So You Have a Caravan or boat trailer with Electric Brakes. What Now?
These brakes will not work unless you have a suitable control module in your car. Commonly called an Electric Brake Controller, this device is attached under the dash of your vehicle. It is wired to the car’s battery, the stop light circuit and also to the seven-pin socket into which the caravan plug connects. Its installation is virtually independent of the vehicle’s electrical circuit and has no conflict with car computers or ABS braking systems. Installation usually takes one and a half to two hours depending upon the vehicle.
A wide range of Electric Brake Controllers are available but they all operate on similar principles. Power is fed from the vehicle’s stoplights into the controller then back to the caravan through the seven-pin plug and socket. This allows the brakes to come on automatically when you apply the vehicle brakes. The characteristics of the power flow will vary from unit to unit. We recommend a pendulum based brake controller. Why? Because a pendulum sensor sends a variable amount of power to the caravan brakes in proportion to the stopping motion of the motor vehicle. This will deliver smoother and more responsive braking in all situations. Controllers also have a manual device which allows the user to apply the caravan brakes independent of the car brakes. This is an essential feature to minimise sway or instability.
Tekonsha Prodigy
The Prodigy is the most technologically advanced controller available. Even with its pendulum based output it requires no levelling and is equipped with a self-adjusting sensing device to compensate for varying terrain. Its digital display illustrates the voltage level delivered to the caravan brakes whilst driving and also reports any electrical fault conditions such as power loss, short circuits and more. It has a plug in wiring harness for easy removal and a unique pocket mounting for flexible options. This unit has a variable power level that is further complimented by a “boost” feature for incremental power. In summary, The Prodigy has a number of features, some are not important, but others are – particularly the self-levelling and digital displays make it an outstanding electric brake controller.
REDARC TOWPRO
Product Description
The Tow-Pro™ is an electric trailer brake controller designed to suit most common trailer braking applications whilst requiring minimal dash space and being simple to install and operate.
The Tow-Pro™ offers selectable Automatic or User Controlled trailer braking modes allowing the user to choose the braking style depending on the road or terrain conditions, vehicle type, or driver preference.
The unit is able to operate both electric and electric/hydraulic trailer brakes without manual selection and will operate from either 12V or 24V vehicle systems without the need for extra components or wiring. The unit is also ADR compliant when installed as directed.