Does the Curt TriFlex Brake Controller Need to be Disconnected when Backing Up

Updated 01/31/2014 | Published 01/29/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Curt TriFlex NEXT Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(981)

$135.95

Universal Wiring Adapter for Curt Trailer Brake Controllers

(458)

$14.90

Question:

I noticed a question about disconnecting the controller during backing of the trailer. Does this control operate during backing up? Are their sensitivity issues with the controller during backing up?

asked by: Tom S

Expert Reply:

You should not have to disconnect the Curt TriFlex Brake Controller, # C24VV, when backing up. Brake controllers are designed to send power to the trailer brakes when you step on the brake pedal. When backing up, you typically step on the brake pedal several times, so many people simply disconnect the trailer connector from the tow vehicle before backing up.

The Curt TriFlex brake controller is a proportional brake controller that uses an internal inertia sensor to sense the braking intensity of your tow vehicle. When you are backing up, the braking intensity is usually very low because you are typically backing up at low speeds. Unless you are backing up at increased speeds or have the power setting set high, the brake controller will apply very little, if any, power to the trailer brakes.

The backing up issue mainly arises with time-delay brake controllers. A time delay brake controller will send a set amount of power to the trailer brakes any time you step on the brake pedal, whether you are moving or not. If you stick with a proportional brake controller, you should not have an issue.

expert reply by: John H