A trailer brake controller manages the operation of electrical brakes on a trailer, permitting the driving force to manage the braking pressure
While you’re hauling an RV trailer down the street, enduring intermittent suits of street rage, tailgaters, and suspiciously gradual visitors within the passing lane, your RV brake controller is your finest good friend. “Security” is a phrase that will get thrown round quite a bit within the RV business, nevertheless it’s not often outlined past innocuous references to elements, widespread practices, and preventative upkeep drills.
An RV trailer brake controller ensures the trailer stops in sync with the tow car—easy, but advanced in methods quickly to be revealed. It’s your key to protected and assured towing.
We’ll go over why they’re important, how they work, and the very best choices in the marketplace (as a result of that is a type of units you don’t wish to go low cost on). For those who’re new to RVing, that is one thing that may assist paint the image of towing an RV safely. For everybody else, information is energy.
Why Trailer Brake Controllers are Important for RV Towing
With out an RV trailer brake controller, your tow car is tasked with stopping the total weight of itself and the rig. Possibly not such an enormous deal for a teardrop. But it surely’s a completely completely different state of affairs for a Grand Design Solitude, which has a dry weight between 15,000 and 16,000 kilos.
“In most states you’re going to wish a brake controller to remain authorized and hold you out of court docket if there’s an accident.”
Many people prefer to brag about our vehicles, however that’s plenty of weight to deliver to a screeching halt on a dime. Think about doing it downhill. However brake controllers have extra worth than simply synchronized stopping energy.
- Enhanced security and management: Form of goes with out saying, however can’t be emphasised sufficient. Brakes are utilized in proportion to the car’s braking depth, or with a preset depth.
- Safety for tow car and trailer: Much less put on and tear on the tow car, particularly the tow car’s brakes, due to distributed braking pressure. Brake controllers additionally stop trailer brake lockup.
- Authorized necessities: Gotta hold issues on the straight and slender. Brake controllers are obligatory in lots of areas all through america and Canada, relying on the journey trailer’s or fifth-wheel’s weight.
- Adaptability to load and situations: “Acquire” and “Increase” choices enable drivers to fine-tune their efficiency primarily based on weight, street situations, and climate. Trendy controllers additionally provide versatility, supporting a number of trailer profiles and dealing with electrical and electric-over-hydraulic brakes. Do you’ve got a couple of rig? Right here you go.
- Crucial for RV-specific situations: Sharing the load prevents “brake fade,” particularly in mountainous terrain and steep grades. That is important for emergency stops and boondocking, the place tough roads and uneven terrain are extra widespread.
Probably the most vital components is stopping distance. That is enormous for brand spanking new RVers, nonetheless getting accustomed to hauling a rig round. It takes a short time to get used to that stopping distance and the oppressive really feel of all that weight and pressure from behind, as that pink gentle is quickly approaching.
For individuals who journey to Canada sometimes, our northern neighbors have comparable weight-based necessities up there. However all the time take the time to test forward.
How Trailer Brake Controllers Work
Merely put, an RV trailer brake controller is a tool within the tow car that manages the operation of electrical brakes on a trailer, permitting the driving force to manage the braking pressure so that you don’t roll over the car in entrance of you. There are several types of brake controllers (extra on that beneath), however that’s the meat and potatoes of it.
Operate and Operation
For those who’re not glad with the definition above, I’m right here for you. Now you get to learn as I ramble on with a extra thorough clarification.
- Driver Enter: The RV trailer brake controller is linked to the car’s brake system and electrical system by way of a 7-pin trailer connector. When the driving force presses the brake pedal, the controller detects the motion both by way of the car’s brake gentle circuit or the brake pedal.
- Sign Processing: The controller is liable for deciphering the brake depth (how laborious you slam your foot down on the brake) and, in some fashions, the car’s deceleration. It calculates the suitable electrical present to ship to the trailer’s brakes.
- Energy Supply: The controller sends a variable present (12 volts DC) by way of the wiring and to the trailer’s brake magnets. Stronger brake depth will increase present, strengthening the magnetic pressure, which presses the brake footwear in opposition to the drums on the trailer’s wheels.
- Handbook Override: Normally, the RV trailer brake controller has a handbook slider or button that enables the driving force to interact the trailer’s brakes independently of the tow car’s brakes (which helps management trailer sway).
Sorts of Brake Controllers
For electrical techniques, there are three forms of brake controllers. There are additionally hydraulic surge brakes, that are featured on some journey trailers and fifth-wheels, however they don’t require brake controllers (extra on that beneath).
Timer-Primarily based (Proportional)
A timer-based brake controller sends a preset quantity of energy to the trailer brakes, although there’s a slight delay between the second you have interaction the brakes to the second the trailer’s brakes kick in.
These timer-based controllers are easy, reasonably priced, and fewer exact than the remaining two. They lack precision as a result of they’re preset, with a gradual ramp-up, whatever the tow car’s charge of deceleration in actual time. On the constructive facet, they’re typically good for light-weight trailers, easy tow autos, gentle terrains, rare RV journeys, and for individuals who are on a decent funds.
| Execs | Cons |
|---|---|
| Reasonably priced (Between $50–$100) | Much less Exact |
| Easy Set up Course of | Poor Efficiency in Demanding Eventualities |
| Low Upkeep | Restricted Adjustability |
| Enough for Light-weight Trailers | Much less Consolation |
| Consumer-Pleasant | Primary Options |
Inertia-Primarily based (Proportional)
Not like the timer-based RV trailer brake controller, the inertia-based variation depends on an accelerometer to sense the tow car’s deceleration. It matches the trailer’s brake pressure to the tow car’s. This creates a smoother and extra responsive braking really feel.
“Do you actually wish to get monetary savings with a time delay controller? If I’ve a car pull out in entrance of me, I would like braking instantly! P3 or P4 are properly revered. I exploit a P4.”
Inertia-based controllers are good for heavier journey trailers and fifth-wheels, particularly if you happen to anticipate some diverse terrain encounters all through your many journeys.
| Execs | Cons |
|---|---|
| Precision Braking | Larger Price (Between $150–$200) |
| Safer for Heavier Masses | Complicated Set up |
| Versatility | Calibration Wants |
| Improved Braking Consolation | Upkeep Wants |
| Adjustable Settings | Potential Overkill for Light-weight Trailers |
| Breakaway Compatibility |
Good/Built-in/OEM
Some fashionable autos have built-in controllers that combine with the car’s electronics, or aftermarket-installed variations. This presents the driving force a number of superior options, like trailer sway management or dashboard-provided diagnostics.
| Execs | Cons |
|---|---|
| Seamless Integration | Costly (Provides to Manufacturing unit Prices or Costly as an Aftermarket Add-On) |
| Superior, Accessible Options | Car Compatibility is Restricted to Newer Tow Autos |
| Extremely Exact | Complicated Setup for Aftermarket Variations |
| Supreme for Heavy Towing | Creates Potential Over-reliance |
| Enhanced Security Options | Upkeep Complexity |
OEM or Good Trailer Brake Controller
There’s a slight distinction between an OEM (Authentic Gear Producer) and a wise brake controller. Good controllers are sometimes aftermarket, put in to completely combine with and leverage the car’s superior electronics. They provide options like proportional braking, sway management, and a full suite of diagnostics. For probably the most half, these are the identical, although the excellence could be made between aftermarket and OEM.
Some older mannequin tow autos (pre-2010 vehicles) got here geared up with OEM controllers, however they had been less complicated, missing fashionable sensible options like sway management and diagnostics. In case you have an OEM/Good controller, you’re doubtless driving 2020+ mannequin Ford F-250s, Chevy Silverado, or RAM 3500s. Some OEM/Good controllers return so far as 2015 fashions.
These brake controllers provide proportional braking, dashboard data, and are appropriate with electrical and electric-over-hydraulic brake techniques.
Hydraulic Surge Brakes
The one cause these are within the article is that some new RVers will confuse these for an RV trailer brake controller. Hydraulic surge brakes are normally discovered on smaller journey trailers, with GVWRs lower than 7,000 kilos. Hydraulic surge brakes are comprised of a self-contained braking system that makes use of the pressure of the trailer, because it pushes in opposition to the tow car, to activate hydraulic fluid stress and compress the grasp cylinder.
The “surge actuator” is positioned within the trailer’s hitch coupler and is liable for sensing deceleration. The place brake controllers talk from car to trailer by way of the tow car’s brake system, hydraulic surge brakes solely talk from the hitch coupler, primarily based on the applying of pressure.
Airstream Basecamps, nuCamp Tabs, and Forest River R-Pods function this kind of braking system.
Standard Aftermarket Trailer Brake Controllers
In fact, in case your tow car doesn’t come geared up with a correct RV trailer brake controller, there are many aftermarket choices on the, uh, market. Apart from, they provide flexibility, portability, and a few include superior options, like Bluetooth communication.
Timer-Primarily based Aftermarket Controllers
The very last thing you wish to do is bounce on Amazon or some RV on-line market and snatch up a brake controller as a result of it appears good. Like every part else in retail, there are good ones and dangerous ones, and all brake controllers have their advantages and downsides. When coping with timer-based controllers, you’re exchanging precision for affordability, so be cautious along with your buy.
CURT Venturer NEXT
The CURT Venturer NEXT is an reasonably priced possibility ($60–$100) that’s dependable with out the upper price of proportional or OEM/Good controllers. It incorporates a slim, low-profile design, a contemporary aesthetic, and helps to attenuate your dashboard muddle. It has a plug-n-play setup with a vehicle-specific CURT wiring harness, adjustable settings, a user-friendly interface, and a restricted lifetime guarantee.
REESE Towpower Brakeman IV
The Reese Towpower Brakeman IV is designed for trailers with one- to 4 axles. It’s priced round $70–$80 on Amazon. It’s compact, versatile, and reasonably priced, that are three stable promoting factors. It options output and sync controls, so you possibly can customise it for the trailer’s weight. The digital show feeds you adequate information for changes and each day use.
Inertia-Primarily based Aftermarket Controllers
There’s little doubt that an inertia-based, aftermarket RV trailer brake controller is the go-to, most well-liked system amongst most RVers. They’re way more exact, easy, and perfect for heavier trailers, particularly in case you are a frequent RVer and spend time boondocking or going off-grid into tough terrain.
Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Proportional
The Tekonsha Prodigy P3 is usually considered a top-tier RV trailer brake controller in the marketplace. It’s laborious to argue with that assertion. It incorporates a triple-axis accelerometer and is very versatile, user-friendly, and very exact. It helps 1 to 4 axles, options an LCD, and might be one of many easiest choices to function. Adjusting the acquire and enhance is a straightforward press of the button.
It’s customizable as properly, so you possibly can personalize it to your individual tastes, not less than to a level. For a further security contact, you should use the override to right sway. It’s additionally surprisingly straightforward to put in, which is a large profit for individuals who want to not spend the additional cash on an expert set up. MSRP is slightly below $250.
REDARC Tow-Professional Elite
The REDARC Tow-Professional Elite isn’t up there in recognition with the Tekonsha P3, nevertheless it’s a surprisingly high-quality different. It options dual-braking modes and off-road capabilities that different proportional brake controllers lack. Just like the Tekonsha P3, it has a three-axis accelerometer and a “proportional” mode that auto-adjusts braking when decelerating for smoother stops.
The principle unit is concerning the dimension of a big deck of playing cards, which is a part of what makes it a preferred possibility—the concealment issue and dashboard decluttering.
Set up concerns
Skilled set up will run the common RVer $200+. You may get it performed at most RV dealerships, trailer and towing specialty retailers, and automotive restore/customization retailers.
For those who resolve to go along with a DIY strategy, most timer-based controllers mount underneath the sprint, whereas proportional variations might require calibration and a wiring harness that’s particular to your car.
Selecting the Proper Brake Controller for Your RV
There are 5 major concerns: Trailer weight, axle rely, towing frequency, car compatibility, and funds desire. Not each RV trailer brake controller is created equally, nevertheless it’s uncertain you’ll run into something so costly it’s important to promote your kidney on the black market and refinance your private home to acquire.
- Light-weight Trailers <3,000 lbs: Keep on with a timer-based, ideally the CURT Venturer.
- Heavy trailers >5,000 lbs: Proportional, just like the Tekonsha P3 or REDARC Tow-Professional Elite.
- Tech-Savvy RVers: Bluetooth fashions just like the CURT Echo Cellular.
- Wonderful Car Integration: Search for superior aftermarket choices, just like the Tuson DirectLink.
- A number of Trailer Profiles: The Prodigy P3 can deal with completely different RV and trailer varieties, in case you tow greater than the identical one.
- Sprint Declutter: Search for compact, versatile, easy-to-install choices just like the REDARC Tow-Professional Elite
Assess your trailer, consider your towing wants, test your tow car, set a funds, examine options, and analysis your set up choices.
“The Tekonsha P3 is the very best. I had that on my final truck. I had the P2 earlier than that. Neither is nearly as good because the inbuilt one in my F-150 although however for an add on, the P3 is the very best you may get.”
No matter what you resolve on, take your time trying them over. It’s a extremely good thought to analysis the evaluations behind each. Leap on RV boards like iRV2, Forest River Boards, Air Boards, Jayco Homeowners, and so forth. For those who’re simply kicking off your RV journey, RVers are sometimes more than pleased to supply their private experiences and knowledge.
Conclusion
And, there it’s. The RV trailer brake controller in all its glory and magnificence. Properly, it received’t look that manner, mounted in your sprint or elsewhere, however you’ll actually agree if it retains your RV from sideswiping one other car when you’re going 60+ mph.
I threw across the time period “reasonably priced” a bit, nevertheless it’s actually only a matter of some levels. Even proportional, high-end brake controllers received’t break the financial institution. For those who want it, then it’s the one to go for. Skilled installs aren’t that dangerous both, although you possibly can in all probability get into the $600+ realm with an expert set up of a high-end system.
Simply make sure to undergo a full evaluation of your RV and towing car wants earlier than you resolve, and test with different RVers. Talking of which, make sure to discover RV Life, the boards, and our different assets and articles on towing ideas. Additionally, be at liberty to record your RV trailer brake controller desire or ask questions in our remark part beneath!