| An electric trailer brake controller is a device that | | | | Hazard Flasher issues can be resolved by using a |
| supplies power from a tow vehicle to a trailer's electric | | | | Pulse Preventer that will isolate the brake control from |
| brakes. There are two types of brake controllers on | | | | the vehicles flashers, thus eliminating the pulsing. |
| the market today - Time Delay Activated and Inertia | | | | Inertia Activated Brake Controls |
| Activated. | | | | Inertia Activated Brake Controllers or Pendulum Style |
| While the controllers operate differently, they are very | | | | controllers are enabled by the depressing of the brake |
| similar. Both types have the same wiring configuration. | | | | pedal and activated by a Pendulum Circuit that senses |
| Both allow the driver to adjust the amount of braking | | | | the stopping motion of the vehicle. The Pendulum |
| power and both have a pressure sensitive manual | | | | Circuit applies a proportional voltage to the trailer's |
| override switch that can be used to apply the trailer | | | | brakes. |
| brakes independently of the tow vehicle. | | | | When the Inertia activated brake control is properly |
| Time Delay Activated Brake Controls | | | | adjusted, the trailer will decelerate at the same speed |
| Time Delay Activated or "solid state" controllers are | | | | as the towing vehicle. A result of this is increased |
| enabled by the depressing of the brake pedal in the | | | | braking efficiency and reduced wear on the brakes. |
| tow vehicle. Once enabled, time delay activated | | | | Advantages of pendulum style controllers are efficient |
| controllers apply a gradual voltage to the trailer's | | | | braking under a variety of braking conditions including |
| brakes using a Time Delay Circuit. | | | | adverse conditions. They also have a smooth braking |
| The advantages of a solid state brake control unit are | | | | motion. |
| the inexpensive cost, low profile, and they can be | | | | Pendulum style controllers have a few disadvantages |
| mounted at any angle. The disadvantages mostly | | | | also. They tend to be larger than solid state controller. |
| pertain to Hazard Flashers issues. In most applications | | | | They usually more expensive and they must be |
| the digital display will flash with the hazard flashers and | | | | mounted in a level position. Tekonsha's Prodigy |
| if the gain is set aggressively, some pulsing of the | | | | controller is an exception. Due to its innovative |
| trailer brakes may be felt. | | | | technology, it can be mounted in almost any position. |