Homemade brake controller?

[79k104x4]

Does anyone know if its possible i can make my own brake controller with just a rheostat and a relay?

[1998454]

Can you...yes. Should you....no.

[Koots]

Just buy a controller. If for some reason you got in an accident (related or not) I don't think the insurance would take too kindly to your homemade controller.

I'm sure something like that would cause some serious problems if it was discovered.

[someotherguy]

Yes. Excellent idea. May I also suggest:

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51mQmEPTh5L._SL500_AA300_.jpg

Richard

[Jon4x4]

they are like 50 bucks for a decent one

[1998454]

I have that book...I think the controller is on page 11!
Yes. Excellent idea. May I also suggest:

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51mQmEPTh5L._SL500_AA300_.jpg

Richard

[2COR517]

Good luck finding a 300 watt rheostat...

[someotherguy]

I have that book...I think the controller is on page 11!
I've been cross-breeding the combat hamsters with clones of an antisocial midget I kidnapped last year; prepare to ph33r my army of chunky oversized combat hamsters coming soon. I think I'll unleash them on the "Occupiers" ...

Richard

[kcb37]

Just buy one.
Along with insurance you could very well be charged with something else. Wouldn't be reckless driving but maybe something like reckless endangerment.
If someone dies because you hit them, you may as well figure jail time.
This goes along with being overloaded, hitch, truck weight rating, trailer weight rating, not hooked up properly, no lights, not safety chains, etc...
Trailers are kind of a not well known saftey issue until someone get's killed or there is a serious accident. Then everyone is like OMG your stupid, go to jail and die!
But depending on the area (say that cause I see so many around me, where I saw some before) some people will not be legal or smart. Around me seems like more trailers don't have lights, chains, or a brake controller. I'm just waiting to get hit so I can sue someone for being stuipd.

This is just not one of those things to play around with. If your brake controler does not work right (store bought) you atleast have something to blame and help keep you out of trouble, instead of well I built it and it worked for a week. Think about how well that would hold up in court?

[TiredFarmer]

Go to e-trailer dot com and get a P3. Yes it costs more than a generic one from Walmart but...
I really like the extra features like troubleshooting, and the boost for when I'm loaded heavy. I also have different settings on my horse trailer than on my flatbed I haul the tractor on.

As for Kevin's comment,here in TN it is not mandatory to have lights or tags on "FARM" use trailers so lots of IDIOTS don't have them. I won't pull a trailer w/o lights and safety chains. JMO

[79k104x4]

Good luck finding a 300 watt rheostat...
Yea that ended up being my problem or atleast the price of them compared to an actual controller.

[1998454]

Well, the cost preventing you from building it was a favor to you.
Yea that ended up being my problem or atleast the price of them compared to an actual controller.

[2COR517]

The only downside is that he can't make toast when he steps on the brakes.