Why Do Trailer Brake Controllers Not Have a Power Switch

Updated 08/29/2017 | Published 08/28/2017

Question:

2002 CHEVY AVALANCHE. MY CONTROLER ACTIVATES ON ITS OWN EVEN WHEN VEHICLE IS OFF. I COULD NOT FIND A SWITCH TO SHUT IT DOWN. WHAT CAN I DO.

asked by: RODNEY H

Expert Reply:

Trailer brake controllers do not have an on/off power switch intentionally, to prevent accidentally driving without trailer brake power, which could lead to an accident and/or personal injury.

Brake controllers use only a tiny bit of power when they are inactive; their indicator lights are typically LEDs that use so little power that you do not need to be concerned about battery drain. The light on a brake controller like the Prodigy P2 # 90885 would have to remain on continuously for many months before its power draw could present a threat of battery drain.

Some controllers will sense that you have entered the vehicle and may briefly re-activate from this motion.

If you want to you can unplug the connector from the back of the controller, which will remove its 12V power feed, but take extreme care to avoid pulling a trailer without the controller connected.

expert reply by: Adam R