Is A Proportional Or Time-Delayed Brake Controller Better For A 2018 Nissan Frontier?
Question:
Hello, I have a 2018 Nissan Frontier 4x4 with the trailer package. Is there a brake controller that is a plug and play set up? Also which type of controller is best? Time delay or progressive?
asked by: Mike A
Helpful Expert Reply:
There are two types of brake controllers: Proportional and Time-Delayed.
Both have pros and cons, however, the proportional controller tends to be the one that most people opt for.
A time-delayed brake controller basically functions as the title says. When you apply the brakes on your vehicle, there is a slight delay in the braking of the trailer. This style controller uses pre-set settings (that you can change ahead of time) and applies the same amount of braking power to the trailer no matter how hard or soft you brake your vehicle. This can come in handy with slow towing on mountains or when towing a heavy load. There is a manual override which will allow you to send full braking power to the trailer in an emergency situation.
The more common and modern style is the proportional controller. This controller, unlike time-delayed controllers, will apply the trailer brakes at the same pressure and in the same manner as you are applying the brakes in your vehicle. For example: If you brake your vehicle hard in an emergency situation, the trailer will also brake hard and help you stop at the same rate as your vehicle. There is a manual override on this style controller as well.
In conclusion, I usually recommend the proportional style controller since it gives the trailer a little more control and smoothness in braking. Time-delay braking tends to have a push and pull feeling since it is braking differently than the vehicle.
The Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller # 90885 with # 3050-P wiring harness will be a direct plug-in fit for your 2018 Nissan Frontier with the tow package. This will plug into the junction box under the dash.
If you wish to install a time-delayed controller, I would go with the Curt # C74VV with # C51382 wiring harness.
Products Referenced in This Question
Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - Nissan and Infiniti
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Wiring Adapter
- Plugs into Brake Controller
- Vehicle Specific
- Tekonsha
more information >
Curt Custom Wiring Adapter for Trailer Brake Controllers - Dual Plug In
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Wiring Adapter
- Plugs into Brake Controller
- Vehicle Specific
- CURT
more information >
Curt Venturer NEXT Trailer Brake Controller - 1-3 Axles - Time Delayed
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Time Delayed Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 3 Axles
- LCD Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- CURT
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LED Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
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