If you've recently bought a caravan with electric brakes — or upgraded to one — fitting a brake controller to your tow vehicle is one of the first things you need to sort. It's not optional, it's required by law, and it makes a significant difference to how safely your rig stops.
A brake controller is a device fitted inside your tow vehicle that activates and regulates your caravan's electric brakes whenever you apply your vehicle's brakes. Without one, your caravan's brakes do nothing — all the stopping force falls on your tow vehicle alone, dramatically increasing stopping distances. In Victoria, a brake controller is mandatory when towing a caravan with a GTM over 750kg.
These apply a set amount of brake force after a fixed delay when your vehicle brakes. You manually adjust the gain and the delay. They're simpler and generally more affordable, but they apply the same braking force regardless of how hard you're actually stopping. Best for flat terrain and lighter caravans.
These use an accelerometer to measure how hard the vehicle is decelerating and apply brake force to the caravan in proportion. If you brake gently, the caravan brakes gently. If you brake hard, the caravan brakes hard — instantly. This mirrors your vehicle's braking behaviour and is significantly safer and smoother. Best for all conditions, particularly hilly terrain like the Yarra Valley and eastern ranges. Popular brands include Redarc, Tekonsha, and Hayes.
The controller needs a direct connection to the vehicle's battery via a dedicated fuse — not a tap off an existing circuit.
The controller must be wired to the brake pedal signal so it activates when you press the brake.
The controller output connects to Pin 3 of your 7-pin trailer plug — the dedicated brake output.
The controller is mounted in a visible, accessible position inside the cabin. Proportional units must be mounted at the correct angle and calibrated to your specific setup.
Once installed, we connect your caravan, activate the brakes manually via the controller, and verify correct function at all wheels.
Installation at Alpine Caravan Services typically costs $200–$350 for labour, plus the cost of the controller itself. Proportional controllers generally range from $250–$600. Total installed cost is usually $450–$950.
Installation Labour
$200–$350
Controller Unit
$250–$600
We can supply and install Redarc, Tekonsha, Hayes, and other quality brake controllers. Contact us for a quote.
Alpine Caravan Services installs brake controllers on all tow vehicle makes and models. Based in Kilsyth, serving Melbourne's eastern suburbs.
Alpine Caravan Services · 7 Pacific Place, Kilsyth, VIC 3137