Brake control system

This invention relates to braking systems, in more particular, to brake control systems adapted to engage the brakes of a towed vehicles when the brakes of the towing vehicle are actuated so as to causes the brakes of the towed vehicle to assist the brakes of the towing vehicle in stopping the two vehicles. There are a number of patents and designs for braking systems intended to be employed with one vehicle being towed by another. When a vehicle is being towed by another vehicle, the braking system of the towing vehicle must function to stop both the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle, unless some auxiliary braking control is provided. The extra force of the towed vehicle on the braking system of the towing vehicle requires extra stopping distance and extra stopping time for the two vehicles. The extra weight of the towed vehicle also accelerates the wear and tear of the braking system of the towing vehicle thus increasing the frequency of repairs. A brake control system for towed vehicles is disclosed which provides for controlled application of hydraulic brakes in a towed vehicle in response to the application of the brakes of the towing vehicle. The system is designed in two preferred embodiments. The first embodiment is a self-contained design adapted for use with rental trailers, for example, where a plurality of towed vehicles will be associated with a particular trailer. The second embodiment is intended for hard wiring in connection with the towed and towing vehicles. In each case, superior performance is obtained because the system operates the brake system of the towed vehicle in a unique manner.