Trailer Brake Controller

A Trailer Brake Controller (TBC) is usually an aftermarket installed device or module. It is mounted to the tow vehicle's drivers side dashboard area that engages a trailer’s braking system proportional to the tow vehicle's brake engagement when slowing down or coming to a halt. A TBC is not needed with a trailer surge braking system, it is only compatible with an electric trailer braking system.

A good TBC will have a +/- gain adjustment. The tow vehicle operator would set the gain as high as possible but without the trailer brakes locking-up after making a few test stops. The heavier the trailer, the higher the gain adjustment would be set and therefore the less chances of wheel lock-up.

A wide range of trailers will contain trailer brakes (for example; larger boats trailers, horse trailers, covered utility trailers, travel trailers including small 10-foot and longer tent trailers and car carriers). Smaller trailers may not contain trailer brakes (for example; lawn service trailers and basic 4'x8' utility trailers). It is highly recommended that if the total trailer weight is over a couple thousand pounds, the trailer needs to have some sort of braking system and the tow vehicle be equipped with a TBC.

External links

* [http://www.etrailer.com/faq/brakecontrol.asp etrailer.com - Trailer Brake Controllers]
* [http://www.championtrailers.com/brkart.html Hydraulic Versus Electric Trailer Braking Systems]

References

[http://www.draw-tite.com/]