What Does Sync Control On Brake Controller Do For Trailer With Electric Brakes

Updated 06/25/2020 | Published 03/23/2017

Question:

In what situations would I use less sync control and when would I want more?

asked by: Gary R

Helpful Expert Reply:

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 highway under normal conditions you may want to set it higher so that if needed the trailer will brake more aggressively.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L

Jcb

6/22/2020

My controller has both the usual gain setting and a synchronize setting. Are these independent or interdependent? How do I optimize both settings for optimal braking, without locking the trailer wheels on dirt or gravel roads? I set my gain and backed off to just stop brake lockup on loose terrain. How then does ‘synchronize’ improve braking and control. For example, should ‘syn’ be maxed out while setting the primary gain or vice versa?

Chris R.

6/25/2020

The sync control is basically what you use to adjust the "aggressiveness" of the controller. The gain setting will set how much power actually gets sent back to the brakes when you step on the brake pedal, while the sync will control how long it takes for the power to shoot back there. The higher the sync adjustment, the quicker the power gets sent back for more aggressive braking.