Planning a trip? You’ve probably thought about the excitement ahead and the potential hiccups. But do you know, what is a brake controller and how does it work?
You’ve got your roof racks and bike carrier ready, LED lights attached, and solar blankets packed. Your towing mirrors are adjusted, and your toolboxes are filled with essentials like battery accessories, power tools, and an air compressor.
Now, it’s time to hook up your trailer or caravan to your vehicle. But before you hit the road, it’s important to understand towing brakes and brake controllers. Knowing how these systems work is essential for safe and smooth travels with your rig.
The Significance of Reliable Towing and Brake Controllers
Stopping safely isn’t just about your vehicle’s brakes. Your trailer needs to help out too. When you’re towing, especially with heavier loads, your trailer must have its braking power.
There are two main types of trailer brakes: surge brakes and electric brakes. Surge brakes, also known as override or overrun brakes, work automatically using inertia. When your vehicle slows down, a sliding shaft in the coupling exerts pressure on a mechanical linkage or a hydraulic cylinder, activating the trailer’s brakes. These are common on camper and boat trailers.
Electric brakes, on the other hand, need an electrical connection to your tow vehicle. They use electromagnetic brake drums to create friction and slow the trailer. Unlike surge brakes, electric brakes rely on a brake control unit or electric brake controller to manage their operation.
Understanding these systems is crucial for safe towing, and that’s where King Kong Trailers comes in, offering top-notch solutions for all your towing needs.
What is a Brake Controller and How Does It Work?
A brake controller is a small but crucial electronic device that manages the electric brakes of your trailer.
Think of it as the brain behind your trailer’s braking system. It consists of an interface that sits within easy reach of the driver, usually in the cab, and a central unit that activates the trailer’s brakes.
There are different types of brake controllers: non-proportional (time-based) and proportional (inertia-based). Each type offers a unique way of controlling the braking power of your trailer, ensuring you have a smooth and safe towing experience with King Kong Trailers
How Do Older Brake Controllers Work?
Older brake controllers, known as non-proportional or time-based controllers, activate when you press the brake pedal. They apply a set amount of braking force over time based on the settings you’ve chosen.
The main issue with these controllers is that they don’t adjust to how hard you press the brake pedal. Whether you’re braking gently or making an emergency stop, the trailer brakes respond the same way, as per the preset settings. This can lead to less smooth and sometimes less safe braking experiences.
How Do Newer Brake Controllers Work?
Newer brake controllers, known as proportional controllers, use an accelerometer to measure the car’s momentum changes. Unlike older models, they don’t connect directly to the car’s brakes but operate independently.
These controllers constantly monitor the vehicle’s movement and send the exact amount of power needed to the trailer brakes, ensuring the trailer slows down at the same rate as the towing vehicle. This results in smoother and more efficient braking, which can help extend the life of your trailer brakes.
For example, when driving downhill, it’s best to use lower gears to reduce brake wear. Proportional brake controllers detect the vehicle slowing down through inertia, not just the brake application, and adjust the trailer brakes accordingly.
The Drawbacks of In-Car Installations
Traditional brake controllers were installed inside the vehicle. This meant hard-wiring them into your car, usually under the dashboard where it was accessible but not in the way. This involved drilling holes, attaching mounting brackets, and connecting the wiring to your vehicle’s electrical system, which then ran to the trailer adapter at the back.
This setup had a significant drawback: every time you used a different vehicle for towing, you needed a new brake controller installation. This was inconvenient if you lent your trailer, hired a different tow vehicle, or upgraded your car. At King Kong Trailers, we understand the hassle and offer modern solutions to make your towing experience simpler and more efficient.
How are Elecbrakes Different?
Technology has revolutionised electric towing systems. Introduced in 2017, Elecbrakes is a cutting-edge Australian-designed remote-mount electric brake controller that’s installed directly on the trailer, not the tow vehicle.
Elecbrakes offers a smartphone-based solution perfect for trailers towed by multiple vehicles, eliminating the need to modify each car. This compact device mounts on the trailer and features a high-speed microprocessor linked to sensors that constantly monitor brake performance.
The system communicates wirelessly with an easy-to-use app available on both Apple and Android smartphones. This setup provides unmatched flexibility, allowing you to save up to five favourite settings and monitor brake response and performance indicators in real-time via Bluetooth.
Elecbrakes is compatible with both 12V and 24V systems and can operate 1 to 2 braked axles. Its robust design, featuring a fibre-reinforced housing and electronics encased in urethane, ensures it’s 100% dust and waterproof.
At King Kong Trailers, we believe Elecbrakes makes towing simpler, more flexible, and more convenient. It allows you to tow a variety of vehicles without hassle, making it the ideal solution for anyone needing an efficient and reliable electric brake controller.
Why Do I Need an Electric Brake Controller?
Imagine heading out for your first camping trip with your shiny new caravan hitched behind your vehicle. As you drive down the driveway and brake to turn onto the road—BOOM! Your caravan pushes your vehicle into a dangerous situation. Why? Because your trailer’s electric brakes didn’t activate.
Electric trailer brakes don’t work on their own; they need a brake controller to function. This is why brake controllers are legally required worldwide, including in Australia. The Australian Design Rule (ADR) 38 outlines the legal requirements for trailer brakes based on the Gross Trailer Mass (GTM).
Each trailer’s manufacturer specifies the maximum GTM, and all trailers built since August 1989 must display the trailer’s ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass), GTM, and tare weight on the Vehicle Identification Plate (VIP). Having a reliable brake controller ensures your trailer’s brakes engage properly, making your towing experience safer and smoother.
ADR identify three different trailer categories based on their GTM:
GTM Less Than 750kg: Brakes (and Brake Controllers) Are Not Regulated
If your trailer’s GTM is under 750kg, the law doesn’t require brakes. However, it’s still wise to help your tow vehicle’s brakes. Even for lighter trailers, adding surge or electric brakes can enhance safety and control. It’s always a good practice to ensure you have that extra braking power, especially when you’re out on the road with your gear.
GTM Between 750kg and 2,000kg: Brakes Required on Both Wheels of One Axle
For trailers with a GTM between 750kg and 2,000kg, you need brakes that operate on both wheels of at least one axle. There are two main options to consider:
Option One:
You can use mechanical or hydraulic override brakes. These brakes don’t need electricity to function, making them ideal for boat trailers that often get submerged in water. However, the downside is that these brakes are either fully engaged or not engaged at all—there’s no middle ground. Because they activate automatically, a brake controller isn’t necessary.
Option Two:
The other option is to equip your trailer with electric brakes, which require power from the towing vehicle. In this case, you’ll need an electric brake controller. These controllers allow you to increase or decrease the braking force gradually, rather than applying a constant force. This type of controller must be of the proportional or inertia-based variety and must be operable from the driver’s seat.
Proportional electric brake controllers offer more precise and controlled braking, reducing wear on both the towing vehicle and the trailer. They adjust the trailer’s braking force in line with the vehicle’s deceleration and can be fine-tuned by the driver for optimal performance.
Using the right brake setup ensures safer towing and better control, making your journey smoother and more reliable with King Kong Trailers
GTM Over 2,000kg: Brakes Required on All Wheels/Axles
For trailers with a GTM over 2,000kg, the law requires that brakes be operational on all wheels. These brakes must allow for progressive increase and decrease in braking force and be adjustable from the driver’s seat.
Additionally, trailers over this weight must have a breakaway system. This system ensures that if your trailer detaches from your vehicle while moving, it will slow down on its own. It uses a battery mounted on the trailer and a cable connecting the trailer to the vehicle. If the trailer breaks free, the cable pulls out of its plug, triggering the battery to activate the trailer brakes, which stay engaged for at least 15 minutes.
Always check that the battery is charged and that the breakaway system works properly. Carry a battery charger on your trips to keep the system in top condition. To test it, pull the cable—the brakes should lock automatically. Reconnect the cable to disengage the brakes.
In New South Wales, the towing vehicle must continuously charge the breakaway system, and there must be a warning device to alert the driver if the battery charge drops too low.
For trailers with a GTM above 750kg, electric brakes and a brake controller are essential for safety and legal compliance. King Kong Trailers offers the perfect solution with Elecbrakes, a proportional brake controller mounted on the trailer, eliminating the need for hardwiring in the tow vehicle.
Elecbrakes is a versatile, wireless system that works via Bluetooth technology. The trailer-mounted device communicates with your smartphone through the Elecbrakes app, monitoring brake performance and providing customisable settings. You can control brake response and store up to five favourite programs.
Elecbrakes is compatible with 12V and 24V systems and can operate 1 to 2 braked axles. Its robust design ensures it is dust and waterproof. With Elecbrakes, you get a high-precision, safe, and compliant towing solution that simplifies your towing experience, no matter how many vehicles you use.
How Do I Install an Electric Brake Controller?
Installing an electric brake controller is easier than you might think. Make sure to take note of all safety precautions and consult your vehicle’s manual before beginning the installation process.
Vehicle-Based Brake Controller Installation
Installing a vehicle-based electric brake controller involves making modifications to your tow vehicle, usually around the dashboard area. Each vehicle that will tow your trailer needs its brake controller, although some newer models offer a “removable” interface. You’ll still need to install the bracket and wiring.
Most brake controllers have two main parts: the main unit, typically hidden under the dash, and a user interface installed within the driver’s reach. Securely mount both units inside the vehicle using screws or other fitting methods to prevent movement.
For motion-sensing or time-delay brake controllers, you may need to position the main unit at a specific angle relative to the direction of travel. Start by drilling a few holes in the dashboard to fix the provided mounting brackets with screws and attach the interface.
Next, connect the brake controller’s wiring to the vehicle’s wiring loom, running it to the rear of the vehicle and the trailer plug, whether it’s a pin flat plug or round plug.
Many modern tow vehicles, such as SUVs and vans from the mid-1990s onwards, come with a factory-installed “quick plug” located under the dash. This feature allows you to plug in a standard brake controller wiring set easily, saving installation time and hassle.
Installing Elecbrakes
At King Kong Trailers, we prioritise ease of use and installation. That’s why installing Elecbrakes is a straightforward process that you can complete in five easy steps with just a few tools from your toolkit. Even if you have minimal mechanical knowledge, you can set it up in under two hours.
Elecbrakes offers a seamless installation experience, allowing you to quickly and efficiently get your trailer ready for the road without the need for extensive modifications or expertise.
Benefits of Installing Elecbrakes on the Trailer, Not the Car
Trailer Mounting
Elecbrakes offers an innovative solution by mounting the brake controller directly on the trailer, not the tow vehicle. This approach eliminates the need for any modifications or adaptations to your car, apart from ensuring it has a tow bar.
With Elecbrakes, there’s no need to drill into your dashboard or hardwire your vehicle. This makes the installation process much simpler and allows you to tow your trailer with any compatible vehicle effortlessly.
Bluetooth Technology
Elecbrakes leverages wireless Bluetooth technology to streamline your towing experience. The trailer-mounted component communicates directly with the intuitive Elecbrakes app on your smartphone. Just keep your phone secured on its dashboard holder and within reach while you drive, and you’ll have full control over your trailer’s braking system.
App
The Elecbrakes app is user-friendly and free to download on both Apple and Android devices. Setting it up is quick and straightforward, allowing you to focus on the road. Your only investment is the Elecbrakes device that mounts on your trailer, making it an affordable and efficient solution for managing your trailer’s brakes.
Customisable Options
The Elecbrakes app lets you save up to five different settings for various road conditions and trailer loads, making setup quick and easy. These settings are stored on the trailer’s Elecbrakes device, allowing new drivers to access them effortlessly. Any vehicle capable of towing your trailer can use these presets, ensuring a smooth and efficient towing experience with minimal hassle.
Monitors Usage and Performance
But that’s not all. Elecbrakes also keeps track of your brakes’ usage and performance. This feature allows you to monitor your trailer’s service needs and alerts you when it’s time for maintenance. This continuous monitoring helps ensure your trailer’s brakes are always in top condition, giving you peace of mind on the road.
Motion Sensors
Elecbrakes includes advanced motion-sensing technology. The compact, trailer-mounted device features a high-speed microprocessor connected to sensors that continuously sample vehicle dynamics and other operating parameters thousands of times per second. This ensures a reliable wireless connection with long-range capabilities, providing a consistent performance without dropouts under typical driving conditions.
Compliance
Elecbrakes meets all compliance standards, including ADR38. This proportional brake controller can be controlled directly from the driver’s seat, making it a superior alternative to traditional in-car brake controllers. Once installed on your trailer, Elecbrakes ensures a high-precision, safe, and compliant towing experience, regardless of how many different vehicles you use to tow your trailer.
Conclusion
Understanding what is a brake controller and how does it work is crucial for safe and efficient towing. Whether you choose a time-delayed or proportional controller, having the right equipment makes a significant difference. At King Kong Trailers , we’re here to help you find the perfect brake controller to suit your needs, ensuring a smoother and safer journey.