Is a Brake Controller Needed to Activate Electric Trailer Brakes
Question:
In the Features section of the electric trailer brakes, it says that an electric brake controller is required. In the installation video, it appears that one need only connect one wire to ground and the other to the trailer plug blue wire. Is a separate controller required?
asked by: David
Expert Reply:
If you need to activate the brakes of a trailer then yes you do need to install a brake controller. There is no other way to activate trailer electric brakes than with a controller. If you were just going to run a power wire and ground to the brake assemblies the brakes would be locked up all the time. The controller allows you the ability to control how much braking is sent to the assemblies so that the trailer can stop in a smooth effective manner.
For a brake controller I would recommend the Prodigy P2 Brake Controller part # 90885. This is our best selling brake controller because of how well it works and how easy it is to setup. This is a proportional brake controller that senses the amount of braking the tow vehicle is applying and applies a proportionate amount to the trailer brakes.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - Self-Adjusting - 12" - Left Hand - 5,200 lbs to 7,000 lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brakes
- Electric Drum Brakes
- LH
- 5200 - 7000 lbs
- Brake Assembly
- Self Adjust
- 12 x 2 Inch Drum
- etrailer
more information >
Continue Researching
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Article: Troubleshooting Brake Controller Installations
- Article: Towing a Trailer? Let's Talk About Brake Controllers
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller - 7-Way Plug Mount w/ Bluetooth App - 1 to 2 Axle - Proportional
- Shop: Curt Custom Wiring Adapter for Trailer Brake Controllers - Dual Plug In
- Shop: Draw-Tite Ball Mount - 4-3/4" Rise, 6" Drop - 10-1/4" Long - 6,000 lbs
- Shop: Brophy Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 4-3/4" Rise, 6" Drop - 8-1/8" Long - 7.5K
- Shop: Chrome Trailer Wheel Lug Nut - 1/2" (Each)
- Shop: Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Brake Controller - Dash Knob - 2 Braking Modes - 1 to 3 Axles - Proportional
- Shop: Curt Echo Under-Dash Bluetooth Brake Controller w/ OneControl App - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Search Results: wheel and tire
- Search Results: tekonsha primus wiring harness
- Q&A: How to Wire Up a Brake Controller on a 2023 Chevy Traverse With Dealer Installed Aftermarket 7-Way
- Q&A: Troubleshooting No Power on the Blue Brake Output Wire from a Brake Controller
- Q&A: Is There a Plug-In Adapter for Brake Controller on 2019 Chevy Colorado with Factory 7-Way
- Q&A: Weak Trailer Brakes After Pulled Breakaway Pin and Burning Smell
- Q&A: Recommended Brake Controller For Fleetwood Excursion
- Q&A: Wire Gauge Wire is Used on Tekonsha Primus IQ Brake Controller
- Video: Review of Redline Trailer Wheels - Lug Nut - 12CLN
- Q&A: How To Install A Brake Controller On A 2016 Chevrolet Colorado
- Video: Trailer Brake Controller Installation - 2015 Chevrolet Colorado
- Video: Trailer Brake Controller Wire Testing
- Video: Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution System Manufacturer Demo
- Search Results: brake controller
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Search Results: trailer brake controller
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class