Author: Todd Donaldson

A brake controller is a handy device that controls your vehicle and trailer. It keeps you safe on the road and may even be required by law depending on your vehicle’s configuration and where you live. Installing a brake controller is a must if you need better sway control. Find out how it helps with sway control by continuing to read below.

1. Brake Controllers Can Give You Increased Stopping Distance

Using a weight distribution system is recommended if your trailer accounts for more than 50% of your vehicle’s weight, according to How Stuff Works. Installing the weight distribution system should already help improve your sway control. Your weight distribution system can provide even better control if it’s paired with a brake controller.

The weight distribution system and brake controller increase your stopping distance. While the system prevents any one part of your vehicle from bearing excessive weight, the brake controller takes advantage of that to stop your vehicle faster. As a result, you’ll have more stopping distance to work with while driving your vehicle. That should help you avoid getting into rear-end accidents.

2. Brake Controllers Allow You to Stop Trailer Sway Quickly

Preventing trailer sway is always preferable to stopping it. However, you may be unable to prevent trailer sway if it’s caused by damaged roads or other vehicles. In such a situation, your best bet is to quickly take control of your vehicle so you can stop your trailer from swaying.

Brake controllers can put an immediate stop to your swaying trailer. Use your brake controller to stop your vehicle as soon as you feel the movement of your trailer. Taking quick action that way could help you avoid an accident.

3. Brake Controllers Can Work With Different Trailers

You should also use a brake controller to improve your sway control because it’s a versatile addition to your vehicle. Changing your brake controller won’t be necessary, even if you have to tow a different trailer. It will work just fine regardless of what trailer you’re currently using.

Are you wondering how to ensure your brake controller will work with your new trailer? You’ll just have to calibrate your brake controller. Once you’re done with the calibrations, you can hit the road knowing that sway control won’t be an issue.

Trailer sway can be a big problem if you fail to keep it under control. Add a brake controller to your vehicle and improve your sway control in the process. Check out our website or give us a call today if you have any questions!

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The right trailer brake controller solution is essential for safety. According to the NHTSA, there are more than 50,000 crashes each year that are towing-related. Choosing a brake controller that suits your needs should be a priority. Here are some tips for choosing a trailer brake controller solution.

First, Do You Need One?

Not too long ago, if you had a lightweight trailer, you could get away without worrying about a trailer brake controller solution. However, towing needs have changed since then. If your towing vehicle is outfitted with an anti-lock brake system (ABS), you need a brake controller solution. Of course, you also need a modern-day brake system if you want to increase your own safety.

Get Familiar With the Different Types Of Brake Controller Systems

Every brake controller taps into your electronic brake system, making it possible to maintain control of whatever you are towing behind you. However, you should be aware of the different types of trailer brake controllers out there. Choosing the one that is right for you starts with becoming familiar with the different options. Familiarize yourself with the four main types of controllers and the different features and price points for each one.

Time-delayed controllers are on the low end of the cost spectrum. Other options include inertia-based controllers, proportional controllers, and the hydraulic-over-electronic controller, which is higher in price. Hydraulic-over-electronic controllers are relatively new to the market. Keep watch over the supply and price points of these products in your area.

Ease of Installation

Installing a brake controller is relatively simple. You don’t need a specific skill set to manage the project on your own. Most newer vehicles come with an electronic harness, making the brake controller installation a “plug and play” situation. You plug up the controller, and you are ready to roll. You may have to search a little to find the harness, but once you do, it is just a matter of plugging in the controller. Check under your dashboard for the factory-installed harness.

The right trailer brake controller solution will keep you safe on the road and reduce your risk of accidents. Call Hayes Towing Electronics to learn more about your options. We’d love to help you choose a brake controller that suits your budget and your needs.

A towing brake controller is an essential safety component. According to the NHTSA, there are over 50,000 towing accidents every year. Taking the time to choose a brake controller that won’t fail you is important, but finding a top-quality brake controller can be challenging if you’re uncertain about what to look for. Many manufacturers claim to have the best brake controller, which makes it harder to choose the right option. You can take a few simple steps to ensure you choose the best brake controller for your application.

1. Choose a Trusted Brand

One of the best ways to ensure you get the value and reliability you need from a brake controller is to choose a controller from a trusted brand. Trusted brands are recognizable brands with a strong reputation for selling quality controllers that deliver performance as promised.

Choosing a brake controller from a trusted brand will ensure you get a high-quality brake controller that you can depend on. Compare different brands by reading online reviews and weighing your options. You can also speak with one of our representatives to get your questions answered!

2. Consider the Features

Once you’ve narrowed the options by choosing a brand that gets high marks in online reviews, the next thing to consider is the features. Look at brake controllers that have the features that you want. Keep in mind that this is not an area where you want to compromise. Choose brake controllers with the right features for your application; then, you can move on to the next step.

3. Compare Cost vs. Value

This step is where some people take the wrong turn. Choosing a brake controller based on cost alone can be tempting, but that’s not the best way to find the best brake controller. Instead of comparing costs only, compare value.

Some value-added features you should consider when evaluating cost include the warranty period and what reviewers say about performance. It’s far better to pay a little more for a brake controller that provides more value for your buck than paying less and having problems.

You will run into many suppliers on your quest for the best brake controller. It’s best to shop with a trusted supplier committed to providing world-class customer service. You’ll find the best brake control from a trusted supplier. Find yours today by contacting Hayes Towing Electronics today! Hayes Towing Electronics Products are Proudly Made in the U.S.A. and In-Stock!

A brake controller is an electric device that controls and activates a trailer’s electric brakes. The wiring of a brake controller is color coded and needs to be very carefully handled. If you don’t know how to wire a brake controller properly, it won’t function properly. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, it’s been reported that there are over 50,000 accidents every year related to towing. Brake controllers are vital to the safety and functionality of the vehicles that use them. Let’s take a closer look at everything you need to know about them.

1. The Correct Wiring

To install brake controller wiring correctly, you must ensure that you know the correct wiring. The wires are color-coded, and there are four wires to be aware of when handling a bare controller. The blue wire carries output from the controller, the black wire is responsible for supplying 12-volt power, the white wire is the ground, and the red wire is connected to the vehicle. When you’re installing or adjusting the wiring, you need to know exactly what each wire does to ensure it’s installed properly.

2. Disconnect the Battery Before You Install

Before you install brake controller wiring, you must disconnect the battery. Safety should be your number one priority when working with any electronic device. You don’t want to risk harming yourself because you weren’t careful enough. If you need to install new brake control wiring, then make sure you disconnect the battery first to eliminate the risk of electrocution.

3. Splice the Wiring If Your Vehicle Isn’t Equipped

Not all vehicles are equipped with a plug-and-play harness to accommodate brake controller wiring. To complete the installation, you need to follow the vehicle-specific wiring. If your vehicle can’t handle it, then you can splice the wiring to connect the brake controller. Before you begin any project involving electrical wires, you need to make sure that you’ve done the proper research and that you know what you’re doing to avoid damage or harm.

There are many things you need to ensure you’re aware of when it comes to brake control wiring. Be sure you know what each wire does and how to install the system on your vehicle and disconnect the battery before attempting installation. If you need brake controllers, then reach out to a professional at Hayes Towing Electronics today!

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Many people are surprised to learn that 11% of households led by 35 to 54-year-olds have RVs, which is more than the
9.3% of households headed by those aged 55 years and older that own RVs, according to RV Industry Association. If you opt for a trailer-pulled RV, you will likely find yourself reading a lot of brake controller reviews. It’s clear that this is a very important part of operating your RV safely! Let’s take a closer look.

Learn About State Requirements

Depending on the state in which you’re traveling, you may be required to have a brake controller system. Brake controller reviews can also provide information for travelers. Some states use the size and the age of the trailer and the towing vehicle to determine if a controller is necessary. Other states use weight as the triggering mechanism. However, most experts agree that having a reliable brake controller is an important thing to have, regardless of requirements.

Find Out About Features

To put it briefly, brake controllers work by connecting the towing vehicle’s braking system to the trailer attached to it. This allows the trailer to travel safely and always in control. When reading brake controller reviews, you’ll want to look for features like ease of connection and the quickness that the signal to the brakes is sent.

Consider Your Needs

Brake controllers provide a direct line between the towing vehicle and the brake lines of the vehicle that’s being towed. When you are selecting your controller, you’ll have your own unique needs in mind. The easiest way to find reviews and more information is to take a closer look at our website for all of the relevant details. Overall, you’ll want to deal with a reputable company that has a long history of providing high-quality brake controller systems.

Is a new RV in your future? Hayes Towing Electronics is here to provide the equipment you need to stay safe! Before heading out on the road with your new RV, be sure to understand your brake controller and its important function. We are here to answer any questions that you may have. Contact us today!

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If you’re in the market for a brake controller, then reviews can be an invaluable resource during the buying process. Reading reviews of brake controllers before making your purchase can help you find the best product for your needs and avoid costly mistakes. Let’s look into some reasons why reviews come in handy.

1. Get an Accurate Picture of Performance

Reading reviews for brake controllers will give you an accurate snapshot of the product’s performance. Reviews can provide information on how well the controller works, how easy it is to use, and any issues with accuracy or functionality. They also let you know how the controller performs in different conditions and how it might react in scenarios where braking is necessary. This information can help you find the best product for your needs and budget.

2. Save Time and Money

Reviews can alert you to any potential problems before purchasing a controller, reducing the chances of you having to return it. Additionally, reviews can help you save time by highlighting the most efficient and reliable products on the market, which can be especially helpful if you’re looking for a product that offers the best performance at an affordable price.

3. Understand Your Tow Vehicle

Knowing the weight balance of your tow vehicle and trailer before buying a brake controller is crucial. If your trailer weighs more than 50% of the tow vehicle’s weight, much of the towing burden will be forced onto the tow vehicle’s rear axle. If too much weight is behind the axles, then the same problem occurs. Reviews of brake controllers can provide feedback on how well a controller works in such scenarios and help you understand which product would be best suited for your setup.

4. Benefit From Experiences of Others

Reading reviews also help you benefit from the experiences of others. You can see reviews from people who have used the product and get an idea of how it performed in various situations. This can help you make an informed decision and ensure that you’re getting the most out of your purchase.

By reading reviews of brake controllers before making a purchase, you can ensure you’re getting the right product for your needs and budget. You’ll get an accurate snapshot of performance, save time and money, and give insight into your tow vehicle setup. Taking reviews into account when shopping can be a huge relief in the long run. Get in touch with us today to find the products you need.

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As of 2021, a large majority of RV drivers are over the age of 55. Even so, the popularity of RVs for those between the ages of 21 and 35 years old has increased over the last two years, according to RV and Playa. In response to this trend, more and more young RV drivers are looking for information on electronic sway control.

Electronic sway control is a system that helps to stabilize an RV by automatically applying brakes to the wheels on one side of the vehicle if it detects that the RV is starting to veer off course. This can be extremely helpful in preventing accidents, particularly for inexperienced drivers who may not have the skills or experience necessary to correct a swaying RV on their own. Here are several benefits of using electronic sway control.

1. Improved Safety

As mentioned above, electronic sway control can help to prevent accidents by automatically correcting a swaying RV. Auto correcting is especially important for young or inexperienced drivers who may not be able to correct the problem on their own. Since the sway control makes corrections for you, you and your passengers will be safer on the road.

2. Increased Stability

Electronic sway control provides an extra level of stability for an RV. This extra stability makes it less likely for the RV to tip over or veer off course. With this extra stability, you’ll also be safer.

3. Easier Towing

Electronic sway control can make towing an RV much easier. Towing becomes easier with sway control since it takes some of the strain off of the driver by automatically correcting any problems that may arise. Imagine all the things you can tow now that any problems will be corrected automatically.

4. Ease of Install

Installing electronic sway control is relatively simple and can usually be done in just a few minutes. Most electronic sway control systems come with detailed instructions on how to install them, so be sure to read the instructions carefully before beginning. In general, you’ll need to mount the electronic sway control unit to the frame of your RV and connect it to the tow vehicle’s brakes. Once the system is installed, you will need to calibrate it to your specific RV and tow vehicle.

If you’re a new RV driver, you will certainly want to check out electronic sway control. Give us a call today at Hayes Towing Electronics to see how we can help you and your RV enjoy life even more.

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Trailer brake controllers have been around for a while, but over the past two decades, they’ve advanced significantly. These controllers operate the electric brakes on a trailer. Without them, the truck’s brakes must stop the entire weight of the vehicle, in addition to what it’s towing. This will result in extremely long stopping distances, which could lead to a collision or worn-out, overheated brakes. There are two main trailer brake controller solutions today: the time-delayed trailer brake controller solution and proportional brake controllers. Let’s explore these two options.

1. Time-Delayed Brake Controllers

Time-delayed brake controllers are cost-efficient. They operate by using a prescribed amount of power to engage the trailer brakes for a specific period. To accommodate the operator’s driving style, the demands of a load, and how frequently a vehicle is used for towing, the operator adjusts the onset delay, length, and power level of the braking application. Any installation angle is alright for a time-delayed controller, which performs well for people who either tow medium to lightweight loads over short distances or those who only do it occasionally.

The main drawback of this controller is that the braking power isn’t adjustable. During light braking, time-delayed brake controllers may overpower the tow vehicle’s brakes. This causes the trailer’s brakes to take on the burden of slowing both the trailer and the truck, which causes premature wearing of the trailer brakes. On the other hand, stronger braking conditions cause the tow vehicle to make up for the trailer brakes’ limited power supply. This results in excessive brake wear (and heating) of the tow vehicle and, in extreme cases, can make a heavier trailer jackknife.

2. Proportional Brake Controllers

The second trailer brake controller solution is proportional controllers, which use accelerometers to gauge the intensity of the braking effort and deliver the appropriate level of power to the trailer brakes. In mild, heavy, or abrupt braking, this reaction keeps the trailer and tow vehicle working together, dispersing the stress for a responsive and fluid operation. Even though a proportional controller is excellent, it may not be necessary if you don’t tow often. Proportional controllers are currently more affordable than they were in the past due to current pricing trends.

Most towing scenarios can benefit from proportional controllers, as they offer smooth braking and put less strain on your braking system. You don’t need to be concerned about your trailer braking aggressively or inadequately, which might have a “push/pull” impact on your vehicle. Proportional controllers will constantly adjust their intensity to the specifics of each braking event and match the braking power of your car.

Trailer sway devices may be divided into two categories: those that work to stop sway entirely and those that lessen it once it has begun. What you intend to tow, how frequently you plan to tow it, and how much you’re ready to invest will determine which sway control system is ideal for you. For help finding the best trailer brake controller solution for your needs, get in touch with us today. Hayes Towing Electronics Products Are Proudly Made in the U.S.A. and In-Stock!

There are several instances where you may need to procure towing services or offer them if you operate a business in the vehicle towing industry. Nonetheless, many have had their fair share of challenges in this industry, especially regarding towing safety. As a towing company, you must ensure your client’s load is safe, and as a client, you should be sure your car is secure in transit. The best way to effortlessly achieve this is by understanding weight distribution for optimum towing safety. This is the information you’ll be gathering from the points below.

Heavy Items at the Front

One of the critical mistakes many people don’t understand during the towing process is ignoring the essence of properly placing the items on the trailer. The load’s position matters a lot in its stability and the tow’s success. It’s recommended to place heavier and more oversized items in the trailer’s front with the lighter and smaller ones in the back. This is one of the best ways to achieve towing safety.

Know the Trailer’s Weight

Some companies disregard knowing the trailer’s weight as one of the basic towing safety precautions. Calculating and grasping the trailer’s weight helps determine the maximum load it can carry. Overloading a towing truck can result in accidents and severe property damage. The best way to get an accurate trailer weight is by disconnecting it from the tow vehicle while still on the scale. Your figure must be equal to or lower than the trailer’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). According to statistics, about 12 to 15% of the trailer’s weight should rest on the tow vehicle’s hitch.

Get the Weight of the Tongue

A tow trailer’s tongue refers to the protruding part that rests on the hitch ball. The weight you calculate at this juncture will show how much pressure the tongue exerts on the hitch ball. Too much pressure on the hitch ball can adversely affect the general towing safety measures. You can get the tongue weight by subtracting the axle weight from the total trailer weight. Alternatively, you can use a bathroom scale for smaller and lighter trailers.

Know How Much Your Load Weighs

To be safe, ensure you know how much the load weighs. Using a truck tow vehicle to transport a lorry may severely affect the entire journey’s safety.

The demand for towing services has ballooned, but you must ensure you work with the best provider, especially one who understands everything about weight distribution for maximum safety. Feel free to contact us today for great towing equipment to stay safe on the road.

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