Now You Can Get the Right Brake Controller for Your Caravan. But How?

One of the top benefits of owning a vehicle, especially an SUV, is the ability to tow a caravan or travel trailer for those spectacular whole night-time camping getaways with your friends or family. But these handy campers pose significant safety risks if not fitted with the right braking system. Here's where a brake control system or brake controller comes in. It's an electronic device that connects your caravan's electric brakes to your vehicle, allowing you to operate the brakes. The controller will keep the caravan's weight from pushing forward when you hit the anchors, preventing collisions. It will also ensure all the stopping power isn't transferred to your vehicle's brake pads, extending their life. However, choosing the best brake controllers for your caravan requires careful consideration of a few things. Here's a quick guide.

Understand Which Type Works Best for Your Towing Needs

Caravan brake controllers come in two main types: time-delayed and proportional. Time-delayed controllers are the basic option and function on a pre-set braking capacity. Based on the weight of your caravan, road conditions, etc., you will need to set the timing as well as the braking force on the controller. When you step on the brakes, the controller will send a signal to your caravan to apply the brakes based on your settings. You can adjust the settings with a switch available on the controller. However, keep in mind that if the setting is too low, your vehicle will do most of the braking and vice versa.

Time-delayed brake controllers are the cheaper option, which is ideal if you are on a budget. They are also perfect if you only go camping now and then. On the downside, they are less responsive. What's more, unless you are auto savvy, getting the settings right can be a challenge, a problem that could result in uneven wear on both your trailer's and vehicles' brakes.

Proportional brake controllers, on the other hand, are a superior alternative, ideal for occasional towing. They are safer and more responsive and feature a sensor that automatically calculates the right amount of braking capacity to apply to the caravan's brakes when you decelerate. They are the best, especially under emergency or heavy braking situations but they will cost you more.

Consider Voltage Compatibility

Brake controller systems vary with voltage capacity. And it's important to choose a controller whose voltage capacity matches the power source of your car. If the voltage is incompatible, the controller will malfunction, posing safety risks. Your car service mechanic should be able to advise on the right brake controller to choose when it comes to voltage compatibility. 

Consider the Size of the Controller

Brake controllers will be installed on the dashboard of your car. Therefore, get the right size that fits perfectly on the dashboard, especially in a space that will be easy to access and operate as needed.

Reach out to a professional who provides caravan electric brake installation services for more information.

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