Trailer Brake Controllers

When towing a trailer equipped with electric brakes, trailer brake controllers are a crucial piece of equipment for safe and legal operation.

A brake controller is installed in the tow vehicle — or in some cases, mounted on the trailer with a wireless connection — and it activates the trailer’s brakes in proportion to the tow vehicle’s braking. This ensures smooth, controlled stops and reduces strain on your vehicle’s brakes.

⚠️ Without a properly installed and calibrated brake controller, your trailer’s electric brakes will not engage — even if the trailer itself has the necessary wiring.

This can create a serious safety hazard. The added weight of a trailer, especially when fully loaded, can significantly affect your vehicle’s ability to stop safely and quickly.

Always confirm your brake controller is installed, wired, and tested before towing any trailer with electric brakes.

Types of Brake Controllers

There are two main types of electronic brake controllers:

1. Proportional controllers: These utilize an accelerometer to detect the tow vehicle’s deceleration and apply the appropriate amount of brake force to the trailer’s brakes. The harder you brake, the more force the controller applies to the trailer’s brakes.

2. Time-delayed controllers: These allow you to select a gain setting that determines the amount of braking force to apply. This force will be applied regardless of whether you’re coming to a slow stop or braking abruptly.

Legal Requirements

Many states and provinces have specific laws regarding trailer brakes. In the United States, federal law requires trailers with a loaded weight exceeding 3,000 pounds to have a braking system. This system requires a trailer brake controller to operate the trailer’s brakes effectively.