-7-
Brake Controllers
Electric brake controllers provide power to the magnets to actuate the trailer
brakes. Dexter offers a state-of-the-art inertial controller called the Predator
DX2
®
. This controller features a patented accelerometer design which senses
the deceleration of the towing vehicle and sends a proportional voltage to the
electric trailer brakes. Other features include a visual gain setting for quick and
easy adjustment and a digital LED display to show the voltage output. A manual
override sends full voltage to the trailer brakes, regardless of gain setting,
for emergency conditions and also illuminates the brake lights to warn of an
impending stop.
Most electric brake controllers provide a modulation function that varies the
current to the electric brakes with the pressure on the brake pedal or amount of
deceleration of the tow vehicle. Electronic or timing controllers do not provide
proportional modulation. These controllers tend to be inexpensive but not the
best choice for optimum braking. It is important that your brake controller
provide approximately 2 volts to the braking system when the brake pedal is
rst depressed and gradually increases the voltage to 12 volts as brake pedal
pressure is increased. If the controller “jumps” immediately to a high voltage
output, even during a gradual stop, then the electric brakes will always be fully
energized and will result in harsh brakes and potential wheel lockup.
Braking Systems - Electric
To Next Page
Loading...