Palm-size brake controller activates trailer brakes with preset intensity when you apply the brakes in your vehicle. Adjust power output and braking aggressiveness with easily accessible, up-front buttons. Digital display and manual override.
Features:
Specs:
The Activator IV applies your trailer's brakes when the brake pedal in your tow vehicle is engaged. Every time you apply the brakes in your vehicle, a signal is sent - via the brake switch - to the Activator. The controller then sends power out to your trailer brakes to activate them with an intensity set by you, at a rate determined by you. Both the amount of braking power (output) and rate of application (sync) can be adjusted to suit your preference, the road conditions, type of trailer, and size of the load. To determine which levels are best for your application, you must test out your towing setup and choose what feels best.
A time-delay controller is so named because there is a delay between the time that you initially apply the brakes in your tow vehicle and the time that the controller reaches the set maximum power output. Unlike a proportional brake controller, which activates your trailer's brakes based on the deceleration of your tow vehicle, the Activator sends power out in the same way, with the same user-set delay, no matter the braking situation. Although this delay always exists, it can be adjusted by changing the sync setting. The controller will continue to send out power to the trailer brakes as long as your foot is on the brake pedal, even when your truck and trailer have come to a stop.
The diagram above shows the controls and components of the Activator IV electric trailer brake controller.
The power output control lets you set the maximum amount of power that will be applied to your trailer's brakes. Typically, the power output is only readjusted if you switch from a heavy, loaded trailer to a much lighter, empty trailer - or vice versa. During the initial setup process, use the plus and minus adjustment buttons on the top left of the Activator IV to adjust the output.
The sync setting represents the elapsed time from the point that the brakes are first applied to the point that the set power output reaches its maximum. This setting is responsible for determining the aggressiveness of the braking action.
To adjust the sync, use the plus and minus buttons on the top of the unit. If you want to reach maximum power output faster, press the plus button. To get smoother braking action by supplying power to the trailer brakes more gradually, press the minus button. You can alter the sync setting to suit your driving preferences or to improve handling based on changing road conditions or varied trailer loads.
The Activator IV brake controller features an easy-to-read LED window that displays the power settings as you adjust them. The power output is shown as a number, with 0 indicating minimum output and 10 indicating maximum output. The sync setting is shown as a number followed by the letter "o" to differentiate it from the output reading. The least aggressive sync setting is 0o and the most aggressive is 9o.
While braking, the unit displays the power output. To see or adjust the sync setting, step on your brake pedal and press either the plus or minus button at the same time.
The display will also show trouble codes to alert you to any potential problems, such as short circuits or overloads, or if there is an internal problem with the controller.
The manual slide lever overrides the preset power output and allows the operator to engage the trailer brakes without using the vehicle's brakes. In addition to being a necessary safety feature, this option helps to control trailer sway by slowing the trailer to put it back solidly behind the tow vehicle.
You can also engage the manual override to help you move a sliding 5th-wheel hitch closer to your truck's tailgate for tight maneuvering during slow speed turns. Just apply the manual override to hold the trailer in place while slowly moving the tow vehicle forward.
Because inertia plays no role in the functioning of this controller, you do not have to mount the unit at any particular angle or position it in any particular direction. As a result, mounting options are limitless, so long as you can still easily access the manual override.
Installation of the Activator IV requires that you either purchase a custom wiring adapter designed to plug into the controller or that you hardwire the controller directly into your vehicle. To hardwire the controller, you must remove the plug at the end of the integrated wiring harness.
Installation Accessories
A vehicle-specific, dual-mated wiring adapter is available for most newer trucks and SUVs with tow packages. One end of the custom adapter plugs into your vehicle's brake controller port, and the other end plugs into the controller - no hardwiring required.
A universal wiring harness (20127 - sold separately) that plugs into any Draw-Tite brake controller is also available. The 4 leads on the universal harness can then be hardwired into your vehicle. By splicing the universal adapter into your wiring instead of directly connecting the brake controller to your wiring, you gain the ability to unplug and remove the controller from your vehicle should the need arise.
Note: If a custom brake-control wiring adapter is not available for your vehicle, one of the following will be required:
20-Amp circuit breaker (9506P - sold separately) for 2- to 4-brake applications
30-Amp circuit breaker (38630 - sold separately) for 6- to 8-brake applications
See also etrailer.com's exclusive 7- and 4-way brake-control installation kit (ETBC7 - sold separately) if you don't already have a 7-way plug at the back of your vehicle.
California residents: click here
Average Customer Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (255 Customer Reviews)
Palm-size brake controller activates trailer brakes with preset intensity when you apply the brakes in your vehicle. Adjust power output and braking aggressiveness with easily accessible, up-front buttons. Digital display and manual override.I have used etrailer many years. This time like always very pleased. Great product ,great price. great service. 739629
Easy plug and play installation. Great products, great ,professional seller and quick shipment. Thanks! 749564
This brake controller was remarkably easy to install and worked well right out of the box. I followed the recommendation of etrailer for my make and model of truck, a 2000 Chevy Suburban, and everything was exactly as depicted in the video. After viewing the video I felt as if I had done it before when I went to install my device. I was surprised that it really was as easy as it had appeared in the video. Great job, etrailer! I will definitely be back! 156382
I am still trying to install your product on my 2018 Chevrolet Silverado. I was under the impression I simply had to mount the bracket, mount the device, plug it in, and adjust it. Unfortunately, it does not plug into anything under my dash. I need to cut and splice some wiring...I need to discern which wires to cut and splice first. 597754
Mike L - 01/15/2019
Barry - 01/16/2020The draw tite brake controller arrived very quick. I installed it very easy on my 2015. Ram. I called Tekonsa and made sure what plug in wiring adapter need it was the 3024 p. I was told by service tech Tekconsa that they maiddraw tite. Also the guy from etrailer I order from new all the questions, very good at his job. I installed it in about an hour and that was finding the best place. The adapter plug is above the gas peddle. Will from etrailer again. Good Luck you will be satisfied. 236610
Works great easy to install with adapter harness! 580159
I replaced a 20 year old one with this. It is used on a 40 foot motorhome. I have had no problems with it as long as I get good contact on the plug on the trailer. I simply cut the old wires and soldered it together. I would by another one like this if I had a need. 686651
Had fast shipping because my time was limited they did everything they said they would an quality product 571591
Installation was very easy in my Tahoe thanks to the information available on your website. While I didn't need to call for assistance from your team, reading other reviews gave me confidence to place my order. Add to this that your price was very competitive, the quick shipping, and you can count me as a very satisfied customer! 230063
MelF - 10/14/2016I used the trailer brake for only one trip and it performed just fine. I did have some issues "tweaking" the sensitivity....couldn't quite dial it in so braking was smooth near the stop. Otherwise, good product. 519807
Mike L - 06/11/2018Easy install with appropriate connectors. Website does great job helping based on vehicle type. 902805
Products working out great! 899427
Great product and super fast shipping. 884735
Great products and fast delivery, easy website to navigate super easy to install 892232
We're a first time travel trailer owners. I purchased the CURT weight distribution hitch. It's heavy duty and easy to assemble. Then I purchased the Draw-tite electronic brake control with a Tekonsha wire harness for my truck. After watching you tube to see how to find the brake control cable on my truck and assemble the electronic brake control it all works perfectly. 889566
Works good 873714
882232
Prompt service. 882401
works great satisfied with operation 869221
Easy install and works very well. 868112
Arrived sooner than I expected. Watched one helpful installation video (not exactly the same vehicle nor same brake controller but still useful). Took me about an hour and half (with heat breaks) to figure it all out and install. Works great. My only regret is that I waited so long to get to it. Saved over $250 compared to RV repair shop installation. 876132
867548
Just got it installed. Pretty easy to d o. 875378
Good value for the cost. 866029
So far so good, I can’t wait to hook it up! 855113
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