Brake control switch?

(surfnfury65) · (surfnfury65) **Join Date: Aug 2004** 07-07-2006, 10:04 AM

Does anybody run a brake control switch for their trailer? I just pick up a class c motor home and was wondering if I need one. I do have disc brakes on my trailer. Does anybody use one in the normal tow vehicle?
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J$

(flux) · (flux) **Join Date: Jun 2003** 07-07-2006, 10:12 AM

Do you mean an actuator lockout for reversing?? Or do you have electric brakes on your boat trailer??

(rodmcinnis) · (rodmcinnis) **Join Date: Sep 2002** 07-07-2006, 10:35 AM

If you have surge brakes with a reverse lockout solenoid then you will be much happier if you hook it up! It is just a simple matter of connecting the backup lights to the 5th pin of the trailer connector.

(wakescene) · (wakescene) **Join Date: Feb 2001** 07-07-2006, 11:15 AM

Johnny,
If your trailer does not have a surge control but has brakes, then I would say yes you need one. If you add brakes to the trailer then you need one. If you don't have any brakes on teh trailer and your within limits on the motor home you will probably be fine, but the recommendation is always a trailer with brakes.

If you have surge, but your trailer has the ability to accept a brake controller, I would always suggest it. All in all, trailer brakes will put a lot less stress on the motorhome.

FYI for others, this is something completely different then the lockout for reverse.

(surfnfury65) · (surfnfury65) **Join Date: Aug 2004** 07-07-2006, 1:13 PM

I have surge brakes and the fifth pin on my connector. I was told I can add a brake switch to the dash that controls how much braking your trailer will do. Say if you are going down a steep hill to can add more breaking to your trailer to help slow the tow vehicle. I hope that makes sense. Sorry for the vauge post.

(boarder_x) · (boarder_x) **Join Date: Mar 2006** 07-07-2006, 1:17 PM

Johnny, that is usually for 5th wheel trailers.

I think you can put it on regular trailers, but you will need a properly equiped trailer. Your boat most likely has surge breaks, and there for you don't need the controller.

(surfnfury65) · (surfnfury65) **Join Date: Aug 2004** 07-07-2006, 5:17 PM

Sweet, thanks for all your help.
J$

(phatboypimp) · (phatboypimp) **Join Date: Apr 2005** 07-07-2006, 5:59 PM

The only thing that you would need a Brake Controller for is for electric brakes. Electric Brakes do not come on boat trailers for obvious reasons.

Electric Brake controllers are great for "non-water" applications such as motorcycle or race car trailers, camping trailers etc. Electronic Brake Controllers have a pendulum internally that when the braking force of the tow vehicle slows the vehicle down, the pendulum swings forward and applies more current to the magnets that apply the brakes on an electric braking system. It also comes with a manual adjustment for applying the trailer brakes that comes in particularly hand when your trailer starts to sway - it immediately corrects the trailer.

KG, I have never seen a hybrid electronic/surge braking system but I very well could be wrong.