Trailer brake controller
A brake controller is usually an original equipment manufacturer or aftermarket-installed device or module. It is mounted to the tow vehicle's driver's-side dashboard area, and engages a trailer's electrical braking system either time delayed, or in proportion to the tow vehicle's brake engagement when slowing down or coming to a halt. A brake controller is not needed with a trailer surge braking system unless using modern electric over hydraulic devices. The trailer in this case usually has either electric friction brakes or electric-hydraulic trailer brake actuators.
Most basic brake controllers will generally have a plus-minus gain adjustment. The tow vehicle operator sets the gain as high as possible but without the trailer brakes locking up after making a few test stops. The heavier the trailer, the higher the gain adjustment is set and therefore the less chances of wheel lock-up.
A wide range of trailers contain trailer brakes. Smaller trailers may not contain trailer brakes. It is recommended that, if the total trailer weight is over a couple thousand kilograms, the trailer have some sort of braking system, and the tow vehicle be equipped with a brake controller.
Types
There are different types of brake controllers currently or previously on the market.; Air-actuated electric brake controller
; Hydraulic-actuated electric controller
; Pedal-mounted pressure pad proportional controller;
; Proportional brake controller
; Surge brake
; Time-delayed brake controller