Trailer brake laws vary by state in the United States, but ensuring that you have your trailer brakes correctly connected to a brake controller will make towing (and stopping) your camp trailer a much easier and stress-free experience. 

What Is A Trailer Brake Controller?

A trailer brake controller (commonly known as a brake controller), is a small electronic device that regulates the electric brakes on your trailer. From this device, you can monitor and adjust the sensitivity and activity of your electronic trailer brakes.

Until recently, most trailer brakes mounted under the steering column of your tow vehicle. And while some still mount there, newer trailer brake controller technology allows you to control your trailer brakes from an app on your phone or from a wireless/handheld brake controller device. 

How Do Brake Controllers Work?

Some trailer brakes operate on a time-delay system. For example, when the driver presses on the brake pedal in the two vehicles, the brake controller recognizes the brake and activates the electronic brakes on the trailer, applying an increasing amount of pressure to match that of the brake pressure on the tow vehicle. 

The other method for trailer braking is called the proportional method. This method involves an electrical circuit (known as an accelerometer) that constantly monitors for changes in momentum. Once it detects any change in momentum, the brake controller automatically applies respective power to the trailer brakes in direct proportion to the momentum detected from the vehicle. This is a popular trailer braking method as it results in much smoother braking while towing - especially on a hill. The proportional method also takes into account whether you are traveling up or down a hill, applying respective amounts of power for either steep inclines or declines while towing on various grades. 

Do I Need A Trailer Brake Controller For My Camp Trailer?

If you are towing a camp trailer, you will more than likely need a trailer brake controller. Because electronic trailer brakes do not work without a controller, it is essential to have some type of control system to operate the brakes. 

While most trailers are equipped with electronic brakes, there are some trailers that have surge brakes. These brakes are hydraulically powered and detect the trailer’s momentum and weight when determining when and how hard to actuate the trailer brake system. This particular style of trailer brake system does not require a brake controller, or any type of electrical connection between the trailer and the tow vehicle. 

Conclusion 

If you are towing a camp trailer that has electronic brakes, it is strongly advised that you have a properly functioning (and connected) trailer brake control system. Not only will this help with better stops, but it will assist in sudden braking in the event of an accident. Not to mention, it can help tremendously with trailer sway. Rather than pumping the brakes on your tow vehicle during trailer sway, simply tap the trailer brake control manually, which will decrease the amount of sway you are experiencing.