"Dan D." wrote in message
m...
I have a travel trailer with electric brakes.
They do work in reverse.
In fact they work so well in reverse that I have to turn them
off when backing as it becomes very difficult to back into my
home parking spot with them on.

Why is that, do you keep your foot on the brake when you back up?

Rod, my home parking spot is slightly downhill.
I'm usually backing up with my foot on the brake.
This applies too much trailer brake and stops me.
I let off the brake - they release - I lurch back and hit the pedal
again....
So I roll off the brakes with the thumb wheel and park it!

When your brake lights are on the controller is applying braking
voltage to the trailer.

I have never seen a controller like this, can you provide a brand name?

First, my travel trailer is small and light. About 2200 lbs loaded.
So I went for the cheap controller. As I said it simply applies voltage
anytime the brake lights are on.
You set the amount of voltage with the thumb wheel.
They are not smart brakes ie they apply at the setting of the thumb wheel
no matter if you are rolling up gently or in a panic stop.
They're fine for most situations with my LIGHT weight trailer.
I would not advise them for a heavy trailer or boat.

I'm at work ;-) and do not remember the brand name but I'm quite sure
most
any trailer or RV store would have them. Just ask for the cheapest
controller
he has. I think it was about 60 bucks.
If you want a name send me an email and I'll gladly dig out my papers
and send you the manufacturer.
kydan at myrealbox dot com
It has the LEDs like mentioned in another post.
Green means it is connected to the trailer.
Yellow is light braking.
Red is heavy breaking but you will not see red unless you turn up
the thumb wheel.

Also earlier in this thread I think someone said electric brakes wouldn't
work in reverse because of the way the brake shoes face or something.
I guess they were talking about "leading or trailing" shoes.
My trailer brakes act like they want to lock up in reverse but work
just fine in forward directions. This is why I turn mine off for backing.
Remember I'm in a trailer. I'm not backing down a steep boat ramp!!

I repeat -- my trailer is light weight.
I would want surge or pendulum control electric if I had a bigger rig.

Peace! Dan D. Louisville KY good ole USA

My boat/trailer is heavy--12,500LBS. I have a triple
trailer with stainless discs with an electric over hydraulic
controller. Having used surge on numerous trailer, I would never go
back--much smoother braking, and you do have braking backing down--if
wanted, none for
backing uphill unless needed. And, in some states and
where I tow in Canada, you must be able to control the towed vehicles brakes
from the towing vehicle. I use the
Carlisle "Hydrostar" but there are others.
Good boating, Danlw.