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  1. Trailer Brake Controller
  2. Draw-Tite
  3. Electric
  4. Time Delayed Controller
  5. Up to 4 Axles
  6. Under-Dash
Draw-Tite Activator IV Trailer Brake Controller - Up to 4 Axles - Time Delayed
Draw-Tite

Draw-Tite Activator IV Trailer Brake Controller - Up to 4 Axles - Time Delayed

Part Number: 5504
In Stock
$100.76
Retail:$121.00
You Save: $20.24
Trailer Brake Controller
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This stout brake controller has easy controls, with the buttons up-front and easy to reach, and the manual override a simple slide lever. The digital display is large, simple, and easy to read. Great Prices for the best trailer brake controller from Draw-Tite. Draw-Tite Activator IV Trailer Brake Controller - Up to 4 Axles - Time Delayed part number 5504 can be ordered online at etrailer.com or call 1-800-940-8924 for expert service.
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Draw-Tite Trailer Brake Controller - 5504

  • Electric
  • Time Delayed Controller
  • Up to 4 Axles
  • Draw-Tite
  • Under-Dash
  • Plug-In
  • Under-Dash Box
  • LED Display
  • Single Trailer Only

This stout brake controller has easy controls, with the buttons up-front and easy to reach, and the manual override a simple slide lever. The digital display is large, simple, and easy to read.


Features:

  • Time delayed: activates trailer brakes with preset intensity
  • Convenient buttons adjust power output and sync settings
  • LED digital display shows you the output setting, sync setting, and error codes
  • Slide lever manual override is within easy reach
  • Built-in short circuit protection keeps your vehicle, trailer, and controller safe
  • No mounting restrictions
    • Installs at any angle
    • Includes mounting bracket and hardware
    • Plug-in, custom brake-controller adapter (sold separately) available for select vehicles


Specs:

  • Application: trailers with up to 4 axles (8 brake assemblies)
    • Compatible with electric brakes only
  • Dimensions: 4-3/16" long x 2-3/4" wide x 1" tall
  • Harness length: 8"
  • Limited lifetime warranty


Power Output and Sync Adjustment

Draw-Tite Activator IV Controls and LED Display

Power output is the maximum amount of power that will be applied to your trailer's brakes. How much braking output you need is determined by the weight of your trailer; a heavier trailer will need more power to bring it to a stop. You want to go as high as you can without the trailer brakes locking up. It adjusts on a scale of 0 to 10.


Once you have the power output set, you can fine-tune your braking by adjusting the sync control. This controls the aggressiveness of your trailer's braking, meaning how quickly the brakes reach the maximum braking level. If your vehicle takes too long to come to a stop, increase the setting. If it stops too abruptly, decrease the setting. 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.


LED Display

The Activator IV displays the power settings as you adjust them. While braking, the unit will display the power output setting. To see or adjust the sync setting, step on your brake pedal and press either the plus or minus button to increase or decrease the setting.


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.


Installation

Because inertia plays no role in the functioning of this controller, you do not have to mount the unit at any particular angle. Your mounting options are limitless, so long as you can still easily access the controller and manual override.


If your vehicle already has a plug-in brake controller wiring harness, just connect the unit to it. Otherwise, you will need to purchase a vehicle-specific wiring harness (sold separately) to plug into. If a harness is unavailable for your vehicle, hardwiring will be necessary.


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


If you don't already have a 7-way plug at the back of your vehicle, take a look at our exclusive 7- and 4-way brake control installation kit (ETBC7 - sold separately).


Time-Delayed Braking

What is time-delayed braking

Time-delayed braking means that when you apply the brakes in your vehicle, the controller activates the trailer brakes at a pre-set intensity and rate. Both the amount of braking power (gain) and rate of application (load) can be adjusted to suit your preference, the road conditions, the type of trailer, and the weight of your load. To determine which levels are best for your application, test your towing setup and choose what feels right.



8507120 Draw-Tite Act IV Electric Trailer Brake Controller - Time Based

Replaces 5500 and 5504

Installation Details 5504 Installation instructions


California residents: click here


Customer Satisfaction Score:

Ratings & Reviews

4.9

354 reviews
This stout brake controller has easy controls, with the buttons up-front and easy to reach, and the manual override a simple slide lever. The digital display is large, simple, and easy to read.

by:

Worked great!



by:

It plugged in and worked as advertised,Thank you so much,



by:

Fantastic brake controller. Even better website.



by:

Great controller, we install it on almost every system we do.



by:

Good overall product. Meets needs and is inexpensive.



by:

this controller is great. etrailer delivery, packaging, pricing were ALL great...



by:

Love it.... Installed in my 2011 chevy in about 5 min and it works great. Recommend to anyone



by:

Great prices, quality products, great customer service and reasonable shipping!!!



by:

ordered on a monday afternoon, received my order on wed after 3 pm...everything was in good condition..these are really good people...thank you so much for the fast service......max



by:

Works great, very easy to use, and very easy to install thanks



by:

Installed in Frontiier quickly with no problems,us the recommended adapter .Good product,quick shipping and great company to work with.



by:

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.



by:

Very easy to install. Works very well. I like the digital number readout to show power level being applied to brakes.



by:

Top notch products,Service and Customer service help line.
You guys know your stuff.
Thank you so much for the help everything went flawless and works perfect.

Thank you so much.

Terry



by:

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 you



by:

Installing this into my 2005 Tahoe was a breeze. If you just follow the directions and check out etrailers videos you should have no problem. I went from a small popup to a bigger hybrid so I had to get the EBC system. This sure beats taking it to the RV or Dealer store and paying retail plus labor. Thanks etrailer.com



by:

Quality product. The video of how to install clinches the deal. Setup instructions worked perfectly.



by:

thank you for the fast delivery ,and for the easy installation vid

was a breeze,ty



by:

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.



by:

Great Product, VERY Easy to install. The only thing I would change is the length of the pig tail. The short length of the pigtail limits your options of product placement.



by:

Nice product, easy to useEasy 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.



by:

Easy installation works great, great pr ice



by:

Controler works great, hook up was a snap with the plug and play harness.



by:

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.



by:

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.


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354
Show More Reviews

See what our Experts say about this Draw-Tite Trailer Brake Controller

  • Troubleshooting a Draw Tite Activator Brake Controller part # 5504 that Only Displays a Dot
    Sounds like the problem lies somewhere in the brake output circuit. When a trailer is connected to the Draw Tite Activator Brake Controller part # 5504 and all that is displayed is a decimal point it means that the controller is not sensing a trailer being connected. Typically the problem lies in the trailer connectors. Usually there is corrosion on this circuit that prevents the circuit from being completed. Check both the inside and outside of the connector for corrosion or exposed...
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  • Troubleshooting ER Code on Draw Tite Activator Brake Controller
    I wish I had better news, but the ER code means that there is an internal problem on the Draw Tite Activator part # 5504 and that it needs to be replaced. For a new brake controller I would recommend the Prodigy P2 Brake Controller part # 90885. This is our best selling brake controller because of how well it works and how easy it is to setup. This is a proportional brake controller that senses the amount of braking the tow vehicle is applying and applies a proportionate amount to the...
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  • Why is my Brake Controller Reading Overload and How Can I Find Where the Problem is?
    If your controller, item # 5504, is reading overload without the trailer connected then that means there is a short in the blue trailer feed wire on the vehicle. If the controller is reading overload only when the trailer is connected then there is a short or overload in the trailer wiring or breaks. Use a circuit tester, item # 3808 if you need one, to test the wiring to find out where the short is. If it is on the trailer end and you cannot find a wiring problem then the problem may...
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    The Draw-Tite Activator II Brake Controller, # 5500, will not display numbers under any function when the trailer is not connected. You should only see a single decimal on the display. Check out the video that I made showing you how the brake controller should function without a trailer connected. If you do not have any signal on the display, then there could be an electrical issue that is preventing power from reaching the brake controller. If this is the case, I would recommend using...
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  • Where is the Brake Switch Wire on a 2014 GMC Savana Van to Install a Brake Controller
    I can tell you were to access the correct brake switch wire to install a brake controller on your 2014 GMC Savana Van. You will need to access the wire behind the BCM (body control module) located behind the dash on the passenger's side of the vehicle. There should be a brown connector coming out of the back of the BCM. At that connector you should find a light blue/white wire. This is the wire that carriers the dedicated brake light signal. Use a circuit tester such as # PTW2993 to confirm...
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  • Where Is Factory Brake Controller Plug Located On 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
    On your 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac the factory plug for your brake controller will be located under the dash, on the left side of the steering wheel, just above your left leg. The wiring adapter you will need to connect the Draw-Tite Brake Controller # 5504 to your vehicle is the Draw-Tite Brake Control Wiring Adapter # 3035-S. This adapter will have a 6-pin plug that will connect to your factory brake controller plug and the 4 wires on the other end will be butt-connected to the 4...
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  • What Does Sync Control On Brake Controller Do For Trailer With Electric Brakes
    Setting the sync on a Draw-Tite Brake Controller # 5504 allows you to set the amount of power the brake controller will put out. If you set the sync power low it does not matter how hard you hit the brakes, as they will be applied with the amount of pressure you set the controller at. If you are traveling where there is gravel or loose rock or even in the rain you may wish to set it a bit lower so that the brakes do not lock up on the trailer when you press the pedal. If you are on the...
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  • Troubleshooting A Draw-Tite Activator IV Trailer Brake Controller That Won't Sense The Trailer
    Hey Phil, Are you hitting the manual override when you're testing the output of your Draw-Tite Activator IV Trailer Brake Controller # 5504 or are you just hitting the brake pedal? Is the decimal point always on the display or only while you're pressing down on the brake pedal. If you are seeing the decimal point all the time then you have the red wire from the brake controller harness spliced into the wrong wire for the sold side of the brake light switch. LED lights don't really have...
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    Yes, the Trailer Brake Control Harness part # 3016 4-pin connector is a direct plug-and-play fit for your 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD and compatible with all Tekonsha brake controllers. The pigtail harness is located underneath your drivers side kick panel. The next step in choosing a brake controller is to decide between a proportional and time-delayed brake controller. A timed delay controller functions with a slight delay between the time that you initially apply the brakes in...
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  • Draw-Tite Activator 2 Diagnosing Decimal/Period Error Code
    If the trailer is connected to the vehicle when this happens, it means "NO CONNECTION BETWEEN BRAKE CONTROL AND BRAKES - BLUE WIRE CIRCUIT", possible solution is "CONFIRM CONNECTION TO TRAILER CONNECTOR, CONFIRM CONNECTOR TERMINAL POSITIONS, CHECK TRAILER". In other words, there is possibly a connection issue somewhere between the brake controller and the trailer's brakes, which is all along the blue wire. If the trailer is NOT connected to the vehicle when this happens, it means "RED...
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  • DrawTite Activator Brake Controller 5504 Flashing Error Code
    It sounds like you installed the Draw-Tite Activator Trailer Brake Controller 5100 in a vehicle with an integrated factory brake controller. If that is the case, installing an aftermarket brake controller like the Activator will cause the instrument cluster to flash the error code you mentioned. While this can be annoying to look at, it does not interfere with proper functioning of the aftermarket brake controller. The only way to clear the code is to take the vehicle to your local dealer...
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  • What is the Red Wire Function on an Electric Trailer Brake Controller
    The red wire on the brake controller connects to the stop light wire on the brake switch located above the brake pedal. You will need to use a circuit tester like # PTW2993 to probe the wires. You need the one that shows a signal ONLY when the brake pedal is pressed. If you find a wire that has a signal when the headlights are on or when the turn signals are engaged, it is not the correct wire. Brake Controller Wire Colors and Functions: The white wire is ground The blue wire is output...
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  • Locating The brake Switch Wire To Install A Brake Controller On 2009 Nissan Murano
    When trying to locate the correct wire on the brake switch to install your # 5504, you will need a circuit tester like part # PTW2993. You will need to find the wire that shows power only when the brake pedal is depressed. The colors of the wires may vary which is why we always recommend using a circuit tester to find the right wire. It sounds like the manufacturer may have used the same color wire for multiple locations. I have attached a photo of the switch located under the dash at...
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  • Troubleshooting Brakes Not Working on One Side in Mountains
    Hi Vincent; have you tried checking the voltage at the brakes with a circuit tester # PTW2993? Perhaps one side has a weak ground compared to the other or for whatever other reason isn't getting the same amount of power. Since the brake controller sends power down a single brake output line and the brakes function I don't think the brake controller is your issue. However, it wouldn't hurt to check the brake output line just to be sure. It sounds like you're getting more braking force...
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  • What Does ER Error on an Activator Brake Controller Indicate
    It sounds like you meant to type the ER code that would be on an Activator IV part # 5504. That indicates that there is an internal problem and the controller would need to be replaced. For a brake controller replacement I would recommend the Prodigy P2 Brake Controller part # 90885. This is our best selling brake controller because of how well it works and how easy it is to setup. This is a proportional brake controller that senses the amount of braking the tow vehicle is applying and...
    view full answer...
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    I do have a solution for you but the Curt E16 Fifth Wheel Trailer Hitch with Universal Install Kit # C16616 is not confirmed to fit your 1995 Chevrolet 1500. The E16 hitch will work just fine for you. It's a sliding hitch which will help with turning clearance since you have a short bed truck. For the hitch use # 16516. Then you need a bracket install kit with base rails. A universal it that does fit your truck is # RP30035. This fits just fine with the Curt hitch. You may also want...
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  • Troubleshooting a Tekonsha Draw-Tite Activator
    It sounds like there is either a problem with the wiring of your Activator Brake Controller # 5504, the wiring of your vehicle/trailer 7-way or the # 5504 is bad. The first thing to check will be the 7-way of your vehicle. You will want to visually inspect the front and back of the connector looking for loose wiring or corrosion and fix as necessary. Next, you will want to test the brake output circuit of the 7-way with a circuit tester, like our # PT89ZR, for the correct voltage when...
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  • Meaning of Flashing OL Code on Draw-Tite Activator Brake Controller
    The OL code on your Draw Tite Activator # 5504 has a different meaning depending on if the trailer is connected or not, but in both situations it indicates an overload or a short on a wire. If the OL code is flashing without the trailer connected, then the short is in the Blue wire from the back of the controller. You'll want to trace this wire starting at the brake controller back to your vehicle's 7-Way to find the damaged or pinched section of wire that is causing the short and repair...
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  • Factory Brake Controller Port Location on 2017 Nissan Titan
    To install the Draw-Tite Activator Trailer Brake Controller # 5504 that you referenced to your 2017 Nissan Titan, all you will need is the Plug-In Wiring Adapter # 3050-P if the truck is equipped with the factory 7-Way. One end of the harness will plug into the brake controller itself, while the other end will connect directly to the factory port on your Nissan Titan. The factory brake controller port should be located behind the dash, on the left hand side by the emergency brake pedal....
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  • Wire Diagram for Installing a Voyager Brake Controller on a 2002 Ford F-250
    On your 2002 Ford F-250 you will need to connect the Red wire to the Black wire on the brake controller for +12 Volts power and the Light Green wire to the Red Stoplight wire on the brake controller. The Dark Blue wire is connected to the Blue wire from the brake controller to send power to the Trailer Brakes, and the White wires are connected to each other providing a ground for the brake controller. I posted a diagram with your wire colors added to it for you, see drawing at right. The...
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  • Troubleshooting Trailer Wiring That Stopped Working on 2005 Chevy Silverado
    I'd check the backside of the connector for the condition of the wiring. Most likely something damaged some wiring if several of the circuits just stopped but one is left working. Another possibility is corrosion on the pins of your 7-way. You can try cleaning them with sandpaper. Or you can also check the trailer wiring fuses underhood to see if you can find any blown fuses.
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  • Replacement for Malfunctioning Draw-Tite Activator Trailer Brake Controller
    Based on your description of the problem with your Draw-Tite brake controller I suspect an internal fault within the controller itself. There is a chance that the red input signal wire could be loose, and this would cause the unit to stop generating output, but it would not explain the varying power level displayed. That specific issue makes me think that the internal circuitry has finally given up the ghost and the controller needs to be replaced. I recommend the # 5504 in its place....
    view full answer...
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  • Troubleshooting Poor Brake Performance and Low Brake Output Voltage
    First thing I would check is the blue wire that is at the rear of your vehicle for voltage when you apply the brakes and when you slide the manual override of this controller. You could also try sliding the manual override a few times and adjusting the gain knob up and down to help clear the contact points. I attached a link to the manufacturers instructions for your Draw-Tite Brake Controller, part # 5504, below for you to check out also. If all this checks out it sounds like the problem...
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  • Should a Brake Controller Blue Wire have Voltage All the Time
    The only time there should be power on the blue wire when testing it should be when you are applying the manual override. If it shows power at any other time that indicates a problem inside the controller and it will need to be replaced. Also make sure that the red wire is only showing power with the brake pedal. If it shows power at any other time like when the head lights or turn signals are on, or just any time when the brake pedal is not pressed then it is connected to the wrong wire...
    view full answer...


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