s filled with all the same features as the Odyssey and then upgraded with enhanced display graphics, 4 user presets to easily store your preferred settings and the exclusive pressure sensitive manual brake switch.

Both the Odyssey and Odyssey II support your 2, 4, 6 or 8 brake system. And they won’t interfere with your vehicle’s anti-lock brakes, cruise control or other electrical systems. Even better, Odyssey Brake Controllers are backed by a Lifetime Warranty.

Features of the Inertia Brake Controller

* The CURT Reflex Brake Controller helps you safely control your trailer
* The Reflex boasts an inertia brake design, applying equal strength to trailer brakes as applied to vehicle’s brakes
* Designed for trailers with 2 to 8 electric or electrically-actuated hydraulic brakes (1 to 4 axles)
* The Reflex is self-leveling
* Can be mounted in a variety of angles near the dash
* Instructions, hardware and mounting brackets included
* Easy to move to multiple vehicles with quick plug
* Boasts digital display with braking details
* Your Reflex Brake Controller is backed by a limited Lifetime Warranty

Description

You have a big rig. Which means that when you tow—you tow a big trailer. Drive with confidence with the added security of a CURT Reflex Brake Controller. The inertia brake system applies equal pressure to trailer brakes as applied to your vehicle’s brakes, ensuring the best in stopping performance.

Step up your braking with the Reflex, for trailers with 2 to 8 electric or electrically actuated hydraulic brakes. And, take advantage of the easy, quick plug which allows the controller to be used in multiple vehicles. What’s more, the brake controller boasts an easy-to-read display with braking details.

The Reflex comes complete with mounting brackets and hardware to mount your controller above or below your dash. Plus, it’s self-leveling and backed by a limited Lifetime Warranty.

Features of this Timed Brake Controller

* Keep your trailer brakes under control with the CURT Discovery Brake Controller
* Discovery is a timed brake controller, steadily increasing brake force to slow trailer
* Controls trailers with 2 to 8 electric brakes (1 to 4 axles)
* Boasts a digital display with detailed braking information
* Can be mounted anywhere in your vehicle with included mounting bracket and hardware
* Ready for automatic and manual braking
* Your Discovery Brake Controller is covered by a limited Lifetime Warranty

Description

When you’re towing a trailer, there’s a lot more to think about while driving. Make your tow experience safer and easier with a CURT Discovery Brake Controller. The controller senses your brake pressure and reacts by applying a constantly increasing brake force.

The Discovery controls trailers with up to 4 axles, with 2 to 8 electric brakes. Plus, it boasts an easy-to-read display which delivers detailed braking information. This brake controller mounts almost anywhere in your vehicle with the included mounting bracket and hardware.

Discover how much easier and safer your towing experience could be with a CURT Discovery Brake Controller. What’s more, this brake controller is backed by a limited Lifetime Warranty.