Difference Between Proportional Brake Controller and Time-Delayed Controller on 2018 Toyota Tundra

Published 11/09/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Custom Wiring Adapter for Trailer Brake Controllers - Dual Plug In

(65)

$13.03

Curt Spectrum Trailer Brake Controller - Dash Mounted Knob - Up to 4 Axles - Proportional

(448)

$269.95

Curt Discovery NEXT Trailer Brake Controller - Up to 4 Axles - Time Delayed

(75)

$113.95

Question:

I am looking at proportional time delayed brake controllers for my 2018 tundra. can you tell me if the install is different and the difference between proportional and time delay controllers?

asked by: Richard F

Expert Reply:

The difference between a proportional brake controller and a time-delayed brake controller is that a proportional controller is pretty simple. A time-delayed controller like the Curt Discovery # C84VV will apply your trailer brakes each time you press the brake pedal in your 2018 Toyota Tundra; it is called time-delayed because there is a slight delay from the time you press your Tundra's brakes to the time the controller reaches max power output. They are also less expensive.

A proportional brake controller like the Curt Spectrum # C51170 differs in that your trailer's brakes will be activated by the deceleration of your 2018 Tundra; so it is not dependent on you actually hitting your brake pedal. If you just happen to be slowing down to reach a stop sign, or if you have to slam your truck's brakes, a proportional brake controller will activate your trailer's brakes will respond with the same intensity - or lack thereof.

In terms of installing these brake controllers on your 2018 Toyota Tundra they are the same as each will install using the Curt Custom Wiring Adapter for Trailer Brake Controllers # C51455; you only need to plug one end into the brake controller and the other end into the factory port of your '18 Tundra. If you take a look at the photo from the instructions for this adapter (which are also linked) you can see exactly where you will need to plug this harness in.

expert reply by: Kyle S