1. Time
Delay Activated (or "solid state) controllers are
"enabled" by the brake pedal switch and apply a
gradual voltage to the trailer's brakes using a Time Delay
Circuit.
Advantages: inexpensive, user friendly, low
profile, can be mounted on any angle.
Disadvantages: consumer resistance to solid state
technology, most units affected by emergency flashers.
2. Inertia Activated (or "pendulum
style") controllers are "enabled" by the brake
pedal switch and "activated" by a Pendulum Circuit
that senses the vehicle's stopping motion and applies a gradual
voltage to the trailer's brakes.
Advantages: consumer acceptance, smooth braking
action, operates well under adverse braking conditions.
Disadvantages: bulky, must be mounted and
calibrated level, more expensive.
With both styles, the maximum output of the unit is user
adjustable. Both styles have pressure sensitive manual override
trigger that can be used to apply the trailer brakes independent
of the vehicle brakes. Most importantly, both achieve the same
goal safely and reliably. The wiring configuration on both units
is the same. All Hidden Hitch supplied Brakes Controllers
require 4 wire connections.
1. Trailer
Feed
(usually Blue)
2.
Ground
(usually white)
3. Brake Switch
(usually red)
4. Battery Power (Usually
black) |
- Trailer Feed
This is the wire that supplies brake power from the
controller to the 6 way or 7 way trailer connector at the
back of the vehicle. Some vehicles with factory tow
packages already have this wire run from under the dash to
the rear of the vehicle. Otherwise, it is run along
the underside of the vehicle and through the firewall to the
desired Brake Control mounting location.
- Ground This wire
is connected to the brake controller to any reliable ground
source.
- Brake Switch
This can be found near the top of the brake pedal.
There are wires extending from the switch and using a test
light, the wire that has power when the brake pedal is
pressed down can be found. This wire is tapped into
using a scotch lock.
- Battery Power
This is the connection that supplies power to the brake
controller. Some vehicles with factory tow packages already
have this wire run from under the dash to the battery with
some kind of circuit protection. Otherwise a wire must
be run through the fire wall and connected directly to the
battery with an in line circuit breaker installed.
Installing Brake Controllers can be fairly simple. Hidden
Hitch provides "Brake Mate" Installation Kits that
provide everything required to perform an installation. Some
vehicles make installing extremely simple by supplying OEM
connectors under the dash. Hidden Hitch offers
inexpensive adapters to connect Brake Controllers on late
model Ford and Dodge trucks.
|
