Brake Controller For Campers: Essential Or Unnecessary?

If you're new to towing a camper trailer, you've probably heard that you need a brake controller to do so safely. A brake controller is an electronic device that regulates the electric trailer brakes. It allows the driver to activate and monitor trailer brake activity from the cab of the vehicle.

A brake controller is necessary for safety reasons. All the added weight of a camper can make slowing down or stopping a tow vehicle dangerous without a brake controller. The camper trailer's momentum can cause it to keep going, ultimately crashing into the back of your car. Electric brake controllers stop this from happening by activating the camper trailer's brakes whenever the driver hits the vehicle brakes.

What is a brake controller?

A brake controller is an electronic device that regulates the electric trailer brakes. It is a vital component of a safe towing experience. It allows the driver to activate and monitor the trailer's braking activity from the cab of the tow vehicle.

A brake controller is usually mounted in the cab of the vehicle and has a few different controls, such as an interface to view braking information and buttons to control the output and manual activation.

There are two basic types of brake controllers: time-delay and proportional or inertia-based. Time-delay controllers activate the trailer brakes when the driver presses the brake pedal, applying an increasing amount of power over a fixed period. The gain setting can be adjusted to accommodate different trailers, but this approach is not as precise as the proportional method.

Proportional controllers use an electrical circuit called an accelerometer to sense changes in momentum. When the driver presses the brake pedal, the brake controller applies power to the trailer brakes in proportion to the vehicle's momentum. This provides smooth stops and efficient braking, particularly when driving on a hill.

In addition to these two main types, there are also trailer-mounted controllers that can be controlled via a smartphone app, and dashboard knob controllers that are hardwired and controlled via a knob on the dashboard.

Brake controllers are required by law for trailers with a loaded weight exceeding a certain amount, typically 3,000 pounds or 750kg, although this varies by state and country. They are essential for managing heavier loads and ensuring the safety of your vehicle and trailer.

Why do I need a brake controller?

A brake controller is an electronic device that regulates the electric trailer brakes. It allows the driver to activate and monitor trailer brake activity from the cab of the vehicle. It is important to have a brake controller for safety reasons. Here are some reasons why you need a brake controller:

Safety:

The added weight of a camper can make slowing down or stopping a tow vehicle dangerous without a brake controller. The camper trailer's momentum can cause it to keep going, ultimately crashing into the back of your car. Electric brake controllers activate the camper trailer's brakes whenever the driver hits the vehicle brakes, making it a much smoother and safer drive.

Compliance with Regulations:

In some places, there are laws and regulations that require the use of a brake controller when towing a trailer. For example, in the United States, federal law requires trailers with a loaded weight exceeding 3,000 pounds to have a braking system, which needs a trailer brake controller to operate effectively. Similarly, in Australia, national towing regulations mandate that any camper trailer with a Gross Trailer Mass (GTM) exceeding 750kg must be fitted with an electric brake control system.

Compatibility with Electric Brakes:

If your trailer has electric brakes, you will need a brake controller for them to function. Electric trailer brakes do not work without a brake controller. The brake controller sends a signal to activate the trailer brakes when you apply the brake in your tow vehicle.

Improved Towing Experience:

A brake controller helps manage your stopping distance and control trailer sway by syncing up the brakes of the tow vehicle and trailer. Braking intensity and speed can be adjusted based on trailer size, load weight, road conditions, etc. Additionally, brake controllers come with a manual override feature, which allows you to apply the trailer brakes without applying the brakes in your tow vehicle, which is useful in certain situations.

Protection of Your Investments:

A trailer brake controller is a small investment that helps protect your larger investments, namely your trailer and tow vehicle. It also helps to avoid running through brake pads and rotors too quickly.

How do I choose a brake controller?

When choosing a brake controller, there are several factors to consider, including the type of cargo you'll be towing, how often you'll be towing, and how you prefer to integrate the unit with your vehicle.

Firstly, if you are planning to tow heavy or fragile cargo, a proportional brake controller is ideal. Proportional controllers apply the brakes in your trailer with the same force as you apply the brakes in your vehicle. They provide smooth stops and efficient braking, especially when braking on a hill. They are ideal for the majority of towing scenarios and provide less wear on your braking system. However, they are generally more expensive than time-delayed controllers.

On the other hand, if you are planning to tow a relatively light trailer, such as a popup camper or a boat, a time-delayed brake controller may be sufficient. Time-delayed controllers allow you to select how much power travels to your brakes and how much delay occurs between your vehicle and trailer brake activation. They are more budget-friendly and can be mounted at any angle, making them ideal for vehicles with limited cab space. However, they do not provide proportional braking, which can result in an uncomfortable push/pull sensation as you drive.

Secondly, if you are planning to tow frequently or commercially, it is recommended that you use a proportional brake controller. Proportional controllers use accelerometer technology to sense changes in momentum and respond with accuracy. Additionally, if you tow with multiple vehicles, a mobile brake controller can be easily transferred from one vehicle to another.

If you tow only a few times a year, a time-delayed brake controller may be sufficient. However, because the price difference between the two types is not drastic, you may still want to consider investing in a proportional controller for the added sensitivity and smoothness in braking.

Finally, you should consider what kind of installation you prefer. For a completely plug-and-play, non-invasive installation, a mobile brake controller only requires a 7-way RV blade socket at the rear of the vehicle. For a factory-style installation, a controller with a separate main module and a simple rotary knob can blend in with the other vehicle controls. The standard method for mounting a brake controller is a bracket attached above or below the dash, which allows for easy tilt adjustment.

How do I install a brake controller?

To install a brake controller, you will need the following tools and materials: a drill and drill bits, wire cutters and strippers, mounting hardware such as screws and brackets, wiring shrink tubing or electrical tape, and a soldering iron or torch and solder.

Before you begin, check your vehicle's manual or consult your vehicle manufacturer to ensure it is equipped with a trailer wiring harness and is compatible with a trailer brake controller. The brake controller wiring harness is usually located under the dashboard near the driver's side.

Now, follow these general steps to install the brake controller:

• Disconnect the Negative Battery Cable: Start by disconnecting the negative battery cable to prevent any electrical shorts or shocks during the installation.
• Determine Where to Mount the Controller: Find a convenient and accessible location on your dashboard or centre console to mount the brake controller. Ensure it is within reach but does not obstruct other controls. In most cases, under the dash to the left or right of the steering column is good placement.
• Drill Mounting Holes: Use a drill and appropriate drill bits to create mounting holes where you will secure the brake controller. Mark your locations prior to drilling.
• Fasten the Brake Controller in Place: Using the provided screws and brackets, fasten the brake controller securely in the chosen location.
• Plug in the Brake Controller: Connect the brake controller to the vehicle's wiring harness by matching wire colours and securing them with electrical tape or connectors. For the best connection, cut the wire, slide heat shrink tubing over the wire, then solder your harness's wire to the factory circuit before sealing with heat shrink. Repeat for each of the wires.

Once your installation is complete, you should regularly inspect wires and connectors for wear and tear, and test the brake controller periodically to ensure it is functioning correctly.

How do I adjust a brake controller?

Adjusting a trailer brake controller is an effective way to ensure that your tow vehicle and trailer are in sync when on the road. The process will differ depending on the type of brake controller you have.

Time-Based Brake Controller Adjustment

Time-based brake controllers use one brake setting for any situation, so you'll need to make sure it's right. Fine-tuning a time-based brake controller isn't difficult. First, hook up your rig to your tow vehicle and head to an open space, such as an empty parking lot. Try to reach at least 45 mph to warm up the device for an accurate adjustment.

Next, engage the manual brake to slow down the trailer alone, without the support of the tow vehicle. The objective is to find the right gain setting to ensure smooth braking and no skidding, taking into account the weight of your load and the road conditions. This initial testing will give you a feel for how the brake controller responds.

Once you've found a good setting, stop your vehicle but keep it running. Dial the power to midway and start driving again. Slow your SUV or truck, keeping your foot on the accelerator and releasing some pressure. Some suggest getting it down to 25 mph before the next step, but you may prefer to reduce your speed further, to 10 or even 5 mph, before lifting your foot off the gas. Slide the brake to the highest setting.

If the brakes on your rig locked up, you'll need to reduce the power. If it took too long to slow down, increase the power. This process will take some trial and error until you find the right setting for your setup. Remember that you'll need to make adjustments if you change your typical load weight—more power will be required if you increase the load.

Inertia-Based Brake Controller Adjustment

Newer inertia-based brake controllers are often self-calibrating, making them simple to use without the need for manual adjustments. Many are Bluetooth-enabled and can be controlled via a smartphone interface, allowing you to save profiles for different towing situations.

Frequently asked questions