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Electric Trailer Brakes
If you’re towing heavier loads in excess of 750kg, the trailer must be fitted with brakes. There are 3 types of trailer brakes:
Mechanical override. Electronic. Electric/hydraulic.
If your trailer is installed with electric or electric/hydraulic brakes you will require an electric brake controller fitted to the vehicle.
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Compare The Different Types Of
Electric Brake Controllers
Compare The Different Types Of Electric Brake Controllers
Confused on the different types of brake controller units on the market? No more – take a look at our feature comparison table below and if you still have questions reach out and we would be happy to give you the right advice to meet your vehicle and towing needs.
A time activated electric brake controller gets a signal when you press the brakes. It sends power to your trailer’s brakes at a rate of intensity that you set prior to driving. So, there’s always a bit of a delay.
A proportional electric brake controller automatically senses when your vehicle slows down or stops. It copies the intensity of how you break from vehicle to trailer.
Hybrid electric brake controllers can be switched between proportional and time activated.
 |
 |
 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Time Activated Controllers | Proportional Controllers | Hybrid Electric Brake Controller | |
| A time activated electric brake controller gets a signal when you press the brakes. It sends power to your trailer’s brakes at a rate of intensity that you set prior to driving. So, there’s always a bit of a delay. | A proportional brake controller automatically senses when your vehicle slows down or stops. It copies the intensity of how you break from vehicle to trailer. | Hybrid electric brake controllers can be switched between proportional and time activated. | |
| Emergency braking | |||
| Quick reaction time | |||
| Smoother braking | |||
| Ability to be mounted at any angle | |||
| Compatible with modern vehicles | |||
| Compatible with knee air bags | |||
| Easy diagnosis | |||
| Adapts to every braking situation | |||
| Good for casual drivers | |||
| Quicker & easier installation | |||
| Swap between proportional mode (highway driving) and user control mode (off-road driving) | |||
| Non-invasive installation in the vehicle cabin |
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Time Activated Controllers | Proportional Controllers | Hybrid Electric Brake Controller | |
| Emergency braking | |||
| Quick reaction time | |||
| Smoother braking | |||
| Ability to be mounted at any angle | |||
| Compatible with modern vehicles | |||
| Compatible with knee air bags | |||
| Easy diagnosis | |||
| Adapts to every braking situation | |||
| Good for casual drivers | |||
| Quicker & easier installation | |||
| Swap between proportional mode (highway driving) and user control mode (off-road driving) | |||
| Non-invasive installation in the vehicle cabin |
What Is An Electric Brake Controller And Why Do You Need It?
An electronic brake controller activates the trailer’s brakes. The brake controller sets the timing and level of power output to the trailer brakes when activated by pressing the brake pedal in the vehicle.
Speedy Towbars supplies and installs electric brake controllers. It is a legal requirement that if a trailer has electric or electric/hydraulic brakes installed the tow vehicle must have a trailer braking system fitted.
Australian road rules are strict about fitting trailers that are heavier than 750kg with brakes. Some trailers have hydraulic trailer brakes, but most are designed and fitted with electric brake systems, which normally require the installation of a separate brake controller on the tow vehicle.
Don’t get pulled over, weighed and fined. Stay on the right side of the law with a professionally installed brake controller.
At Speedy Towbars discover a trusted range of brake controllers for any size trailer and we install in Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and Ipswich so browse our products below today.
Does My Trailer Need Brakes Or
Electric Brakes?
Does My Trailer Need Brakes Or Electric Brakes?
It’s a great question and if you’re still not sure after reviewing the table below give us a call and we’ll quickly help you confirm whether you need an electric brake controller to tow your trailer safely.
| GTM (Gross Trailer Mass) | < 750kg Single axel | 750kg – 2000kg | 2001kg – 4500kg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Are Trailer brakes required? | No Brakes Required (unless stated otherwise in your owner's manual). | Yes. | Yes. |
| Are Over-run Brakes Required? | No Brakes Required (unless stated otherwise in your owner’s manual). | Yes – Over-run brakes can be used in this application. Brake must operating on the wheels of at least one axle. | Not Suitable. |
| Are Electric Brakes Required? | No Brakes Required (unless stated otherwise in your owner’s manual). | No - However Electric Brakes can be used and are recommended rather then over-run brakes. | Yes – must have brakes operating on all wheels. |
| Break-Away Unit required? | No Break-Away Unit required. | No Break-Away Unit required. | Yes - The breakaway system must be applied immediately on the trailer brakes, in the event of the trailer becoming detached from the towing vehicle. Under these circumstances, the brakes must remain applied for a minimum of 15 minutes. |
Brake Controllers We Stock
If your trailer has electronic brakes, you’ll need an electric trailer brake controller. The controller activates the operation of the brakes.
At Speedy Towbars, we can install an electric brake controller at the same time as your Towbar. We carry an extensive range of brands to suit all vehicles and driving needs.
Talk to one of our trusted technicians about your electric brake kit requirements today!
We carry proportional, time activated and hybrid electric brake controllers from these brands:
HAYMAN REESE
BRAKE CONTROLLER
REDARC
BRAKE CONTROLLER
TEKONSHA BRAKE CONTROLLER
Connect with us today for your free quote.
Why Buy Your Electric Trailer Brake Controllers from
Speedy Towbars
Speedy Towbars stocks the widest selection of efficient braking products available on the market. We source Towbars, ride braking systems, brake controllers and other accessories from all over the world. Our highly trained technicians are trained and skilled to install the latest high tech controllers. With the best prices in Australia and the Speediest service, we’ll look after your vehicle and trailer as if they were our own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do I need an electric brake controller installed on my vehicle?
A. You will need a brake controller fitted to your vehicle if the trailer you are towing has an electric or electric over hydraulic brakes installed on it.
Q. What does electric brake controller do?
A. Electric brake controllers send power to the electric brakes on the trailer and allows you to adjust how hard or soft the brakes on the trailer work.
Q. How do I test if my electric brake controller is working?
A. We suggest pressing the override/emergency braking while travelling at low speed to check performance and to confirm that everything is connected and electric brakes have been activated.
Q. What size wire should be used for an electric brake controller?
A. For efficient braking, every Electric brake controller manufacturer has the specifics in their fitting instructions. This however is normally 5mm automotive cable or 2.90mm² cable.
Q. What is an electric brake controller?
A. An electric brake controller is a control unit that allows you to control the trailer brakes from the driver's seat and automatically applies the trailer brakes when the tow vehicles brakes are applied.
Q. How does an electric brake controller work?
A. Electric brake controllers are activated by the tow vehicle's brake light circuit.
The Electric brake controller takes power from the tow vehicle's battery and sends power down the electric brake circuit to the trailer brakes when the brakes on the tow vehicle are applied.
Q. Which electric brake controller is best?
A. We highly recommend an advanced brake controller like the RedArc TowPro Elite V3 as it is less intrusive in the vehicle and is fully automatic.
Contact us today for more answers
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