We came across this chart on the
Hitches Online website in the States. Whilst we don't agree with
some of it here it is! The website is a good one and easy to navigate. There
is a lot of Australian specific information in our
DIY section on brakes and
electrics. If you go to the Hitches site we suggest you have a peek at the
receiver hitches page - they start at just $79.00!!!!!!
An Electric Brake Controller is a device that supplies
power from a vehicle to a trailer's electric brakes. There are 2 types
of electric brake controllers on the market.
1. Time Delay Activated (or "solid state)
controllers are "enabled" by the brake pedal switch and apply a gradual
voltage to the trailer's brakes using a Time Delay Circuit.
Advantages: inexpensive, user friendly, low profile, can be mounted on
any angle.
Disadvantages: consumer resistance to solid state technology, most units
affected by emergency flashers.
2. Inertia Activated (or "pendulum style")
controllers are "enabled" by the brake pedal switch and "activated" by a
Pendulum Circuit that senses the vehicle's stopping motion and applies a
gradual voltage to the trailer's brakes.
Advantages: consumer acceptance, smooth braking action, operates well
under adverse braking conditions. Disadvantages: bulky, must be
mounted and calibrated level, more expensive. With both styles, the maximum
output of the unit is user adjustable. Both styles have pressure sensitive
manual override trigger that can be used to apply the trailer brakes
independent of the vehicle brakes. Most importantly, both achieve the same
goal safely and reliably. The wiring configuration on both units is the
same. All Hidden Hitch supplied Brakes Controllers require 4 wire
connections. 1. Trailer Feed (usually Blue) 2. Ground (usually white) 3.
Brake Switch (usually red) 4. Battery Power (Usually black)
Trailer Feed This is the wire that supplies brake power from the
controller to the 6 way or 7 way trailer connector at the back of the
vehicle. Some vehicles with factory tow packages already have this wire run
from under the dash to the rear of the vehicle. Otherwise, it is run along
the underside of the vehicle and through the firewall to the desired Brake
Control mounting location.
Ground This wire is connected to the brake controller to any
reliable ground source.
Brake Switch This can be found near the top of the brake pedal.
There are wires extending from the switch and using a test light, the wire
that has power when the brake pedal is pressed down can be found. This wire
is tapped into using a scotch lock.
Battery Power This is the connection that supplies power to the
brake controller. Some vehicles with factory tow packages already have this
wire run from under the dash to the battery with some kind of circuit
protection. Otherwise a wire must be run through the fire wall and connected
directly to the battery with an in line circuit breaker installed.
Installing Brake Controllers can be fairly simple. Hidden Hitch provides
"Brake Mate" Installation Kits that provide everything required to perform
an installation. Some vehicles make installing extremely simple by supplying
OEM connectors under the dash. Hidden Hitch offers inexpensive adapters to
connect Brake Controllers on late model Ford and Dodge trucks.
http://www.hitchesonline.com/acces_includes/brake_info.htm
Bob
Eustace |
