Does Hopkins Brake Controller have Manual Override and Light Vehicle Brake Lights
Question:
I have a 2005 Chevy Astrovan and am thinking about purchasing the HM47294 brake controller. I seldom use the van and find that the battery runs down so I have installed a battery disconnect switch. In another question it was stated that disconnecting power from the HM47294 causes it to loose its memory and requires resetting the parameters. If I wire this controller so that it has constant battery power, what is the current draw in the idle mode? Can the trailer brakes be applied without depressing the tow vehicles brake pedal? If so, will the trailer brake lights be turned on?
asked by: Chuck
Helpful Expert Reply:
If you disconnect power to the Hopkins Trailer Brake Controller # HM47294 it will cause the brake controller to loose its memory and will require resetting.
I spoke to my contact at Hopkins about current draw in idle/standby mode if the brake controller is wired so that it has constant battery power. His response was there is very little, if any, current draw, a few milliamps. He said he has used this brake controller in his van and has never had an issue with the battery running down.
Yes, the trailer brakes can be applied without depressing the tow vehicle's brake pedal with the manual override. I have included a picture of the manual override. We did a bench test and the trailer brake lights will be turned on when you apply the manual override.
I have included a link to installation details and a video review.
