Trailer Brake Controller 101
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Trailer Brake Controller 101
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By law any trailer over 16 foot in length is required to have some form of braking system. The most common is an electronic braking system which uses 12 volt power from the tow vehicle to magnetize brake pads installed on the trailer. A trailer brake control box is installed inside the vehicle to determine when and how much power to send out to the trailer. Electronic trailer brake controllers can be broken down into two main styles.
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As the brakes on the tow vehicle are applied a signal is sent from the brake controller to the brakes on the trailer. The longer brakes are applied the stronger that signal gets. Most brake boxes work this way but you DO NOT want this type because if you slam on the brakes the trailer brakes reacts very little and if you gradually ease up to a red light the trailer brakes will be locked down by the time you get there.
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Proportional electronic brake controllers have built in inertia sensors that determine the tow vehicles rate of deceleration and apply an equal amount to the trailer brakes so both work together for a smooth braking response. This is a much better choice than time delay and most proportional boxes are extremely easy to setup and operate eliminating the user error that causes many controllers not function properly.
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5 BRAKE BOXES TO CHOOSE FROM
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Tekonsha 9030 Voyager
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| Voyager is the most basic proportional electronic brake controller available. It has an LED indicator light on the top that changes from green to orange to red that indicates how much braking force is being applied. It has a knob on the left to adjusted the level and another on the right side that adjust the power output. Any brake controller you find for less than this one will be a time delay. |
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$75.99
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Tekonsha 90160 Primus IQ
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| The Primus IQ not much more money than the Voyager and includes several extra features. A digital readout displays the power output level, a button on top controls a brake boost feature, it includes a unique snap on mounting bracket for a flush mount, and an easier to use top mounted power adjustment knob. It is the smallest of all the Tekonsha controllers and mounts very tight against the dash for a clean installation. This will be the best choice for most users. |
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$87.99
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Tekonsha 90885 Prodigy P2
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| The Tekonsha Prodigy is the most popular brake controller ever created. It has a digital readout / boost feature just like the Primus but is more powerful (works up to a 4 axel 8 brake system) and automatically levels itself eliminating setup errors. Recently it was redesigned and is now called the P2 which has all the original feature plus the ability to be mounted in any position and a new feature that allows it to operate electric over hydraulic braking systems. |
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$129.99
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Tekonsha 90195 Prodigy P3
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| The P3 is the most advanced brake box available period. It has all the feature of the P2 plus a LCD display and easy to use adjustment buttons (upgrade from the rolling knob). It is designed to work flawlessly on both electric trailers brakes and electric over hydraulic. |
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$149.99
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Tekonsha 90250 Prodigy RF
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| The Prodigy RF is a very unique controller that installs on the trailer instead of the truck. It includes a hand held controller for in the cab that sends out a RF (Radio Frequency) to the control box which is mounted on the trailer. It was specifically designed for users that are pulling with fleet, borrowed, rented, or leased trucks that cannot have a normal brake controller installed to them. |
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$299.99
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