Some trailer brakes operate on a time-delay system. For example, when the driver presses on the brake pedal in the two vehicles, the brake controller recognizes the brake and activates the electronic brakes on the trailer, applying an increasing amount of pressure to match that of the brake pressure on the tow vehicle.
The other method for trailer braking is called the proportional method. This method involves an electrical circuit (known as an accelerometer) that constantly monitors for changes in momentum. Once it detects any change in momentum, the brake controller automatically applies respective power to the trailer brakes in direct proportion to the momentum detected from the vehicle. This is a popular trailer braking method as it results in much smoother braking while towing - especially on a hill. The proportional method also takes into account whether you are traveling up or down a hill, applying respective amounts of power for either steep inclines or declines while towing on various grades.
If you are towing a camp trailer, you will more than likely need a trailer brake controller. Because electronic trailer brakes do not work without a controller, it is essential to have some type of control system to operate the brakes.
While most trailers are equipped with electronic brakes, there are some trailers that have surge brakes. These brakes are hydraulically powered and detect the trailer’s momentum and weight when determining when and how hard to actuate the trailer brake system. This particular style of trailer brake system does not require a brake controller, or any type of electrical connection between the trailer and the tow vehicle.
If you are towing a camp trailer that has electronic brakes, it is strongly advised that you have a properly functioning (and connected) trailer brake control system. Not only will this help with better stops, but it will assist in sudden braking in the event of an accident. Not to mention, it can help tremendously with trailer sway. Rather than pumping the brakes on your tow vehicle during trailer sway, simply tap the trailer brake control manually, which will decrease the amount of sway you are experiencing.
No matter how fast you are going, it takes a ton of power to slow down the massive weight of a tow vehicle and its trailer. You need more than the tow vehicle’s brakes. You need a complete trailer brake system. It is estimated that only about 12 to 15 percent of a trailer’s weight should be resting on the hitch of the tow vehicle.
Surge brakes: a self-contained, hydraulic braking system. The brakes are applied by using the trailer’s own weight to slow the movement. When you step on the vehicle’s brakes to slow down, with this type of non-electrical trailer brake system, a hydraulic cylinder is compressed and pressure is transferred to the trailer brakes which slows down the trailer.
Electric trailer brakes: electrical power is used to tow the vehicle. An electric trailer brake system electrically connects to the tow, activating electromagnetic brake drums. The driver then has the control to apply the brakes willingly.
For an electric trailer brake system to work, the tow vehicle must also be equipped with a trailer brake controller.
With a trailer brake controller, the driver can not only activate the tow brakes on command but the driver can also monitor the trailer’s activity from the vehicle’s cab.
There are two trailer brake controllers to consider:
When shopping around for your trailer brake controller solutions, we offer a wide range of products for your towing safety, including brake controller wiring, electronic trailer brake controllers, trailer sway control hitches, and much more.
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