Proportional Brake Controller to Replace Damaged Draw-Tite Activator Time-Delayed Controller 5504

Updated 06/21/2019 | Published 06/20/2019

Products Featured in This Question

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

(357)

$103.31

Tekonsha Primus IQ Trailer Brake Controller - Up to 3 Axles - Proportional

(2156)

$90.04

Question:

I have a 32 ft travel trailer with little brakes. I have been told the magnets are ok and the brakes have been ajusted. My problem is when applying brakes I get some braking but not enough. I am getting 13 volts to the back of truck from the manual override on the controller. I only get 3.9 volts to back of truck depressing the brake pedal. Getting the same at back of trailer. Please help!

asked by: Jay M

Expert Reply:

A trailer brake controller such as the Draw-Tite Activator IV Time Delayed unit # 5504 that you referenced should generate the same output voltage whether you apply the brake pedal or the manual override. If your controller is generating many fewer volts of output power from the pedal then this indicates a fault within the controller and you should replace it.

I do strongly urge you to switch to a proportional type brake controller to replace this time-delayed type because their braking action directly follows the deceleration of the vehicle. For a quality controller that is reasonably-priced I suggest the Tekonsha Primus IQ # TK90160. This will install using your existing wiring adapter.

expert reply by: Adam R