Towing a trailer adds a significant amount of weight to your vehicle, and with great weight comes great responsibility—especially when it comes to stopping power. The key to smooth, steady deceleration is a quality trailer brake controller. Learn how this essential piece of towing equipment works, why it’s important, and which manufacturers should be on your shortlist.
What is a trailer brake controller?
As the name implies, a trailer brake controller essentially controls a trailer’s brakes. To be more specific, it translates a braking signal from the tow vehicle into the appropriate power for the trailer's electric brakes, synchronizing them for a smoother, safer ride.
There are two main types of brake controller: time-delayed and proportional. If it helps, you can think of them as “simple” and “advanced” styles.
- Time-delayed brake controllers activate a trailer’s brakes with a preset level of force a few seconds after receiving the “stop” signal from your tow vehicle's braking system. This means, every time you press down on the brake pedal – whether it’s a gentle push or a hard slam – the controller sends the same amount of stopping power to the trailer. While this braking intensity can be manually adjusted by a driver on-the-fly, it doesn't adapt to the braking action itself, often resulting in jerky stops.
- Proportional brake controllers are much more responsive to the actual braking scenario that is occurring. This is because they use an accelerometer to sense the deceleration of the tow vehicle, not relying on a pre-set delay. As a result, there’s a more “proportional” braking response—i.e., the harder you press down on the brake pedal, the more voltage is sent to the trailer brakes, creating a smoother and more balanced braking experience.
It’s generally accepted that proportional brake controllers provide a significant safety and performance upgrade over time-delayed options. They are particularly beneficial in various driving conditions, such as downhill or during emergency braking, where precise control over braking power can prevent accidents and improve vehicle handling. However, proportional setups are typically more expensive and may have a more complex installation.
Do I really need a trailer brake controller?
Yes, if you’re towing a modern trailer. With the exception of some very basic, ultra-light trailers or old-school vintage setups, most recreational towables today have electric brakes that require a brake controller to function. Without one, the trailer brakes simply won’t work.
Additionally, there are legal requirements to consider. In most states, trailers exceeding 3,000 pounds must have brakes (and therefore brake controllers). Some states, like California and Nevada, set the threshold even lower, requiring brakes on trailers exceeding 1,500 pounds.
To avoid any unpleasant run-ins with law enforcement, check the specific regulations for your state or region to ensure compliance.
Where does a trailer brake controller install?
Trailer brake controllers are compact units, as they’re typically designed to mount on or below the dashboard.
For years, the traditional location has been under the steering wheel and to the side of the driver's footwell. This ensures easy access while driving but, unfortunately, also maximizes the chances of being knocked by the driver’s knee every time they enter and exit the vehicle. Since many modern vehicles also now place an airbag in this location, several manufacturers have innovated their trailer brake controllers to have more flexible mounting options.
For example:
- REDARC Tow Pro brake controllers mount unseen behind the dash, with only the small control head visible.
- Tekonsha Prodigy RF mounts to the tongue or front of the trailer and connects to a handheld remote through Bluetooth wireless technology.
- CURT Echo mobile controller plugs right into the tow vehicle’s 7-way socket and uses a Bluetooth connection to control all brake settings right from your smartphone.
What if I’m flat towing a vehicle behind my motorhome?
If rather than towing an RV behind your vehicle, you’re towing a vehicle behind your RV, you need a supplemental braking system. These systems act as a helping hand for your motorhome, ensuring both vehicles brake together for a faster and more stable stop in a shorter distance. They also safeguard the tow bar and mounting brackets from unnecessary strain and stress, preventing potential damage to your towing setup, and bring the towed vehicle to a complete stop in a breakaway scenario.
Supplemental braking systems can be portable or permanently installed, and feature proportional or preset stopping power. Like with trailer brake controllers, proportional braking systems are considered the safest choice and will provide a more comfortable, natural-feeling braking experience.
- Demco offers the Air Force One Braking System (for coaches with air brakes) and the Stay-IN-Play DUO Braking System (for coaches with hydraulic brakes). Both provide smooth, reliable braking with a one-and-done installation that is completely concealed under the hood of your towed vehicle.
- Blue Ox stands out in the portable arena, offering the Patriot. Known for its small size, simple installation, and near-universal compatibility, this entirely electric system continuously monitors your brake pressure during towing, activating the towed vehicle’s brakes at the same time, with the same intensity.
Remember—regular maintenance of your brake controller and the overall braking system is essential for safe towing. Check the connections periodically to ensure there are no loose wires or corrosion, and test the controller’s functionality before every trip by observing the trailer’s braking response in a safe, controlled environment.