Brake controller on tractor

[tlj87]

I’m planning on getting a small dump trailer. I’d like to be able to use it with my tractor (in addition to my truck, on road). How does a brake controller on a tractor work? I assume you have to slide the manual control —- it’s not connected to the tractor brakes? This would be on a Ford 3000.

 

[nikdfish]

I did a harness a little while back (last summer) after getting pushed around on fairly flat ground with the 1025R by a 10x5 tandem dumper with a load of dirt.

The simplest approach is use a controller with a manual activation feature (I bought a Curt 5110 for about $30). You can "pinch" across the width of the controller to apply braking. You also need a decent 12v source to feed the controller/brake circuit & a proper socket for the trailer plug. I would suggest an electrical source connection more robust than a cigarette light plug. I put my harness together with some 10 awg THHN wire I had laying around for the connections to the socket & for the battery connection, using some jumper cable clamps so it is portable. I also wired in the 12v supply pin on the socket so the dumper battery gets a boost while connected.

I have not yet needed to use it since construction, but it is available if I do (& it will be with the 3038e - not going to move any significant weight in the dumper with the 1025R again).

Nick

 

[oldnslo]

Do any brake controller companies offer a switch you could connect to the tractor brake pedals? My concern is having to reach for the manual control in an oh **** moment while traveling down the road

 

[Redlands Okie]

Why not wired to the tractor brake lights if so equipped.

 

[Fallon]

Why not wired to the tractor brake lights if so equipped.

Lots of tractors don't have brake lights. Even on brand new machines.

 

[CincyFlyer]

Lots of tractors don't have brake lights. Even on brand new machines.

I'm thinking that the vast majority of new tractors do, indeed, have them (I didn't find any without.) Heck, my Mahindra even has the trailer electrical socket.

 

[jcmaurice6]

Do we really need a brake on the trailer, to my experience with a trailer dumper it go well without it. Maybe my trailer is smaller(contain aroud a cubic yard) or 6’x4’x2’? It has to axe so it’s stay in line.

 

[Peter 315]

I have tail lights on my tractor no brake lights

 

[Redlands Okie]

Are you guys still driving coal /steam power or kerosene powered tractors with iron rims ? Really no brake lights ?

Just kidding. I did say “if so equipped”

 

[nikdfish]

Do we really need a brake on the trailer, to my experience with a trailer dumper it go well without it. Maybe my trailer is smaller(contain aroud a cubic yard) or 6’x4’x2’? It has to axe so it’s stay in line.

You do if you are moving a heavy dumper loaded to capacity. In my case, that is a total of 6000 - 7000 lb. If you are on anything other than table flat land, you really need additional help - especially if turning - that kind of weight can end up pushing a lighter tractor sideways.

 

[Stimw]

Brake controllers are really simple wiring that would be easy to hook up.
The input is just off/on from the brake light switch.
They have 12V positive and negative supply.
And the controller will have output from low to high to the trailer brakes depending on settings.
If you don't have brake lights then you can use a panic button or rig a switch on brake peddles.

 

[jcmaurice6]

Thank for the info