Trailer Brake Controller Installation and Types

An electric trailer brake controller is a device that supplies power from the tow vehicle to the trailer's electric brakes. Many styles are available that differ from how they look, to the number of brakes they can power, but all of them can be divided up into two main groups, Proportional or Time Delayed. A proportional (or pendulum) brake controller senses how quickly the tow vehicle is stopping and applies the same amount of braking power to the trailer. With a Time Delayed (or solid state) brake controller when you step on the vehicle brakes a predetermined amount of braking power is sent to the trailer and then there is a delay as the unit ramps up to full braking power.

Proportional Brake Controller

With proportional brake controllers, once the brake pedal is stepped on, a motion sensing device knows how fast the tow vehicle is stopping. It then applies power to the trailer brakes equally as fast (or slow) as the towing vehicle. This allows the trailer to stop at the same rate as the tow vehicle. Therefore, in an extreme stopping situation where the vehicle brakes are slammed on, a proportional controller will immediately send the maximum preset power to the trailer brakes. This type of brake controller provides the smoothest and quickest braking while also providing the least amount of wear on both the vehicle and trailer's brakes. Proportional controllers are "enabled" by the brake pedal switch and "activated" by a pendulum circuit that senses the vehicle's stopping motion and applies a proportional voltage to the trailer's brakes. When properly adjusted the trailer will decelerate at the same rate as the tow vehicle, increasing braking efficiency and reducing brake wear.

Time Delayed Brake Controller

With Time Delayed trailer brake controllers, once the brake pedal is stepped on, the pre-determined amount of power (which is set by the user, based on trailer weight) is sent back to the trailer brakes. On time delayed controllers, a delay always exists from when the brake pedal is pushed to when the unit reaches the user set, maximum power output. The delay can be shortened or lengthened with the 'sync' switch, available on most time delayed controllers, but it behaves the same way for every stop (slow or fast). If the sync switch is set too low, the vehicle will do most of the initial braking, putting extra strain on the vehicle's brakes. If the sync switch is set too high, the trailer will be braking harder. So in most cases, either the truck or the trailer will be doing the majority of the braking, resulting in uneven brake wear. The time delayed brake controller system is easily installed and is very user friendly. It can be mounted at any angle. It also has a low profile. The amount of power that is sent back to the brakes is adjustable using a control on the brake controller. With most time delayed brake controllers, when towing with the hazard flashers on, the digital display will flash with the hazard flashers. If the brake controller is set to aggressively, pulsing may occur which will be felt in the trailer brakes. However, a pulse preventer can isolate the brake controller from the flashers and will elimate the pulsing and flashing on the controller. A pulse preventer is not necessary for vehicles that have a different bulb for the stop and turn signals, which is typical of vehicles with amber turn signals.

Although the controllers' methods are different, both controllers do have some similarities. Proportional and Time Delayed brake controllers:

• Allow the user to adjust the maximum braking power to match the weight of the trailer being pulled.
• Have a manual override trigger that can be used to apply only the trailer brakes
• Have the same wiring configuration for installation

The differences between Proportional and Time Delayed brake controllers include:

• Cost: Time Delayed will typically be less expensive, although recent advances in Proportional Brake Controllers have made the cost difference much narrower.
• Braking Performance: Time Delayed always sends the same braking power to the trailer, Proportional will vary the braking power based on how quickly the tow vehicle is stopping producing a smoother braking action.
• Wear and Tear: Time Delayed will cause more wear on either the trailer or vehicle brakes because one or the other will be doing the majority of the braking. Proportional reduces wear by spreading the braking power evenly.
• Mounting: Time Delayed may be mounted in any position and at any angle. Proportional will typically need to be mounted within a certain range, such as within 70 degrees of level, to work properly.
• Calibration: Time Delayed will typically not require calibration. Some models of Proportional brake controllers need to be calibrated to work properly, but most of the newer models are self calibrating or have a very simple calibration, so they are nearly as easy to set up as time delayed.
• Size: Time Delayed have traditionally been smaller and slimmer than Proportional, but newer models of proportional controllers come in shapes and sizes very similar to Time Delayed.
• Use: Time Delayed are best for the casual user. Proportional should be considered if the trailer will be towed often because they operate well in diverse towing conditions and produce less wear on the braking systems.
• Safety: Proportional brake controllers provide an additional level of safety because they will automatically ramp up to full power if the tow vehicle makes an emergency stop.

Typical Brake Control Wiring Diagram

Hitch supplied brake controllers require 4 wire connections.

1. Trailer Feed (usually blue): This is the wire that supplies brake power for 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, the wire will need to be run along the underside of the vehicle and through the firewall to the desired Brake Control mounting location. To get through the firewall, sometimes a hole must be drilled. However, grommets or pre-existing holes are already available in most vehicles.

2. Ground (usually white): This wire is connected from the brake controller to any reliable ground location.

3. Brake Switch (usually red): This can be found near the top of the brake pedal. There are wires extending from the switch and using a circuit tester, the wire that has power when the brake pedal is pressed can be found. This wire is tapped into using a scotch lock.

4. Battery Power (usually black): 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 firewall and connected directly to the battery with an in line circuit breaker.

Step by step instructions are also available for several styles of vehicles.

• Ford 97-06 Ford F-150, 99-04 F-250/F-350 SD Pickups Instructions
• 2005-06 Ford Super Duty Pickups Instructions
• Chevrolet / GMC 1999-2006 Pickups Instructions
• Dodge Pickups Instructions

OEM Supplied Brake Controller Wiring Harness Color Guide

If your vehicle did not come equipped with a brake control wiring harness, a brake controller wiring adapter may be available for your vehicle which will provide a simple plug-in installation.

If your vehicle came with a factory provided brake contoller wiring harness, the chart below can be used to help match wire colors

Vehicle Make	OEM Supplied Wiring Harness Colors	Brake Controller Wire Colors	Function
Chevrolet	Red	Black	+12 Volts
	Light Blue	Red	Stoplight
	Black	White	Ground
	Dark Blue	Blue	Trailer Brakes
	Brown	NA	Illumination
New Dodge (Green Wire)	White with Red Tracer	Black	+12 Volts
	Blue with White Tracer	Red	Stoplight
	Green with Black Tracer	White	Ground
	Blue	Blue	Trailer Brakes
Dodge	Red with Black Tracer	Black	+12 Volts
	White with Tan Tracer	Red	Stoplight
	Black	White	Ground
	Blue	Blue	Trailer Brakes
New Ford (Pink Wire)	Pink	Black	+12 Volts
	Red	Red	Stoplight
	White	White	Ground
	Blue	Blue	Trailer Brakes
	Brown	NA	Illumination
Ford	Red	Black	+12 Volts
	Light Green	Red	Stoplight
	White	White	Ground
	Dark Blue	Blue	Trailer Brakes
	Brown	NA	Illumination
Toyota	Black with Red Tracer	Black	+12 Volts
	Green with White Tracer	Red	Stoplight
	Brown	White	Ground
	Red	Blue	Trailer Brakes
	Green	NA	Illumination
Toyota (2003) and Lexus	Black	Black	+12 Volts
	Green with Yellow Tracer	Red	Stoplight
	White with Black Tracer	White	Ground
	Red	Blue	Trailer Brakes
	Green	NA	Illumination
Nissan and Infinity	Red	Black	+12 Volts
	Red with Green Tracer	Red	Stoplight
	Black	White	Ground
	Brown with White Tracer	Blue	Trailer Brakes
	Red with Blue Tracer	NA	Illumination
Volkswagen and Porsche	Cavity #2 (Red with Yellow Tracer)	Black	+12 Volts
	Cavity #3 (Black with Red Tracer)	Red	Stoplight
	Cavity #1 (Brown)	White	Ground
	Cavity #4 (Blue)	Blue	Trailer Brakes
Honda	Blue	Black	+12 Volts
	White with Black Tracer	Red	Stoplight
	Black	White	Ground
	Brown with White Tracker	Blue	Trailer Brakes

Information courtesy of Tekonsha, vehicle manufacturers change wiring configurations regularly, use a circuit tester to verify all connections.

Recent Questions and Answers

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Question:

I have a 2005 F150 supercrew that did not come equiped from the factory with a tow package. I see that the pigtail for the trailer brake is under the dash, but Ive been told that the wires may not run to the back. I have a flat four on the rear bumper, but the wiring is integrated with the other rear electical wires at the back of the truck and not a separate plug like the illustration for an 03. I need to install a trailer brake controller and s seven plug connector. Where should I start and how is it done? Any suggestions would be great.

asked by: David       last update: May 8, 2008

Question:

1999 chevy suburban need to know how to hook up seven way plug & brake control in cab no wireing plug inside cab thank you

asked by: Carl       last update: May 8, 2008

Question:

I have just purchased a 2004 F250 XLT 4x4 crew cab. It has the factory installed tranny cooler,and appears to have the factory7-way &4-way plug in the rear:however I have failed to find the plug under the dash. Help please.

asked by: Malcom       last update: May 8, 2008

Question:

I have a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Special Edition which didnt come from the factory with hitch or wiring. I have already acquired a hitch and installed it. I was wondering what you could reccommend as far as a wiring solution and also a braking solution for trailer. The trailer I will be towing is 2 axle and has 6 prong plug.

asked by: John       last update: May 8, 2008

Question:

On my 2001 GMC 2500 HD I have a Tekonsha Voyager 9030 controller. Everything worked fine until recently, now when I apply the brakes the little green indicator light on the controller will not change to amber or red, It just stays green as if I wasnt braking.I have went back through the manual and adjusted the controller as the instructions say, but still have no trailer brakes. could the controller be worn out and needs replaced or do I have a wiring problem. Thanks for your help.

asked by: Don       last update: May 3, 2008

Question:

Have a 2007 Tundra Crewmax and a Tekonsha Prodigy that I removed from my Chev Silverado, where do I start?

asked by: Mike       last update: May 2, 2008

Question:

I need an electric brake controller for my 2004 ford f-150. What brand/model would you recommend? Im towing a 4,000 gvw car. The trailer has brakes on both axels.

asked by: Mason       last update: May 2, 2008

Question:

I am trying to put a 7 pin plug on my truck it has the plug under the dash for the brake box, my problem is I can not find the blue wire for the breaks on the outside of the cab. do you know were it is?? I have a 1995 f-150 4x4

asked by: Wayne       last update: May 2, 2008

Question:

I have a 2002 dodge ram with a 6 prong trailer hook-up. If I hook up to a trailer will the electric brakes engage on the trailer without the brake controller. I was under the impression that they would engage without the controller, however you cant adjust how much brake pressure is a applied.

asked by: Brad       last update: May 1, 2008

Question:

I have a 2008 trailblazer-can you show me exactly where the wires are under the driver side dash, I know they are somewhere. Pics would be appreciated. Need to install the brake controller before the season starts. Thanks

asked by: Steve       last update: Apr 24, 2008

Question:

I installed a Teknosha Prodigy brake controller in my 02 Ford Escape. I purchased the Hopkins 4/7-way blade connector on the back. It is supposed to plug into the 4-wire trailer harness already installed on the vehicle. However, the plug on the Hopkins connector and the vehicle harness do not go together. They both seem designed to be weatherproof and there are interfering parts of the rubber shroud. Is this a common problem? Is this seen on Fords? I bought a Ford OEM 12 extender at the nearest auto parts store that I believe will fix the problem, though I dont like the idea of extra connections.

asked by: Caleb       last update: Apr 21, 2008

Question:

i repaired the wiring to the electric brakes on my trailer. now it seems one side brakes and the other does not. my question is: is there polarity to the electromagnets? could i just reverse the 2 wires blue and white that are going to the side that does not work? thanks much.

asked by: Mike       last update: Apr 20, 2008

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