TruckSpring Times

Truck & Trailer Parts - News & Information

Brake Controllers - Proportional or Timed Delayed?

When upgrading to a bigger trailer, a new tow vehicle, or just replacing an old trailer brake controller there are a few features to consider that may make your towing experience more enjoyable and safer. All brake controllers are wired into the vehicle with the same 4 wire setup but the technology inside the controller is what sets different models apart.

Why do I need a brake controller?

Brake controllers are the physical link between your brake pedal on your vehicle and the brakes on the axles of your trailer. Without them, uncontrolled weight can push forward, creating the potential for accidents and damage, not only to your truck or car but other vehicles if you can’t slow or stop in time. An electric trailer brake control provides power from a towing vehicle to the electric brakes on a trailer. If your trailer has electric brakes, a brake controller is needed. Always check your tow vehicle owner’s manual. What you can tow, including weight and number of axles, is important in helping you make the right decision about what brake control you will need.

While there are many styles, there are only two types of brake controls, time activated and proportional.

 

proportional trailer brake controls

 

Proportional Brake Controllers

Proportional controllers are the type most consumers purchase if they:

  • Tow frequently, especially trailers used to transport heavy loads.
  • Move precious cargo, like your friends and family, horses, livestock, racing vehicles, etc.
  • Have a fleet of trailers and need to quickly switch from one tow vehicle to another.

Most proportional brake controllers are designed with the industry standard ‘plug-n-play’ which allows for quick and easy interchange with compatible vehicles. With proportional controllers every action of your brake pedal in the tow vehicle is matched, precisely and smoothly. When you slow for a railroad grading or go down a steep hill, your trailer eases down and matches your speed mile by mile.

proportional brake cotnroller

(In the graph above, the red line shows what happens when you brake in your tow vehicle, and what happens to the brakes in your trailer (blue line) when a proportional controller’s installed. It’s an exact match. Smooth and even response, second by second. It’s why these systems have become the choice of most consumers.)

graph test results for proportional brake controls

Proportional brake controls determine the tow vehicle’s rate of deceleration and apply the trailer brakes to match. They provide smooth braking response in any stopping situation, with no need for adjustments.

Pros of Proportional Brake Controllers:

  • Safety: In an emergency stop the proportional controller will match the braking power instantly instead of ramping up.
  • Decreased Brake Wear: With tow vehicle and trailer braking the same brake wear is even.
  • Smooth Braking: With the trailer matching the tow vehicle there is no jerking when the trailer brakes apply.
  • No Adjustments: No need to adjust the brake control for different size trailers or road conditions.  

Cons of Proportional Brake Controllers:

  • Mounting: Most must be in line with vehicle direction, so, that limits space where they can be installed.
  • Cost: Advanced technology adds to the bottom line of your up front expense.

 

time delay trailer brake controllers


Time Delay Brake Controllers

Time delay trailer brake controllers apply the trailer brakes with a preset amount of braking power and there is a delay as the unit ramps up the power to full braking. On most models the time and the initial braking power is adjustable. Time delayed systems slow your trailer using preset brake settings and on how long your foot’s on the brake. The biggest difference is braking isn’t instantaneous.

time delay brake controller

The graph above shows what happens with a time-delayed brake controller. The controller is preset before hauling a load, based in part on the weight of your trailer. There is a delay from when you begin slowing (red line) to when the power levels build up in the trailer to compensate (blue line).

graph results timed brake controllers

Time activated brake controls apply braking power at a fixed rate of time that is NOT proportional to the pressure you apply to your brake pedal. They provide voltage output that increases the gain setting over a period of time (typically 3 seconds). This is known as the ramp cycle.

Pros of Time-Delay Brake Controllers:

  • Cost: If you don’t tow often your initial expense is much less. Great if you tow a small trailer for moving a few things, snowmobiles in the winter, lawn equipment, etc. 
  • Installation: Can be mounted in any location on the tow vehicle and in any position.

Cons of Time-Delay Brake Controllers:

  • Wear: Uneven pressure between tow and trailer means higher wear on brakes over time.
  • Feel: Improper settings for initial brake pressure could create ‘jerking’ between tow and trailer.
  • Brake Pulse: As soon as hazard lights are on, trailer brakes can ‘pulse’ on and off potentially damaging brake magnets over an extended period.

 

PROPORTIONAL:                vs                  TIME-DELAYED:
    
Smooth braking                                          Same braking power, no matter conditions
Designed for all load types                         For lighter, occasional towing
More expensive                                          Less expensive
Less wear on brakes over time                  More wear on brakes over time
Best on all road conditions                         Not recommended for steep hills or valleys
Even braking, between tow and trailer       Tow vehicle carries most of load in braking

All brakes controllers have their advantages and what type and features in a brake controller you'll need is typically determined by what you are towing and how often. Feel free to contact us at 1-800-358-4751 or 989-755-0561 if you have any questions about which trailer brake controller is the correct fit for your towing setup.

New Product Announcement - Gator Jaw by BubbaRope

Steel shackles are heavy and attaching them to your vehicle can be difficult at best.  You may also have to carry different sizes to fit different vehicles or applications.  BubbaRope now offers a better solution, The Gator Jaw soft shackle.

 



Made from Plasma rope which is the highest strength synthetic rope available, Gator-Jaw shackles are stronger than comparable steel shackles.  Rated at up to 32,000 pounds break strength, they are perfect for off-road, marine, agricultural and many other uses.

Unlike steel shackles, the Gator-Jaw soft shackle won’t rust and are so light they float. No more losing your shackle in the water or muck.   Its flexible design a makes it easy to fit even the most difficult pulling point and the one piece design means no more pins to fasten.

Easy to use

Just open the Gator-Jaw shackle by loosening and slipping off the loop over knot and then thread the soft shackle through the eye of your Bubba Rope or strap and through the tow point.   Loop the Gator-Jaw eye back over knot and pull to tighten. What could be easier?



So ditch your old steel shackle and get a Gator-Jaw soft shackle from TruckSpring.com today.  Order online at TruckSpring.com or call one of our towing specialists at 1-800-358-4751.

 

Reese 30156 Rail Kit for Ford Pickups with factory tow packages

Do you have a Ford pickup truck with a factory hitch prep package and want to use a 5th wheel hitch other than the Reese Elite series? Does your pickup truck have Reese Elite series rails installed and you want to use a 5th wheel hitch other than the Reese Elite series?

Ford pickup trucks with the 5th wheel hitch prep pack have "pucks" installed that only allow the use of Reese Elite series 5th wheel hitches, until now. The Reese 30156 mounting adapter kit is designed to work with newer model Ford pickups with the factory installed 5th-Wheel or Gooseneck tow prep package or trucks with the
Reese® Elite™ under-bed rail kits already installed.

 

The rail kit is rated for up to 20,000 lbs. gross weight and is designed to not touch or scratch the bed. It will allow you to use your existing 15k, 16k, or 20k standard 5th-wheel hitch in your pickup truck.

 

 

30156-lrg-01-c.jpg

Reese 30156 Features:

  • Black powder coat finish

  • Use with Ford OEM under-bed rail kit or Reese® Elite™ under-bed rail kits

  • Will not touch or scratch the truck bed

  • Uses the fast and secure Reese® patented latching system

  • Limited lifetime warranty

  • Reese 30156 Instructions

Get this easy to install kit from TruckSpring.com today or call 1-800-358-4751 and put your existing 5th-wheel to use in your pickup truck!

T-One Trailer Connectors - Take the work out of trailer wiring

Need to set up your new vehicle or an older vehicle that doesn't have trailer wiring?

Spring is finally here and Summer is quickly approaching. Now is the perfect time to take a look at the trailer electrical connectors on your tow vehicle and your trailers.

Tow Ready T-One connector harnesses are a quick and easy way to get your vehicle ready to tow. You can have your vehicle wiring ready to tow in 3 easy steps. With Tow Ready T-One trailer wiring harnesses you do not have to cut your existing wiring. No cutting or splicing of wires will minimize areas where corrosion can occur and it makes trailer wiring installation quick, affordable and easy. Many of the units now come with circuit protection which will protect your vehicle from electrical faults that may be in the trailer wiring.



how to wire a trailer - step 1STEP 1:

Locate your existing wiring harness. T-One connectors are vehicle specific and the instructions will show you where your existing harness can be found.

 

 

 

 

how to wire a trailer - step 2STEP 2:

Unplug your harness.

 

 

 

 

 

how to wire trailer - step 3

STEP 3:

 Plug In the Tow Ready T-One Connector

 

 

 

 

how to wire trailer - step 4

 

 

That's it! You're ready to tow!

 

 

 

If you are having problems with your existing trailer connections on either your tow vehicle or your trailer and the ends of the connectors are missing caps and starting to corrode or looking just plain worn out it may be time to replace them. At Truckspring.com we carry a full assortment of trailer side and vehicle side connectors, adapters, and testers. Call us today and we can help you find the trailer wiring product that is right for you!

Draw-Tite Ultra Frame Trailer Hitch

drawtite ultraframe trailer hitch

Are you looking to do some heavy-duty towing with full sized truck, van or utility vehicle? Then you need a heavy-duty trailer hitch that can get the job done. The Draw-Tite Ultra Frame Trailer Hitch is up to the challenge. This frame hitch is designed for full-sized long wheel based trucks and vans, as well as utility vehicles with heavy-duty suspensions. These hitches’ strong and secure side bracket design, heavy-duty all frame attachment and solid all-welded construction makes it ideal for marine and commercial use.

We recently installed the Draw-Tite 41926 Ultra Frame Trailer Hitch on a Ford E-150 Econoline Van. The owner of the Econoline needed a hitch with extra towing capacity to tow his large boat. The OEM hitch had an inadequate gross trailer weight capacity and an upgrade to the Draw-Tite hitch was necessary to ensure safe and secure operation.

DrawTite Hitch Type
The OEM frame hitch was rated for a 5,000 lbs. max. gross trailer weight and 500 lbs. max. tongue weight in a weight carrying (WC) configuration and in a weight distributing (WD) configuration it is rated for 10,000 lbs. max. gross trailer weight and 1,000 max. tongue weight.

In comparison, the Draw-Tite Ultra Frame hitch has a much higher capacity. This hitch has a max. gross trailer weight which is rated up to 10,000 lbs. and 1,000 lbs. tongue weight for a weight carrying (WC) configuration or up to 12,000 lbs. max. gross trailer weight and 1,200 lbs. max. tongue weight in a weight distribution configuration.


drawtite trailer hitch installation

When placed side-by-side, the differences between the OEM frame hitch and the Draw-Tite Ultra Frame hitch are not apparent. However, the extra weight capacity of the Draw-Tite Ultra Frame has the strength necessary to pull the customer’s large marine craft.

These hitches feature a 2 inch square receiver tube and an E-coat base with a black powder finish. Custom built to manufacturer and model year specifications, these hitches will fit your vehicle perfectly for top towing performance that can withstand the toughest road abuse.

Installation of the Draw-Tite Ultra Frame trailer hitch is fairly simple and only takes about 30 minutes. Installation does not require drilling or any special tools. 

The Draw-Tite 41926 Ultra Frame Trailer Hitch fits the following vehicles:

  • Econoline Van E150 2000 – 2011 Ford E-150 Econoline full sized vans
  • 2000 – 2011 Ford E-250 Econoline full sized vans & Super Wagons
  • 2000 – 2011 Ford E-350 Econoline full sized vans

 

Buy a Draw-Tite Ultra Frame Trailer Hitch from Truckspring.com, your source for towing and coupling products.

DrawTite Hitch

Draw-Tite Ultra Frame

  • Part #: 41926 Buy online at Truckspring.com or call 1-800-358-4751.

Draw Tite 75788 Receiver Hitch for the 2014 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra

Draw-Tite’s Max-Frame Class III/IV Round Tube Receiver Hitch 75788 for the 2014 Silverado and Sierra trucks are designed to complement your vehicle’s rugged good looks and blend elegantly into its overall appearance.

DrawTite Hitch 75788

Built with solid welded construction for maximum strength and durability, it is backed by a Nationwide Limited Lifetime Warranty. The Draw Tite 75788 hitch E-Coat base with black powder coat finish is designed to withstand road abuse yet retain its attractive appearance for years to come.

Rated at up to 6,000 lbs. gross trailer weight (GTW) weight carrying (WC) and up to 9,000 lbs. gross trailer weight GTW) with weight distributing (WC) it features easy, bolt-on installation with no welding required.

The Draw Tite 75788 hitch comes complete with all necessary hardware and installation instructions to allow for a simple installation.

Features:

  • 2 inch square receiver tube opening
  • Neat appearance, all frame attachments
  • E-Coat base with black powder coat finish
  • Custom built according to manufacturer and model year
  • Solid all-welded construction for maximum strength and safety
  • Designed to withstand road abuse within specified capacities
  • Backed by a Nationwide Limited Lifetime Warranty

So get the Draw Tite 75788 receiver hitch for your Silverado or Sierra and get towing. You can order by calling 1-800-358-4751.

Draw-Tite Front Mount Receiver for the Ford F-150 Truck

Draw Tite’s front mount receiver 65061 is designed for the 2009 – 2013 Ford F-150 pickup.  Rated up to 9,000 pounds line pull, the hitch will handle 500 pounds of tongue weight.    This new model will now fit vehicles with the 3.5L V6 EcoBoost engine.

DrawTite Front Receiver

 The 2 inch square receiver tube opening offers a secure and useful attachment point for spare tire mounts, bike racks, and other items. It features an E-Coat base with black powder coat finish and solid all-welded construction for maximum strength and safety.

Front receives are also a convenient way to park your trailer. No more blindly backing your trailer in, just attach it to the front received and drive it forward. 

Custom built according to manufacturer and model year, the receiver offers a neat appearance, all frame attachments and a “no drill” installation.

Backed by a nationwide limited lifetime warranty, the Draw Tite 65061 front receiver is built to give your Ford F-150 pickup years of service.   You can order Draw-Tite 65061 at TruckSpring.com or by calling 1-800-358-4751.

Draw-Tite Front Receiver for the 2014 Silverado and Sierra Trucks

New for the 2014 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra truck is the Draw-Tite 65064 front mounted trailer hitch receiver.  Front mounted receivers offer a secure and useful attachment point for a spare tire, winch, bike rack and more. 

DrawTite Front Receiver

The receiver features solid All-Welded construction for maximum strength and safety. And the easy, bolt-on installation requires no drilling or welding.

The black powder coated finish is designed to withstand year of road abuse it is backed by a Nationwide Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Rated up to 9,000 pounds line pull capacity and 500 pounds of vertical load, it has a 2 inch square receiver tube opening.  

Front receivers are also a convenient way to park your trailer. No more blindly backing your trailer in, just attach it to the front received and drive it forward.

So if you are looking for an easy way to carry that spare tire or park your trailer, Draw-Tite has your answer.  Call one of our towing experts at 1-800-358-4751 or order online at TruckSpring.com.

Draw-Tite’s New Class III/IV Trailer Hitch for the Ford Escape

Do you have a 2013-2014 Ford Escape and have been looking for a trailer hitch to fit your SUV?  Draw-Tite has your answer.  The new Draw-Tite Max-Frame 75782 trailer hitch is a class III/IV receiver custom built for the 2013-2014 Ford Escape.  

DrawTite Hitch

The Max-Frame receiver features solid All-Welded construction for maximum strength and safety and a black powder coat finish for years of durability.  Rated up to 3,500 pounds it has a 2 inch square receiver tube opening.

Designed to withstand year of road abuse it is backed by a Nationwide Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Look to Draw-Tite and TruckSpring.com for all your towing needs.  Order online or call 1-800-358-4751.

 

Tekonsha's New P3 Brake Controller for the Sierra and Silverado Truck

The Tekonsha 90195 P3 Proportional Brake Controller is the industry's most advanced electric trailer brake control.  A true proportional braking system that is ideal for use with recreational vehicles, utility, equestrian trailers and more. 

Tekonsha P3 Brake Controler

Proportional brake controllers use a motion-sensing device to detect how fast the tow vehicle is stopping. The moment the driver applies the brakes, the brake controller applies the same amount of braking power to the trailer's brakes.  This allows the trailer to stop at exactly the same time as the truck does no matter how much brake pressure is applied.  Proportional brake controllers offer smoother braking and reduces the amount of wear on the vehicle's braking system.

The Tekonsha 90195 proportional brake control features an easy to see LCD display with multiple color and contrast options and 5 storable setting options for pulling different trailers or operator preference.  The unit allows the user to switch between Electric and Hydraulic brakes and is designed for use with 1-4 axle trailers.

Tekonsha P3 Brake Controler

  • Compact, dash-hugging design
  • Unique, easy-to-use, clip-mounting systems
  • Quick disconnect for easy storage, includes a convenient storage pouch
  • Easy access, "Up-Front' controls
  • The original "Boost" feature allows for different levels of customized braking
  • User can customize to choose English, French or Spanish display
  • Highly advanced, easy-to-understand, roadside diagnostics
  • Limited lifetime warranty

 
 The Tekonsha P3 proportional brake controller is the new standard for electric trailer brake controls. Upgrade your trailer braking system today and enjoy a safer towing experience. Michigan Truck Spring is an authorized Tekonsha brake controller distributor, contact them at 1-800-358-4751 or online at TruckSpring.com