How do electric trailer brakes work?
Trailers can be a real pain to pull – especially when they’re full of heavy cargo. That’s why electric trailer brakes are so awesome! They automatically apply the trailer’s brakes as soon as you let go of the brake pedal on your truck, which means that you can drive more easily and with less effort.
You’ll have plenty of time to take care of errands or chat with passengers because your hands will always be free for steering and braking. Plus, if you ever need to make an emergency stop, it will feel like someone else is doing all the work for you!
For these reasons and many more, we think electric brake controllers are one of the best inventions in recent years!
In the next few minutes, we’ll be taking a look at electric trailer brakes, how they function and what they do. We’ll also be looking at some of the different types available on the market and what sets them apart.
You might even find yourself considering an upgrade!
Table of Contents
What is the Best Type of Trailer Brake Controller?
There are two types of trailer brakes; drum brakes and disc brakes.
Drum brake models tend to be older than their disc counterparts, but there’s no reason you can’t find both in either new or used conditions.
The main difference between the two is that tapered drums work by compressing the air within a tube on each wheel while disc brakes work by applying pressure to the sides of a rotor.
The air compression method does not require electricity but it’s also less responsive to sudden braking, while the disc brake variety is more powerful and provides better control during an emergency stop.
Why do I need an electric brake controller?
Electric brake controllers do the same job as a traditional brake controller – only better!
The main benefit is that they work automatically so you can drive more easily and with less effort. You’ll have plenty of time to take care of errands or chat with passengers because your hands will always be free for steering and braking. Plus, if you ever need to make an emergency stop, it will feel like someone else is doing all the work for you!
For these reasons and many more, we think electric brake controllers are one of the best inventions in recent years!
Now that we’re on the same page about what exactly this type of equipment does for us truckers let’s go over some things every driver should know before purchasing a controller.
The first thing you should look for is compatibility with your vehicle and trailer.
Electric brake controllers are available in a variety of different styles, so they must match the make, model, and year of your truck before making a purchase!
As far as trailers go, there aren’t many restrictions but be aware that some models require a separate wiring kit to work with the controller.
It’s also important to note that electric brakes cannot be used on trailers under 2000 pounds, which includes most car-haulers and small utility trailers.
As you can see, not all brake controllers are made equal! Electric options have their advantages but it’s up to the driver to decide which is best for his or her specific needs.
We hope that this blog post has answered any questions you had about these fantastic inventions and encouraged you to give electric brake controllers the consideration they deserve next time it’s your turn at the wheel!
How do I install an electric brake controller?
Electric brake controllers are fairly simple to install, but the process will vary depending on your specific model.
For example, many models come with a wiring harness that connects directly into the fuse panel of your vehicle while others might require you to run separate wires from the controller itself. Regardless of what type of installation is required for your system, it’s important to refer to the manual or contact customer service for guidance.
The vast majority of electric brake controllers can be installed in a matter of minutes, as long as you follow all instructions included with your specific model and have access to the power source that it requires!
Since they’re so easy to use we encourage drivers from all walks of life to give them a try.
What are the benefits of having the brakes installed on the trailer and not in the car?
The main benefit of having brakes on the trailer and not in the car is that it provides better control over your vehicle.
With traditional setups, drivers would activate both sets at once which caused a jerking sensation as they slowed down or stopped because there was no way to separate them after applying pressure to either pedal. Since electric brake controllers are connected directly to the trailer brakes themselves, they offer a more controlled braking experience for drivers.
Controllers have other benefits as well including easier installation and repair options that are specific to your model of vehicle! These reasons alone make them worth trying out if you haven’t already!
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