Comparing Time Delay and Proportional Trailer Brake Controllers
Updated 04/30/2014 | Published 04/27/2014 >
Question:
which controller is better proportional or timed?
asked by: Tim
Expert Reply:
Proportional, hands down. The reason for this is that the proportional controllers are going to provide safe and even braking on the trailer in proportion to how much the tow vehicle is braking. Time delay controllers will send back the same amount of power no matter how the tow vehicle is braking.
Proportional controllers provided the safest way to stop and they reduce wear and tear on the trailer and tow vehicle. The only advantage that a time delay controller has is that it does not have to be mounted a certain way. They also tend to cost less but there are low-cost proportional controllers as well.
For example our most popular controller is the P2, # 90885. It is proportional and is moderately priced for a controller. But then there is the Voyager, # 39510, which is a little more than half the cost of the P2 and it is also a proportional controller.
But the P2 is auto-leveling and has a wider mounting range than the Voyager. It also has an LED display whereas the Voyager just has an indicator light. I have included a link to our help article on brake controllers for you to check out for even more information.
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Towing Mirrors
- Shop: Longview Custom Towing Mirrors - Slip On - Driver and Passenger Side
- Video: Towing Mirror Options - Custom Fit VS Universal Fit
- Article: Towing a Trailer? Let's Talk About Brake Controllers
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: Steel Spoke Trailer Wheel - 15" x 6" Rim - 6 on 5-1/2 - Galvanized Finish
- Shop: Provider ST225/75R15 Trailer Tire with Black Viking Aluminum Wheel - 6 on 5-1/2
- Shop: Curt TriFlex NEXT Trailer Brake Controller w/ Custom Harness - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Shop: Curt Custom Wiring Adapter for Trailer Brake Controllers - Dual Plug In
- Shop: Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Brake Controller - Dash Knob - Off-Road Mode - Up to 3 Axles - Proportional
- Shop: Curt Spectrum Brake Controller w/ Custom Harness - Dash Mounted Knob - Up to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Article: Aftermarket Brake Control Wiring for 07-13 GM Full-Size Truck with Factory-Integrated Brake Control
- Q&A: Aftermarket Brake Controller Install in GM Truck or SUV Equipped With Factory Brake Controller
- Q&A: Where Does The Wiring Connect for the Brake Controller Install On a 2024 GMC Yukon?
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Video: Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller Review RED24FR
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Q&A: Parts Needed to Install a Red Arc Brake Controller in a 2023 Toyota Tacoma
- Article: 5 Things to Know About Weight Distribution Hitches
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Video: Firestone Ride-Rite Air Bags with Easy Mount Compressor Feature Breakdown
- Q&A: What Gauge Wire Should be Used to Wire Trailer Brakes
- Search Results: brake controller
