VENTURER VENTURER BRAKE CONTROL INSTALLATION AND USER GUIDE For use with 12 volt negative ground systems only For trailers with two to six brakes Read, follow and save this guide for future reference 51110-INS-R1 • PAGE 1
This package includes: (1) Brake control module with quick plug (1) Mounting bracket (4) Mounting bracket screws One or more of the following may be needed to complete installation: • Brake control connection harness, supplied with the tow vehicle (if equipped) • CURT quick plug - custom connector for specific vehicles.
Controls and Components 1. Display 2. Sync adjustment 3. Output adjustment 4. Manual control lever 5.
Disconnect Indication Should a trailer disconnect occur, either unplugged or wiring failure, the status LED will glow steady red. It will remain red for approximately 10 minutes or until the connection is restored. If the disconnection was not a result of intentionally unplugging the trailer, check and repair wiring to the trailer brake system. Output Control The output control establishes the maximum amount of power available to the trailer brakes.
Sync Control The sync control is located on the left side of the brake control unit and is responsible for adjusting trailer brake aggressiveness. The trailer brakes become more aggressive as the switch is moved toward the front of the tow vehicle. The sync adjustment has no effect on the manual control. The sync control should be adjusted for individual driver preference or changing road conditions.
Display The display shows the output setting when the control is activated. It is used to setup and monitor the brake control.
Error Conditions Troubleshooting Guide Condition Display Probable Cause Probable Solution Blank display with brake pedal pushed or manual control activated Blank Tripped circuit breaker, no battery connection B+ or ground Check battery connections Loss of trailer connection Single Red Trailer unplugged, failed wire to trailer Check tow vehicle to trailer connectors Repair battery connections Check and repair brake circuit wiring Flashing red with brake pedal pushed or manual control lever activ
Mounting the Brake Control NOTE: Avoid mounting the brake control module near a CB radio or other RF transmitter.
1. Determine a suitable mounting location. Mount the unit securely to a solid surface where it is easily accessible to the driver. The area behind the mounting location must be clear to prevent damage while drilling. 2. Hold the mounting bracket in the position selected and mark hole locations through the slots in the bracket. 3. Using a 1/8" diameter bit, drill holes in the marked locations. 4. With a philips screwdriver, secure the bracket in place using the two screws provided.
WIRING DIAGRAM IMPORTANT: Make sure that both positive and ground connections are made directly to the tow vehicle's battery. Connecting to existing wiring or chassis ground, other than the battery terminal, may damage vehicle circuits and could lead to trailer brake failure. Mount a 30 amp, auto reset, circuit breaker as close to the battery as possible.
IMPORTANT: When passing wire through sheet metal, always go through an existing grommet, add a grommet or use silicone sealer to protect the wire from sharp edges. Feed two 12 gauge, or larger, wires, one white and one black, from the mounted brake control to the battery area. Using a ring terminal, connect the black wire to the 'aux' side of the circuit breaker. Leave the white wire for connection later.
For all other vehicles, use a test probe to find the cold side of the stoplight switch. Probe the switch wires until a wire is found that is only on when the brake pedal is pressed IMPORTANT: Once a cold side wire is found, test to ensure that the wire is not grounded when the pedal is in the up position. If the wire is grounded, the brake control unit will be destroyed when manual control is used.
Test Drive In an open area, such as a large parking lot, drive forward and apply the trailer brakes using the manual control. If the trailer brakes are weak adjust the output control to the right. If the trailer brakes jerk or lockup adjust the output control to the left. Repeat this step until firm braking is felt without lockup. Once the output is set, drive forward and press brake pedal. The tow vehicle and trailer should both make smooth stops.
Bench Test Instructions Wire as shown below.
Set the output control to maximum and set the sync control to minimum. NOTE: If at any time during the bench test the red LED flashes, make sure that the blue 'brake' wire is not shorted to the 'negative' battery terminal or the white 'battery' wire. Test Standby Condition Hold the red 'stoplight' wire on the '+' battery terminal. The display should show a single green LED. This indicates correct wiring and that the control is ready. Disconnect the red 'stoplight' wire from the battery.
Disconnect and reconnect the red wire. The bulb should light brightly with no delay, the display should step to eight green bars quickly. Disconnect the red wire. Test Manual Activation With the output control still set at maximum, slowly activate the manual control slide button. The bulb should start dim and get brighter and the display should step up to eight green bars as the manual control is pushed. While holding the manual control all the way in, slide the output control left and right.
