What's a Trailer Brake Controller???

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  • čas přidán 2. 07. 2014
  • Get a trailer brake controller on Amazon. I like this one. → www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000...
    If you want something cheap and effective (classic design) Amazon has this one → www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000...
    What's a Trailer Brake Controller???
  • Auta a dopravní prostředky

Komentáře • 193

  • @aface
    @aface Před měsícem

    As a newbie to trailer brakes and controllers, I thank you for your clarity and thoroughness in explaining these systems and how they interact with each other. Thank you.

  • @sculptor210
    @sculptor210 Před 4 lety +4

    Thank you so much for your enlightening instruction! 61 year old grandma going to pick up my first travel trailer tomorrow, and you have eased my concerns about the electric brakes. 😁

  • @lockhga
    @lockhga Před 4 lety +9

    That was perfect!! I’ve never owned a truck in my life till yesterday and it had that little box on the right. I only knew it had something to do with trailer brakes so by watching your video, I fully understand what the thing does, why it does and how it does - terrific!! Also, it’s some nice to listen to someone without any profanity - thank you sooo much!! 😇

  • @Toyotatruckclub
    @Toyotatruckclub Před 9 lety +41

    You've got the heart of a teacher, thank you for your very detailed video on this subject! Nice work!

  • @jamiev3943
    @jamiev3943 Před 9 lety +6

    Thank you. This video was extremely insightful and exactly what I was looking for. I have a 2014 Ram 1500 Limited and we recently purchased an RV weighing in at 8k. I have minimal experience with a truck and trailer but I now have a better understanding of the brake controller and gain. I look forward to your other videos.

  • @s0nnyburnett
    @s0nnyburnett Před 10 lety +25

    Seems like when you get into towing it's like learning how to drive all over again.

  • @briansmobile1
    @briansmobile1  Před 10 lety +18

    Sorry about the Truck pop-up effect. I had to reshoot this several times due to interruptions etc. The editing file got messy and I missed it. It should only have been on once. I posted this on faith that it was good and went to a family picnic! My fault.

    • @mcaff3753
      @mcaff3753 Před 10 lety +8

      You are great for doing these videos and taking time out of your life for the common knowledge and good of all.

    • @briansmobile1
      @briansmobile1  Před 10 lety +7

      M Caff I like to be of service. It always comes back around to me one way or another. And when people appreciate it- it makes me happy.

  • @JohnGilmour
    @JohnGilmour Před 3 lety +4

    I missed the part about how the trailer brakes are applied proportionally to that required for a particular stop.
    These electronic controllers must sense vehicle brake pressure to work properly.

  • @andyprairiedog4829
    @andyprairiedog4829 Před 6 lety +3

    Very helpful. Bought a used pick up with an electronic brake control and this helps clear the mechanics area of how it works. Thanks, Brian.

  • @100nortonfan
    @100nortonfan Před 7 lety +1

    Thanks, Brian! Your video on this matter is the absolute best! I have read so much about these brakes but, seemingly, all prefer to snow the reader with fluff and BS that one learns nothing from it. Your video is concise and delivered in a very humorous and succinct manner. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

  • @spelunkerd
    @spelunkerd Před 10 lety +12

    Although drum brakes are a very old mechanism, I find the design to be surprisingly elegant and reliable. In particular, the way the brake shoes rotate when the brakes are applied is a cool way to bring a little mechanical power assist to the braking mechanism.

    • @shahrajeshb
      @shahrajeshb Před 5 lety

      I agree, however, what he explains is the when you are climbing hill hydro break triggers and it may not pull your trailer.

  • @averagepatriot
    @averagepatriot Před 10 lety +1

    Great video as usual. Always wondered why my truck had the integrated controller on the left. Glad to see they're changing it.

  • @mikecunnane8759
    @mikecunnane8759 Před 10 lety

    Great simple explanation on how this system works. Bought a '13 Titan for trailering a drag car. This video has me more knowledgable on what to source & install. Keep up the good work!

  • @jamesrhodes8897
    @jamesrhodes8897 Před 5 lety +2

    I found the explanations you gave to be precisely what I needed to hear and more. So, your video is alive and well and still serving the purpose for which you made it. Thanks, my good man.

  • @BLohr707
    @BLohr707 Před 6 lety +1

    Got same truck just a couple years newer. Really appreciate the video! Gonna be installing a brake controller and goose neck hitch this Weeknd. And this really help with educating me on this new journey.

  • @TheRealJamesHarkins
    @TheRealJamesHarkins Před 9 lety +1

    This was fantastic!! Simple, straight-forward, and yet detailed. Thank you so much for making this easy to learn.

  • @gliderrider2734
    @gliderrider2734 Před 6 lety +1

    I am brand new to towing and found your video clear and to the point. Thank you!

  • @ckultra121
    @ckultra121 Před rokem

    Excellent job explaining. I looked for details all over and stumbled on your display. I have hauled lots of classic break systems you initially covered. New to this braking system. Not new to electronics, the shop I took my old 1999 Dodge to for other work, I provided my module for them to hook up a module and they said they don’t know how to do the breaking system. I was like it works with the power hookup in the back and no break device needs to be added to the trailer. So they had me second guessing myself. Your video explained it clearly. Thank you.

  • @Bhos68
    @Bhos68 Před 5 lety

    One of the best videos on explaining the trailer brake system. Thank you

  • @jammin60psd
    @jammin60psd Před 10 lety

    I really like what you are doing here with the trailer towing 101 for the masses. It's a huge problem with towing ratings for even 1/2tons passing 11,000lbs and duallys getting into the class 7-8 range of 30,000+lbs range(new Ram 3500 and Fords 15' F450) the vehicle dealers don't advise client on how to set them up, the trailer retailers don't want any part of the liability either.
    You are going to love towing with a factory integrated trailer brake. I have had one for 7years on my F250 and it's amazing. The new diesels are so quiet. Can't wait to see how you mod the new truck.
    I am sure you already have plans or I might of missed it but please do a trailer loading, ie where to put weight video. Touch on weight distributing hitches and how and poorly loaded trailer wreaks havoc with tow vehicle handling.
    Keep up the great work!

  • @rejj0313
    @rejj0313 Před 8 lety +32

    Very good video. Now I understand this braking system better. The various illustrations made everything clearer. Also, I must say that it is refreshing to hear a young man speak without profanity on CZcams.

    • @jjt1234
      @jjt1234 Před 6 lety

      Is it better fo sure. He's Caucasian.....

    • @pamil1923
      @pamil1923 Před 3 lety +3

      @@jjt1234 sleazy comment there man, there’s no call for that.👎🏼

  • @2000talon
    @2000talon Před 7 lety +2

    Thanks, im getting my brake controller installed tomorrow and i was feeling a bit unknowlegdable about it, im feeling better, and i will just have to play with the truck and trailer i a parking lot get the hang of it.

  • @Tsch6373
    @Tsch6373 Před 3 lety

    Thank you for your very easy-to-understand video about trailer breaking systems. You explain things quite well, in layman's terms and I appreciate that! I need to know how these things work before I can feel comfortable operating them on my own. Thank you very much!

  • @johnalex174
    @johnalex174 Před 7 lety

    I just bought my first 24 ft. 2006 Cub Cadet travel trailer and had no idea I needed a brake controller. I got it home okay (about 50 miles and up the the 15 Fwy to the high desert near Wrightwood, CA.) with just the wiring harness plugged into my 2004 GMC Denali. It seemed okay, but looks like I'll require a brake controller. Excellent explanation about brake controllers. I am hoping the Denali has the wiring pre-installed for the Reese Towpower 8508211 Brake Control (Proportional BRAKE-EVN) I just ordered on Amazon for $35 bucks. Still looking for a video on that install. Thanks so much for the video and your expertise.

  • @phillipstanger3596
    @phillipstanger3596 Před 7 lety +2

    Thank You!! Very helpful to this newbe rv'er!!! After watching this I feel much more comfortable about using the brake system properly!!

  • @luciocabanas1664
    @luciocabanas1664 Před 5 lety

    Im new to trailer break and truck i just bought has an after market break controller..and this video is the best so far....kudos to this guy...

  • @kenh9097
    @kenh9097 Před 7 lety

    Great video, quick note; most surge brake boat trailers come with a coupler lock so if you have to go in reverse and up a hill you won't compress your master cyl.

  • @charlesgnewbernjr9448
    @charlesgnewbernjr9448 Před 8 lety +1

    Thank you very much for making this video. Now I understand alot better about the whole braking system. I have the pendulum type but it does not have numbers just a gain dial, I assume you slide the dial up to go higher and slide down to go lower? Im gonna go to a parking lot tomorrow and test it out. Thanks again Brian excellent job by the way!!!!

  • @Bwanar1
    @Bwanar1 Před 3 lety

    On boat brakes, as you call them, they have had a lock out on these brakes (or at least available) for years. Since you do a lot of backing, especially with a boat, when you put your truck in reverse the solenoid gets power from the reverse light feed and automatically bypasses the hydraulics. This way you can back up as easy as going forward.

  • @ronthor5621
    @ronthor5621 Před 3 lety +1

    Best video on CZcams about break controllers thanks man

  • @benrosenberg3489
    @benrosenberg3489 Před 3 lety +1

    I've never towed anything and I don't need to atm, but I'm glad Ik about this before I ever do

  • @OKRODDER
    @OKRODDER Před 10 lety +1

    Brian, great info. Anything to add about regular maintenance?

  • @waitemc
    @waitemc Před 4 lety +1

    I always adjust my gain in gravel untill they lock up then I adjust the gain back down when it starts rolling. Then squeeze my override to see if brakes lock up at half way squeezed. But I redo this process when I get trailer loaded. Flat car hauler trl.

  • @josephebsworth6658
    @josephebsworth6658 Před 7 lety

    I have a nifty by-pass solinoid on my boat trailer so when I go into reverse the breaks don't go on. works great.

  • @ramvan2284
    @ramvan2284 Před 3 lety +1

    Thx man. Great description and visuals.

  • @kay8729
    @kay8729 Před 4 lety +1

    Thanks so much for doing the video. I bought a 99 ram that came with the electronic breaking system for hauling I dont do much hauling honestly and never understood what it done or how it worked. With me having a learning disability not a ton of people explain things as clearly and as in depth as you have here. Thank you! Only question I still have is does this breaking system effect the truck when not hauling anything at all? I see mine counting numbers up when i apply the break in slick conditions when not hauling anything at all. So does it help stop the truck at all and not just a trailer?

  • @johnbarber6862
    @johnbarber6862 Před 8 lety +4

    At the start you say the problem with hydraulic brakes is reversing uphill?? there is a mechanical swing spacer to swing in place to disable the plunger during reversing.
    I know of some that smoke up their gearbox / tires by forgetting this.
    the disadvantage of Override brakes (Hydraulic or cable) is they only function to assist car brakes with some push on the vehicle.
    Electric brakes can come on harder than car to pull straight from behind but set to Not lockup & skid out sideways.

  • @Ajax4Hire
    @Ajax4Hire Před 6 lety +1

    Good explanation.
    briansmobile1 really understand the operation and use of a brake module.
    Especially like the adjustment process; setting the range and testing.
    I learned something new that was also useful.
    thanks.

  • @hillie47
    @hillie47 Před 8 lety

    Thanks, great video. Just bought my first truck that came with a Husky Quest built-in. Took me a while to figure out what it was (as I was stupid enough to not continue asking, took me a while to figure out that the brand was Husky, as it only says Quest and that in itself is just a nightmare to google :-))) and your video was very clear. Great style, just keep on giving information while you overlay a relevant picture. Quite educational!

  • @misshidalgo
    @misshidalgo Před 9 lety

    Great video. Love the Amazon links too! Saved me hours of research and shopping!

  • @williamtootell9303
    @williamtootell9303 Před 3 lety

    Great video!! Thanks for making it so simple to understand! You're a natural teacher!

  • @soberonpurpose
    @soberonpurpose Před 8 lety +4

    Thanks for a great video. I am now to driving a trailer and having to figure out the brake brain. This helps- the white board and pics are super visuals. What editing soft ware are you using.

  • @melanierosenthal4642
    @melanierosenthal4642 Před 9 lety +1

    Thanks so much for the video! Really helped me understand trailer braking.

  • @tblue3cibm
    @tblue3cibm Před 2 lety

    The dad jokes have earned you a sub!! You had me at the truck crash 😂😂🤣 Thank you for this clear concise explanation!

  • @SteveRobReviews
    @SteveRobReviews Před 10 lety

    Fantastic presentation Brian - keep us up to date on how you like the new truck compared to the old.

  • @TheJohnClay
    @TheJohnClay Před 6 lety

    I'm new to towing a heavy trailer. This video was very helpful, thanks.

  • @Goomba1985
    @Goomba1985 Před 6 lety +1

    Great video. Thanks for explaining everything top to bottom!

  • @AllAmericanDreamChaser
    @AllAmericanDreamChaser Před 6 lety +1

    Thank you for explaining trailer brakes and brake controller. This video was very helpful for me.😀👍

  • @youwilliambetsill665
    @youwilliambetsill665 Před 9 lety +2

    Thanks for your video, I am new to the brake controller usage and your explanation was very good.

    • @briansmobile1
      @briansmobile1  Před 9 lety +2

      Glad you liked it. I put a lot of work into this one.

  • @hamedf4792
    @hamedf4792 Před 7 lety

    Question please, I am about to replace a 4-pin connector with a 7 pin on my Jeep. Will the system operate effectively without a brake controller? Curious to know thanks!

  • @marjoryhoffman1869
    @marjoryhoffman1869 Před 8 lety

    I am only getting 5.5 volts at the blue wire going into the socket when I activate my brake controller manually. That is without the trailer connected. Should that be 12 volts?

  • @johnnyairstream5092
    @johnnyairstream5092 Před 6 lety

    What a fantastic video! Thanks for the education on the basics. 👌🏼👍🏼

  • @marcusgay1856
    @marcusgay1856 Před 9 lety

    how many volts should i be getin from my plug thats n the bed of the truck

  • @DJFireUSA
    @DJFireUSA Před 10 lety

    And another key point is the ability to turn the brakes off. This can be very helpful for tight quarters and squeezing into parking spots where you may be backing up with some jackknifing.

    • @DJFireUSA
      @DJFireUSA Před 10 lety

      The electric brakes that is.

  • @kmsti8677
    @kmsti8677 Před 5 lety

    So for what I understand if I were to get a $50 brake controller and set it to 50% and apply the brakes by slightly pressing on it, say 10% pressed, it still sends a 50% signal to my trailer is what I understand unless I get a more expensive controller correct?

  • @luisgfonseca9019
    @luisgfonseca9019 Před 7 lety +1

    Great job, brother! I learned quite a bit. Thanks

  • @2tractorman
    @2tractorman Před 10 lety

    Can the power wire be hooked to the fuse box or does it need to be connected straight to the battery with a fuse?

  • @2112bangkok
    @2112bangkok Před 9 lety

    Thoroughly informative, thank you!

  • @silgrand6110
    @silgrand6110 Před 5 lety

    Should you be putting more or less breaking while driving down the highway

  • @5150roc
    @5150roc Před 9 lety

    I just bought a used boat and the trailer has an Actuator /drum brakes system. Is this considered an Electric/Hydraulic system as it relates to the brake controller - Prodigy P2 settings (E.H)? Currently I'm running a Prodigy P2 with my travel trailer, which has an electric brakes system (works great). Can I run the Prodigy P2 with my boat trailer as well under the "E.H." (Electric/Hydraulic) setting or should I just unplug the P2 and leave the boat trailer without a trailer brake controller? I noticed you said something in this video about boat trailers I just wanted to confirm. Thanks you very much.

  • @laurapellizzi4072
    @laurapellizzi4072 Před 4 lety +1

    Great video. Thanks for the detailed explanation.

  • @yolibg21
    @yolibg21 Před 6 lety

    Hi I really love your explanation, you should try the DirecLink from Tuson RV Brakes their system is awesome.

  • @rolandpeterson1298
    @rolandpeterson1298 Před 7 lety +2

    Excellent video! Loved it! Thanks

  • @mihaipopa9414
    @mihaipopa9414 Před 4 lety +2

    Excellent presentation, thank you!

  • @katecampfire3644
    @katecampfire3644 Před 6 lety +1

    Thank you for such a great explanation!

  • @ickipoo
    @ickipoo Před 10 lety

    Newer non-integrated controllers use a MEMS accelerometer rather than a physical pendulum and are more responsive/smoother. MEMS accelerometers are basically a microscopic pendulum inside an integrate circuit, and are also used in smartphones, quadcopters, etc.

  • @CC_UrbanCowboy
    @CC_UrbanCowboy Před 7 lety

    Great video, simple to follow. Thank you.

  • @TH-GRMRPRFuikefu
    @TH-GRMRPRFuikefu Před 3 lety

    I have had a controller in my truck well after this video i know what its for now hhaa always wondered what that lil compartment under my steering wheel
    Done.

  • @Max-nh3gp
    @Max-nh3gp Před 2 lety

    Thank you for the free ejemekashon sir. Very well done.

  • @tonyvalerio585
    @tonyvalerio585 Před 3 lety +1

    Tony
    Great job
    I was weed cutting by the trailer and hit the wire release on the braking system. It pulled the.wire out. I got a problem. Can I replace it or do I have to replace the whole box?

  • @ManInTheBigHat
    @ManInTheBigHat Před 5 lety

    I have a cheap drawtite Activator 2 on my 2001 RAM Diesel pulling a 5000lb camper trailer. The brakes work, it does stop. But when I let OFF the brake after slowing down the trailer jerks as if the magnets are holding on as tight as they can and they let go as fast as they can. So fast that there's a big shock motion throughout the whole rig.
    Anyone got any ideas? Is that a controller issue or something wrong with the brakes. Or is that just how electric brakes are?

  • @arrepuess
    @arrepuess Před 2 lety

    If my 2019 f-150 has no brake controller, can I expect the trailer brakes not to function at all? It has the round connector.

  • @larsturner310
    @larsturner310 Před 4 lety +1

    Thanks for the video, Brian.

  • @laisvidasstriska4143
    @laisvidasstriska4143 Před 5 lety

    what if accident in front of us and we need not only asist in brake, but hard braking to avoid colision? Is it legal in Europe?

  • @nathankoroush7918
    @nathankoroush7918 Před 5 lety +1

    Thanks for the lesson.

  • @jeremyjameslapointe9217

    Hi Brian okay if you squeeze the brake controller and get a signal and the trailer brake but whenever you hit the brake pedal you don't get the magnetic to work. What might be the problem? Now I am getting a signal at the back of the truck but not at the Magneto on the brakes

  • @RobertoSantiagoRodriguez

    Great video as usual, thanks so much! The dance is called Conga, by the way. Lol

  • @wrenchrad
    @wrenchrad Před 5 lety +1

    Super helpful, thank you!

  • @rpeek
    @rpeek Před 7 lety +2

    Nice video, very helpful. Thank You..

  • @mjac2557
    @mjac2557 Před 6 lety

    jeez. can i use it to control washing machine motor?

  • @filitamayo3786
    @filitamayo3786 Před 8 lety

    r electronic brakes a bad idea for boat trailers being that they're submerged under water . I'd like to have them hooked up at all times.

  • @TheMonstar305
    @TheMonstar305 Před 10 lety

    What kind of brake controller do you have?

  • @grizzlydan8
    @grizzlydan8 Před 10 lety +1

    I learned a lot. Thanks.

  • @Ellis1127
    @Ellis1127 Před 3 lety

    Very good video, great info!

  • @sttu1553
    @sttu1553 Před 7 lety

    Good info, just what I was looking for, Thanks

  • @troylindsey1444
    @troylindsey1444 Před měsícem

    Excellent tutorial!

  • @neilfigueredo7041
    @neilfigueredo7041 Před 2 lety

    Wow Thank you for the great explanation. So darn good... Thank you again!!!

  • @spiritnsage
    @spiritnsage Před 8 lety

    the one pictured is not self adjusting - the spring was on the star wheel - the self adjusting has a lever that adjusts and the spring does not contact the star on the adjuster

  • @2xIRAQVET
    @2xIRAQVET Před 7 lety

    EXCELLENT video!!! THANK YOU!!

  • @RobsPackanShine
    @RobsPackanShine Před 10 lety +1

    very well explained...ty for sharing

  • @BrodieStephensPlus
    @BrodieStephensPlus Před 3 lety

    Help. I recently installed an electric Curt controller. I notice when towing only that the controller seems to randomly make clicking noises. Almost like it might be calibrating or something. Any idea why or what the clicks are??? Thanks so much for your help.

  • @Ojeramup12
    @Ojeramup12 Před 3 lety

    Good presentation!

  • @hamedf4792
    @hamedf4792 Před 7 lety

    Thanks for the video which was very helpful!

  • @jamillouati6522
    @jamillouati6522 Před 8 lety

    Hi
    one day i can not start my Hummer H2 after cheking batteri.startor motor.fuses disconnenting batteri for more than 15 minutes i still have the same problem than i chek the draw tite activator inside there is one disconnected resistance on the altronic cart
    I'm in africa and my question is can you help me to fix it and haw i can reset it so in can start my Hummer H2
    many thanks

  • @ravenfeather7087
    @ravenfeather7087 Před 7 lety

    I think you said that the more brake pedal pressure you apply the more braking effort is applied by the trailer brakes. Is that really correct? I thought the wire that activates the trailer brakes is connected to the brake light wire, which is connected to what is simply an on/off switch. Am I wrong about that?

    • @dminter1234
      @dminter1234 Před 6 lety

      After market brake controllers use a simple wire to the brake light switch, and use a electronic pendulum to control the voltage to the brakes. The newer integrated brake controllers use sensors on the brake pedal to control the amount of voltage to send to the brakes.

  • @jopierre17
    @jopierre17 Před 3 lety +1

    Very well done! Ty

  • @helamanvillela1555
    @helamanvillela1555 Před 6 lety +1

    what a guy, thanks for the info man.

  • @stevenwren4963
    @stevenwren4963 Před 4 lety +1

    Good job, thank you!

  • @pilotnelson4507
    @pilotnelson4507 Před 7 lety +1

    Nice "chalk talk." -from a fellow instructor.

  • @jamesshoop7787
    @jamesshoop7787 Před 10 lety

    Thanks. I just bought an old F150 that has the brake controller and I didn't really know anything about it.