The Right Way Of Electric Brakes Installation: A Step-By-Step Guide

Electric brakes are devices that work by using an electrical current to slow or stop the motion of a rotating component. They are profusely used in trailers and caravans that require faster response times and precise tension control features.

However many users are not aware of the right way of **Electric brakes installation in Perth. This blog will highlight **the important aspects of it. All these will be the important steps to be followed for the flawless functioning of the trailer.

The right way of Electric brakes installation

If you want to set up an electric trailer brake controller, you need to know that it involves some crucial steps to ensure that your trailer brakes are fully ready to go. An adventurous outing trip needs perfect installation to function correctly and safely for the smooth running of the vehicle. At this point, it is compulsory that you know the necessary steps for the Electric brakes installation. For the sake of your convenience, the steps are detailed in very simple language here. Read them and understand them well to make your next outing safe and enjoyable.

➥ Step-1. To Install the Brake Controller

This is the very first step of the Electric brakes installation process. You need to Mount the Controller of the Electric brake system. For that, just find a convenient position within the vehicle. The best place tends to be below and off to the side of the steering wheel. Here the controller will be easily visible but out of the way. It can also be mounted above the dash. Or it could be near the driver’s seat or any other place that you feel apt. Ensure it’s easily accessible in time of need.

➥ Step-2. Complete the Wiring part

You need to complete the circuit connection by approaching the right wiring method. The first, connect the controller to the vehicle’s power supply terminal, ground terminal for earthing, and brake light switch for inputting. You may follow the manufacturer’s wiring diagram for an appropriate connection guide in this regard. This often involves making a connection to the vehicle’s 7-pin trailer connector. Remember, if the wiring is not complete, there will be a break in the power conduction. So always you need to ensure smooth power conductivity through the complete circuit configuration.

➥ Step-3. Connect the Trailer

Now this is the time to connect the trailer. Just you need to Plug the trailer into the vehicle’s 7-pin connector. If there remains any gap or cleft, proper functioning will be interrupted. You should re-check your connection to ensure all those pins are connected well and thereby the entire connection is secure. When all is done in the right way, you will see that the 7-pin plug offers standard connections for electric brakes, catering to perfect towing needs.

➥ Step-4. Adjusting the Controller Settings

The best setting for a brake controller will be one that will match the trailer and load size. Here you should not overlook the significance of selecting the gain level and sensitivity as recommended by the design manufacturer. Two of the most important aspects are crucial here. One is Gain Adjustment and the other is the Boost Feature control. Gain Adjustment controls the strength of the trailer brakes. You should start with a low setting and slowly increase it while testing the brakes. Boost Feature is great if your controller has it there. It can provide additional braking power in time of the initial stops. You must adjust this based on your specific need or preference and the load therewith.

➥ Step-5. Testing of the Brakes

After all that, you need to test the brake controller and the brakes. If more gain or sensitivity is required, you need to adjust that accordingly. Here are two parts- one is On-Level Ground and the other is Gain Adjustment. For the On-Level Ground test, you need to drive the vehicle at a low speed around 20–25 mph and tenderly apply the brakes. The trailer brakes should engage smoothly without any skidding effect. If the trailer brakes seem to be too weak or too strong, just adjust the gain accordingly and re-test the same.

➥ Step-6. Fine-Tune Settings

After your initial testing has been OK, just take a few trips to fine-tune the brake settings. Based on the trailer load adjust the gain. Also, you need to take the road conditions and your comfort level into account. Tuning up and re-aligning your brakes is pretty easy. This will reduce wear on your brake pads, reduce squealing, and make the lever easier to pull. There are two main steps, re-aligning the brake pads and adjusting the tension in the brake cable.

➥ Step-7. Regular Maintenance Checks

This is the very last stage of the Electric brakes installation. When you stick to a regular maintenance schedule, and keep good records of what you have done, it can help extend the life of your Electric brake system and its various components. This will comprehensively protect you against frequent breakdowns, costly repairs, and other unprecedented issues. Therefore, it is required to periodically check all the connections.

Checking the Indicator Lights is essential also. Most of the controllers have LED indicators to show when the brakes are engaged. Ensure these lights function correctly to monitor brake activity. You need to ensure that the functionality of the brake controller and trailer brakes has reached the optimum level. This thing is very crucial especially before you go on a long trip.

3 Tips to improve your Electric brakes installation

After knowing all the crucial steps on Electric brakes installation, you should keep some crucial tips at the same time. Following these steps will help you ensure the electric trailer brake controller is set up in the approved manner for safer towing.

[1] Consult the Manual :

manufacturers and designers know the best way to install the electric brakes since they have birthed it. Therefore you should always refer to the definite manual for your brake controller model for comprehensive installation and adjustment instructions.

[2] Consider the Weight :

those trailers that are heavier may need higher gain settings. As for the lighter loads, the requirement will be less. As per the weight capacity, you should go for the most suitable gain settings.

[3] Practice to perceive :

If you are new to towing, practice more braking sessions with the trailer in a safe environment. You need to continue it until you get accustomed to the appropriate braking. Also, it will grow your perception to correct any aspect of the brakes installation.

The Conclusion: Get your job done professionally

If you feel the need for professional efficiency regarding Electric brakes installation, you should come to ACE OFF-GRID. They are very popular and reliable for any sort of Electric brakes installation concerns. To have their electric accessory services, feel free to contact them. Also, try for their **Auto electrician in Joondalup** area.