Brake Controllers & Harnesses

	Australian road rules state that all trailers with a gross trailer mass exceeding 750kg must have brakes. The most common heavy trailers operate either an electromagnetic or hydraulic trailer brake system that both require a brake controller to moderate braking on the trailer. There are two main types of Brake Control systems – Time-activated and Proportional. Time-activated systems apply maximum trailer braking over a preset time - usually one to three seconds. Proportional systems determine the tow vehicle’s rate of deceleration and apply the trailer brakes to match. Typically speaking, time-activated systems are suitable for towing lighter loads and for straighter, flatter roads. Proportional systems are more suited to towing loads over two tonnes and when driving in hilly and/or windy conditions. Hayman Reese provides both time activated and proportional brake control units as outlined in this section.