Videos are provided as a guide only. Refer to manufacturer
installation instructions and specs for complete information.
Ready for Act II? Draw-Tite brings a few more features to their Activator series with this model. Not only does it handle up to 8 brakes, there is also a digital display which keeps you informed of output levels, as well as any indication of overload.
Draw-Tite Activator II Electric Trailer Brake Controller
Draw-Tite's Activator II electronic brake controller is for trailers with electric brakes. The controller applies the trailer's brakes electronically as soon as the brake pedal is engaged, unlike pendulum models which react to inertia created after the tow vehicle's brakes have already begun to stop. The amount of braking power (output) and rate of application (sync) are both adjustable for the individual driver's preference, road conditions, type of trailer and load. The driver can control the amount and rate of braking from soft to aggressive and the brakes can be manually applied.
Video of 2-8 Brake Electronic Brake Controller by Draw-Tite and Reese - Time Delayed
Videos are provided as a guide only. Refer to manufacturer
installation instructions and specs for complete information.
Today we are going to show you part # 5500 from Draw-Tite. This is an Activator II brake controller. This is a time delayed brake controller. Basically what it means is that power is set at a predetermined rate that you control. And then you control also through a slide lever how soon the power comes on. You can set it for a half second or a whole second before the power in the brakes kick in and activate. This brake controller can handle up to 4 brake axles. It does have digital output indicator. It will also tell you if you have an overload situation or a short in your wires somewhere in your brake line. This unit is 100 percent solid state with no moving parts, so you can mount it anyway you like it, upside down, sideways it does not matter. It is really great in smaller vehicles with very limited space to sit in. Next we will cover how it works.
Basically we will apply power to this brake controller and show you how it works. It shows you on a digital display or scale of 1 to 10 how much power you are using. And again, this little wheel right here will show you how much power you are actually using. We will start it at 10, then we can wheel it back down to about 5. Also on the side here you have a manual override. So if you ever have to activate the brakes on the trailer itself, simply just slide the lever over and it goes up to whatever you have it limited to. And then on the side here, we have these little slide levers and they control the time delay itself. It shows it on the display on a scale of 1 to 9. Hold your brake down and let it run up to whichever setting you have and then slide this lever and it will show you on a scale from 0 all the way up to 9. You can set it anywhere in between. Again that controls how soon the brakes come on. Setting it at 0 you can see just how slow it is watching the display. Now we will show you the opposite with the setting on 9, pretty fast.
This brake controller comes with complete directions. It works on a simple 4 wire hook up like most brake controllers. So basically you will be running the 12 volt power wire is the black one. Your stop light wire will be your red wire. The blue wire will run out and connect to a trailer and the white wire will go to the ground. The kit also comes with a mounting bracket that installs on your dash. Again, you can mount this anyway you want because it is solid state so you dont have to worry about that. It gives you a lot of freedom of where to put the bracket at. Also has a hardware package here that has screws that attach the controller to the bracket and the bracket to the dash. Then 1 quick splice to connect to your red wire to connect to the cold side of your brake light switch. There you have it for part number 5500 from Draw Tite. The Activator II electronic brake controller
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Average Customer Rating: 



4.7 out of 5 stars (16 Customer Reviews)




by: Bob09/30/2009
Is this review helpful?
Nice product, easy to use Easy to use an upgrade from my Activator I unit. Has the same manual brake control that failed on the Activator I unit. Hopefully this one does not fail.2438




by: Alan M.03/11/2011
Is this review helpful?
Looks OK and easy to follow instuctions. 9059




by: Randy D.03/20/2011
Is this review helpful?
Easy to install. simple instructions, I have it wired up but just have not towed anything yet to get the settings set for my application.9878




by: Simon H.02/06/2012
Is this review helpful?
This hand break is exactly what I was looking for. I had one on an old truck that I had sold and wanted to put one in one of my newer trucks. I kind of knew what to expect - what I didn't expect was the exceptional customer service I received from etrailer. I placed my order and the people at etrailer kept me informed on every step of the delivery process up to and including delivery (even what door it was delivered to at my house) Now that's what I call service!! Will definitely use etrailer again!! Thank you31219




by: K Maconachy01/30/2012
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The Product was easily to find on your site. I was able to browse controllers specifically for my truck. The controller arrived as expecteed. I was kept informed on the order, shipment and delivery, and it came right when you said it would. It installed easily in about 1/2 hour. All the tests we did worked well. 30629




by: chad01/29/2012
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Love it.... Installed in my 2011 chevy in about 5 min and it works great. Recommend to anyone 30502




by: dave01/25/2012
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excellent product exactly as described 30350




by: Pat01/25/2012
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Good overall product. Meets needs and is inexpensive.30307




by: Armando A.09/26/2011
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Great prices, quality products, great customer service and reasonable shipping!!! 24682




by: Ashley B.09/26/2011
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Works great, very easy to use, and very easy to install thanks24632




by: James Gilmore08/01/2011
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Fantastic brake controller. Even better website.20688




by: ty b07/11/2011
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thank you for the fast delivery ,and for the easy installation vid was a breeze,ty19110




by: Shama J.04/21/2011
Is this review helpful?
Excellent product. 12166




by: Ken03/22/2011
Is this review helpful?
The item appears to be well made and as expected. I'm having some difficulties, but with my camper, not with the unit. Probably not a really useful review.10133




by: Brett D01/25/2011
Is this review helpful?
Had the same controller for years, it has worked well. I pull a 4 axle 24,000 # trailer with disc brakes on all four axles. simple, reliable, and inexpensive.6083




by: jimmer06/21/2009
Is this review helpful?
Love the digital display! Digital display is now a requirement when I order a brake controller. It is amazing how much better brake control I have knowing before hand how much brake will be applied.2017
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