Types of Brake Controllers
There are 5 basic types of brake controllers that can be purchased for towing trailers or 5th wheels.
| Types | Example | How it works | Comment |
| Class I Time Delayed |
DigiTrak | Activated when the Tow Vehicles (TV) brake light comes on, power to the trailer brakes increases the longer the brake lights remain on until the maximum power is reached. The maximum brake power is set by turning a knob on the controller. | Gentle braking for city traffic and heavier braking for highway traffic is achieved by manually adjusting the braking power. Emergency braking can only be achieved by turning up the power which is difficult to do in panic situations. |
| Class II Pendulum |
These controllers work the same as the time delayed controller, but
also have an internal mechanical pendulum that will swing forward under
heavy braking situations. |
These controllers have two gain settings, one for normal braking power and one for heavy braking power. The pendulum adjustment must be set with the tow vehicle on level ground. These controllers must be mounted level for the pendulum to work properly and therefore are sensitive to steep grades. The gain must be adjusted depending on driving in city or highway conditions. They pendulum works only in forward and not reverse. | |
| Class III Inertia Sensor |
Prodigy | Also activated by the brakes lights on the TV, and uses an inertia sensor (accelerometer) to sense deceleration and generate a proportional amount of power to the brakes. | The pendulum in these controllers is replaced by a solid state inertia sensor. They do not have to be mounted level and are not effected by steep grades. They still have limitations for gentle braking for city traffic. Prodigy always says it is a set it and forget it controller, here is an interesting thread from Prodigy owners that talks about adjusting the "boost" for different driving conditions. |
| Class IV Cable Type |
Jordan | Utilizes a cable assembly which attaches to the brake pedal of the TV. As the brakes are applied a proportional amount of power is applied to the trailer brakes. | The cable must be mounted where the brake pedal arm movement is one inch or less. |
| Class V Pressure Sensor |
Brake Smart | A sensor is attached to the master brake cylinder of the TV sensing the exact pressure you are applying to the brakes and proportionally regulating power to the trailer brakes. | This controller knows exactly how much brake pressure you are requesting and is completely proportional. But it is very expensive. While most of the other type brake controllers can be purchased for $150 or less, this controller costs $350. |