According to reports released by NHTSA, more than 50,000 accidents related to towing are reported every year. This means that trailers need to be thoroughly checked before hitting the road. One of the factors that should be checked is the brake controllers. This is because trailers are always carrying luggage and moving at high speeds.
The main types of trailer brake controls are proportional and time-frame brake controllers. Time-frame is also referred to as time-delayed brake controls. If you own a trailer, you need to have enough knowledge about how to choose the best brake controllers. This guide helps you make the best decision.
Type of Trailer
It is vital to first know the type of trailer that you have before choosing brake controllers. Various types of trailer brake controllers exist in the market, and therefore, you need to choose one that works for your trailer. A full trailer has been fixed to a tractor, and therefore, you need strong proportional brake controllers to hold the weight.
On the other hand, semi-trailers are detachable, and thus you can get away with time frame brake controls that help the trailer stop in velocity at the same rate as your vehicle. Electronic brake controllers have proved to be effective in all types of trailers. It is vital to note that you cannot tow your trailer with electric brakes if you don’t have a trailer brake controller.
Purpose of Trailers
The purpose of your trailer is a significant determinant when choosing the best brake controllers. If you tow heavy cargo such as cars, livestock, and construction materials, among others, you need to have a proportional brake controller. If you usually tow lightweight cargo such as papers and toys, a time-frame brake will work for your trailer.
Frequency of Your travel
The number of times you travel also helps you choose the best brake controllers. If you move cargo more than four times a week, you need to have proportional brake controllers as they can withstand holding the trailer for that long. If you travel a few times, probably once a week, time-frame brake controllers will work best for you.
Safety
The type of road that you frequently use as a trailer driver should also determine the type of brakes that you choose. If you use roads that have many other trailers coming at the same speed as you, you need to have proportional brake controllers as they reduce the velocity of the car fast. Also, it is essential to have electric trailer brakes to offer extra safety.
If you use a safe road that is straight and no other trailers are on the road, you can get away with time-frame brake controllers.
Slippery Road
Other than safety, the slippery level of the road is also a determinant when you are choosing the best brake controllers. If you are using an extra slippery road, it is vital to have trailer sway control in your brake system to avoid slipping, which is dangerous. You are probably asking, what is trailer sway control? It is a control technology in the system that detects any sway and automatically applies brake pressure to the wheels returning them to a straight motion.
Weather
The weather experienced on the road that you usually use also causes sways. Driving in an RV with your family going on vacation, and the strong winds move your RV is dangerous. Therefore, if you will be using such a road, ensure that your trailer hitch sway control is set.
No trailer that is towing cargo should be on the road without a trailer sway prevention mechanism. Trailer sway control works hand in hand with the trailer brake system, which means it will work together with your RV trailer brake controllers.
Finding the best brake controllers is vital for all trailers. If you tow cargo using a trailer, you need to have enough knowledge to choose the best brake controllers that will work for you. This guide gives you factors that should be put into consideration before selecting a brake controller. Work with the best company to get quality towing electronics. Hayes Towing Electronics Products are Proudly Made in the U.S.A.
