Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do you need a trailer brake controller to use trailer brakes?
Yes, electric trailer brakes require a brake controller to function. If your trailer has electric brakes, you will need a brake controller to tow. However, some trailers have surge brakes, which are hydraulic and operate based on the trailer's weight and momentum.
2. What are the two types of trailer brakes?
There are three major types of trailer brakes: surge brakes, electric brakes, and emergency brakes. Surge brakes are independent of the vehicle's brake system and activate when the vehicle slows down. Electric brakes, on the other hand, require a brake controller to engage. Emergency brakes provide an additional braking mechanism in case of a system failure.
3. What should trailer brake gain be set at?
To determine the trailer brake gain setting, start with a lower setting like 2 or 20 for a lighter load. Start the tow vehicle, apply the manual control toggle, and release the brake. If the vehicle starts moving, the gain is too low. Increase the setting to 4 or 40 and repeat the process until the trailer stops smoothly.
4. What happens if you don't have a trailer brake controller?
Without a trailer brake controller, the tow vehicle's braking system would have to stop both the vehicle and the trailer, which is unsafe and often illegal. A trailer brake controller is necessary to independently control the trailer brakes and ensure safe towing.
5. Do I need a trailer brake controller if I have a 7 pin connector?
Yes, even if your vehicle has a 7-pin trailer connector, it does not engage the trailer brakes. A separate brake controller is required. However, some vehicles may already have a built-in brake controller, in which case you can simply plug your trailer into the provided port.
6. What are the most common trailer brakes?
The most common type of trailer brakes is electric drum brakes. These are standard in the flatbed and utility trailer industry. Electric drum brakes are controlled by an in-cab brake controller that is often included in modern trucks.
7. Do trailer brakes automatically turn on?
When the driver presses the brake pedal, a time-based brake controller activates the trailer brakes and applies increasing power over time. This is known as gain. The gain setting on a time-delay brake controller can be adjusted by the driver to suit each specific trailer.
8. Do trailer brakes work automatically?
Yes, a trailer brake controller automatically engages the trailer brakes when needed. It operates transparently and can also be manually controlled by the driver to check and adjust the trailer brakes or activate them manually if necessary.
9. What PSI should trailer brakes be?
The recommended PSI for trailer brakes is typically between 20-45 psi or as specified by the manufacturer. In a tractor-trailer combination vehicle, the tractor protection valve and parking brake valve should close at the specified PSI. For other combination and single vehicle types, the parking brake valve should close at the specified PSI.