If you own a lightweight camper, having the right brake controller is crucial for safety and performance. At JAG Camper, we equip all our lightweight campers with electric brakes to ensure smooth and controlled braking—especially when towing off-road or on long-distance trips. In this guide, we’ll explain how electric brakes work, why a brake controller is essential, and why Elecbrakes is the best solution for teardrop campers.
How Do Electric Brakes Work on Lightweight Campers?
All JAG Campers come fitted with electric brakes, as required by Australian Design Rules (ADR) for trailers weighing over 750kg. These brakes use an electromagnet inside the drum brake system. When power is applied to the magnet, it engages the brake shoes, slowing down the camper. The more current supplied, the greater the braking force.
Why Do You Need a Brake Controller?
Without a brake controller, the electric brakes on your lightweight camper would receive full current when braking, leading to sudden and harsh stops. A brake controller ensures smooth, proportional braking, preventing wheel lock-ups and excessive wear on your towing vehicle’s brakes.
Two Key Functions of Brake Controllers:
Proportional Braking – Some brake controllers use a unique electronic system to sense the amount of pressure applied by the towing vehicle to determine how much current or force is required on your camper’s brakes. In our case, Elecbrakes uses an Accelerometer to determine the braking force required and adjusts the current going to the camper’s electromagnet according to the braking demand of the towing vehicle (your car). The greater pressure you apply to your brake pedal, the more current is sent to the camper’s electromagnet resulting in greater braking on the camper.
Pre-Adjustment Braking – Depending on the weight of your camper, you may need to manually adjust braking intensity. For example, if your JAG Camper is unloaded at 860kg but loaded up to 1100kg with water, food, and gear, you’ll need to adjust the braking force to compensate.
Best Brake Controller for Lightweight Campers: Elecbrakes
Many traditional brake controllers require installation in the towing vehicle, which can be costly and limits you to using only that vehicle for towing.
At JAG Camper, we fit Elecbrakes to our lightweight campers because they offer:
✅ No vehicle installation required – The system mounts directly to the camper, allowing any car with a 7-pin plug to tow it.
✅ Wireless Control via App – Adjust braking settings on your smartphone via Bluetooth. Works with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto for easy access.
✅ Pre-set & Customizable Profiles – Switch between different braking settings based on load weight.
✅ Plug & Play Simplicity – Just plug in your 7-pin connector, turn on your tail lights, and you’re ready to go!
✅ Optional Remote Control – For those who prefer not to use a phone, an optional remote control can be installed in the vehicle.
How to Set Up Elecbrakes on a JAG Camper
1️⃣ Plug your camper’s 7-pin trailer plug into your tow vehicle.
2️⃣ Turn on your tail lights (Elecbrakes draws power from the tail light circuit).
3️⃣ Open the Elecbrakes app on your smartphone or use the optional remote control.
4️⃣ Adjust braking intensity as needed based on your camper’s load.
5️⃣ Hit the road with confidence!
Conclusion: Choosing the Best Brake Controller for Your Lightweight Camper
A high-quality brake controller is essential for safe towing and a smooth camping experience. The Elecbrakes system, installed on every JAG Camper, provides superior control, flexibility, and ease of use—making it the best brake controller for lightweight campers.
If you’re looking for a lightweight, adventure-ready camper with the latest braking technology, check out the JAG Camper range today!
Learn more about the lightweight JAG Camper
Learn more about the innovative ElecBrakes electric braking system
Learn more about towing with lightweight teardrop campers
FAQ: Best Brake Controller for Lightweight Campers
1. Do I need to install Elecbrakes in my tow vehicle? No, Elecbrakes is mounted directly onto the camper, allowing any tow vehicle to use it without additional installation.
2. Can I use Elecbrakes with different towing vehicles? Yes! Since Elecbrakes is installed on the camper, any vehicle with a 7-pin plug can tow your JAG Camper.
3. Do I need a smartphone to operate Elecbrakes? No, while the Elecbrakes app offers full control, there is also an optional remote control for manual adjustments.
4. Does Elecbrakes work in all weather conditions? Yes, Elecbrakes is designed to function in all weather conditions, including heavy rain and extreme temperatures.
5. How do I adjust the brake settings for different loads? You can pre-set braking profiles in the app or manually adjust them to match the weight of your loaded camper.
Customer Testimonials
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Elecbrakes made towing my JAG Camper so much easier! The wireless control is a game-changer, and I love that I can use any car to tow it.” – Mark S.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I was sceptical at first, but Elecbrakes is fantastic. Simple setup, smooth braking, and no extra installation in my car!” – Sarah L.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Towing my lightweight camper has never felt safer. The Elecbrakes system is a must-have for any camper owner.” – David R.
