Trailer Brake Controller

Vortec-Z71 · October 28, 2011

I just bought a 16' dual axle utility trailer. It has a 7000 lb GVWR. I will be towing it with my 03 Silverado. I generally won't have it loaded anywhere near max capacity. However, when I do have a heavier load, will I need a trailer brake controller? Which one is recommended and how do they install?

wavery · October 28, 2011

I just bought a 16' dual axle utility trailer. It has a 7000 lb GVWR. I will be towing it with my 03 Silverado. I generally won't have it loaded anywhere near max capacity. However, when I do have a heavier load, will I need a trailer brake controller? Which one is recommended and how do they install?

If the trailer has electric brakes, you will need a brake controller. Some utility trailers have surge brakes...... no controller required.

Check your vehicle owner's manual for recommendations on trailer brakes..... Mass law does not require them under 10K# but most States around you requires them and I think your manual may state a weight requirement.

http://www.towingworld.com/articles/TowingLaws.htm

IMHO, you may be asking for trouble towing anything over 3K# with your truck, without trailer brakes.

http://www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-Brake_Controller.aspx

The P-2 and P-3 are good ones. Watch their install video. Very easy to install.

Stevens03 · October 28, 2011

If the trailer has electric brakes, you will need a brake controller. Some utility trailers have surge brakes...... no controller required.

Check your vehicle owner's manual for recommendations on trailer brakes..... Mass law does not require them under 10K# but most States around you requires them and I think your manual may state a weight requirement.

http://www.towingworld.com/articles/TowingLaws.htm

IMHO, you may be asking for trouble towing anything over 3K# with your truck, without trailer brakes.

http://www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-Brake_Controller.aspx

The P-2 and P-3 are good ones. Watch their install video. Very easy to install.

ditto

APT · October 28, 2011

x3

The trailer empty will be about 2000 pounds. I believe your owners manual says to use trailer brakes for anything over 2000 pounds. I have a 6.5'x12' single axle landscape trailer that weighs about 1000 pounds. I tow three ATVs on it, plus some gas cans, spare parts, tools, and a bed full of crap. I estimate the truck is at GVWR and trailer at 2500 pounds. My truck does great without trailer brakes. But anything with two axles, I'd want trailer brakes.

P2 or P3, both perform the same. Get the GM plug and play connector for a 30second installation, plus 10 minutes to pick a mounting spot, find a screwdriver and mount the bracket. Make sure they

dodge123 · October 30, 2011

Your going to want trailer brakes. I have the P-2 and leave it plugged in all the time although I don't trailer much lately. It is a good invesment and well worth the peace of mind and safety.

Vortec-Z71 · October 30, 2011

So I just bought the trailer. It's made by Down 2 Earth. Have you guys heard the brand before and its quality/reputation? Also, the small dealer I bought it from told me it has surge brakes and needs no controller. Is there a way to tell the difference between electric/surge brakes by looking at the trailer? How do surge brakes work and compare to electric ones?

txab · October 30, 2011

So I just bought the trailer. It's made by Down 2 Earth. Have you guys heard the brand before and its quality/reputation? Also, the small dealer I bought it from told me it has surge brakes and needs no controller. Is there a way to tell the difference between electric/surge brakes by looking at the trailer? How do surge brakes work and compare to electric ones?

Look at this:

http://www.easternmarine.com/Hydraulic-Sur...rake-Actuators/

wavery · October 30, 2011

I sorta figured it might have surge brakes. They're common on utility trailers.

Surge brakes are more reliable than electric brakes as long as you keep the actuator clean and lubed. If the actuator gets corroded, it can just freeze up and refuse to work. I'd keep the actuator covered (while not in use) and follow the manufacturer's instructions for lubing.

They take a little getting used to and can be a bit touchy. People that are used to electric brakes that can be controlled from the cab often don't like surge brakes for that reason.

Doug_Scott · October 30, 2011

Not sure how they are now, but, surge brakes used to have some issues when backing up. Backing up applies the brakes.

wavery · October 30, 2011

Not sure how they are now, but, surge brakes used to have some issues when backing up. Backing up applies the brakes.

Some of the surge brake actuators have a lock out device for backing.

The biggest issue with these things is corrosion and 99% of that can be avoided by simply making a nice hard plastic cover to keep the rain/snow off. Don't wrap it with plastic as that can make it worse.

Some people paint them. I wouldn't because galvanizing works better when it has access to oxygen. Painting galvanized metal defeats the purpose for galvanizing.

If it were mine, I'd give it a good wipe down with motor oil (on a rag) a few times a year and that should keep the corrosion at bay.

Vortec-Z71 · October 30, 2011

How can I tell for sure if I have surge or electric brakes? The guy I bought it off of said that it has surge brakes. However, I don't see a master cylinder or brake lines on the tongue. All I see are wires going into a box. I'll throw up some pics in a bit.

Vortec-Z71 · October 30, 2011

I think these are electric brakes. There appears to be two wires going into each of the four drums.

MikeNH · October 30, 2011

Electric indeed. Time for a brake controller (and to smack the seller! )

wavery · October 31, 2011

Yep!!!!!! Them's electric brakes........

The 1st thing that I would want to do is get rid of those scotch-lock wire connectors. That's the most common cause of loss of brakes on these systems. I would solder those wires and put good quality heat shrink on them.

That sure looks like a light "C" channel frame on that trailer....... 7,000# GVWR???????????

2, 3500# axles doesn't necessarily a 7,000# GVWR make.

Vortec-Z71 · October 31, 2011

Yep!!!!!! Them's electric brakes........

The 1st thing that I would want to do is get rid of those scotch-lock wire connectors. That's the most common cause of loss of brakes on these systems. I would solder those wires and put good quality heat shrink on them.

That sure looks like a light "C" channel frame on that trailer....... 7,000# GVWR???????????

2, 3500# axles doesn't necessarily a 7,000# GVWR make.

The paperwork I have says 7,000 GVWR capable of carrying 5,500 lbs since the trailer weighs +/- 1500 lbs.