Comparing Time Delay and Proportional Trailer Brake Controllers

Question:

which controller is better proportional or timed?

asked by: Tim

Expert Reply:

Proportional, hands down. The reason for this is that the proportional controllers are going to provide safe and even braking on the trailer in proportion to how much the tow vehicle is braking. Time delay controllers will send back the same amount of power no matter how the tow vehicle is braking.

Proportional controllers provided the safest way to stop and they reduce wear and tear on the trailer and tow vehicle. The only advantage that a time delay controller has is that it does not have to be mounted a certain way. They also tend to cost less but there are low-cost proportional controllers as well.

For example our most popular controller is the P2, # 90885. It is proportional and is moderately priced for a controller. But then there is the Voyager, # 39510, which is a little more than half the cost of the P2 and it is also a proportional controller.

But the P2 is auto-leveling and has a wider mounting range than the Voyager. It also has an LED display whereas the Voyager just has an indicator light. I have included a link to our help article on brake controllers for you to check out for even more information.

expert reply by: Michael H