Will Activator Brake Controller Drain the Battery on a 2012 Harley Road Glide

Updated 09/29/2015 | Published 09/28/2015

Products Featured in This Question

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

(357)

$102.92

Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(2763)

$159.97

Question:

So when i run a wire directly from the positive terminal of the battery to the controller what keeps the controller from running the battery down without an inline switch?

asked by: Jerry H

Expert Reply:

The Draw-Tite Activator # 5504 will only be drawing a few milliamps of power as long as the trailer is not connected to your Harley. If the trailer is connected then the brake controller will periodically send back power to check for the presence of the brake magnets. So before parking for the day remember to disconnect the trailer!

There are some brake controllers such as the P2, # 90885, that go into a power saving mode even if there is a trailer connected. If your Harley is a trike then you could use a proportional controller like the P2. But if it is a regular 2-wheel motorcycle then you would not be able to use a proportional controller because the tilting side to side of the bike will throw off the brake controller sensors.

expert reply by: Michael H