trailer brake controller
04-19-2005 | 09:59 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 193
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From: Greensboro, NC
trailer brake controller
How about a little trailer brake 101?
I would be looking at towing a two-axle trailer with my ~4000lb Jeep on it, probably no more than once/month. Would a cheaper controller like this Accutrac 80510 do the job? What are the major advantages of the better ones I've read about here...Prodigy, Jordan, or BrakeMaster.
edit: also factor in ease of connecting to my truck's wiring.
Thanks
I would be looking at towing a two-axle trailer with my ~4000lb Jeep on it, probably no more than once/month. Would a cheaper controller like this Accutrac 80510 do the job? What are the major advantages of the better ones I've read about here...Prodigy, Jordan, or BrakeMaster.
edit: also factor in ease of connecting to my truck's wiring.
Thanks
04-20-2005 | 07:54 AM
#2
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,522
Likes: 16
From: Oregon
I don't know much about the accutrac, but I would recommend getting a better controller to start with. Cheaper than buying a lower cost one only to upgrade later like I did.
There are essentially three types.
One gets input only from tow vehicle brake light switch, and you set the maximum current that will flow to the trailer, and how quickly it ramps up to that level. Usually cheaper, and easy to install, but they apply the trailer brakes the same whether you are in a panic stop, or easing up to a stopsign. Mine also released the brakes very abruptly when I would ease off the brake while still moving.
Other controllers have either a pendilum, or electronic sensor that reads deceleration, and the trailer brakes are applied in proportion. Requires the tow vehicle to produce the initial deceleration force for the controller to detect. I have also seen one of this type that seemed to react to bumps with a jolting trailer brake application.
Best in my opinion are those that directly detect application of tow vehicle brakes, and apply the trailer brakes in proportion. Some do this mechanically with a rod that attaches to the brake pedal. The Brakesmart has a pressure sender that T's into the brake system by the master cylender. Both types cost more than the cheap ones, and are more work to install, but worth it in my opinion.
Bottom line, if cost is an issue, I would go Jordan. If not, Brakesmart.
There are essentially three types.
One gets input only from tow vehicle brake light switch, and you set the maximum current that will flow to the trailer, and how quickly it ramps up to that level. Usually cheaper, and easy to install, but they apply the trailer brakes the same whether you are in a panic stop, or easing up to a stopsign. Mine also released the brakes very abruptly when I would ease off the brake while still moving.
Other controllers have either a pendilum, or electronic sensor that reads deceleration, and the trailer brakes are applied in proportion. Requires the tow vehicle to produce the initial deceleration force for the controller to detect. I have also seen one of this type that seemed to react to bumps with a jolting trailer brake application.
Best in my opinion are those that directly detect application of tow vehicle brakes, and apply the trailer brakes in proportion. Some do this mechanically with a rod that attaches to the brake pedal. The Brakesmart has a pressure sender that T's into the brake system by the master cylender. Both types cost more than the cheap ones, and are more work to install, but worth it in my opinion.
Bottom line, if cost is an issue, I would go Jordan. If not, Brakesmart.
04-20-2005 | 09:01 AM
#3
Proprietor of Fiver's Inn and Hospitality Center
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,506
Likes: 22
From: Sarasota, Florida
Renegade,
There are volumes written about brake controllers in this section. You might want to do a "search" - - hit the button "search" near the top of this screen and type in brake controllers. Limit the search to Towing and Hauling. You will get a whole bunch of hits. This will get you started:
https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...ler#post643490
There are volumes written about brake controllers in this section. You might want to do a "search" - - hit the button "search" near the top of this screen and type in brake controllers. Limit the search to Towing and Hauling. You will get a whole bunch of hits. This will get you started:
https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...ler#post643490
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