Electric Brakes Guide

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Some Croc Hire trailers are fitted with the Elecbrakes EB2 — a wireless electric brake controller that mounts directly on the trailer. You control it via the free Elecbrakes app on your phone, connected over Bluetooth. No in-vehicle wiring required.

If your trailer has electric brakes — you must set them up before towing. Towing with uncalibrated or disconnected electric brakes is dangerous and illegal if the trailer exceeds 750 kg ATM. If you're unsure whether your trailer has electric brakes, check for the small black EB2 unit mounted on the trailer A-frame.

What You'll Need

Your smartphone (iOS or Android)
The Elecbrakes app — free download from the App Store or Google Play
Bluetooth turned on
Trailer connected to your vehicle and electrical lead plugged in

Setup — Step by Step

Turn Your Headlights On

Before opening the app, turn your vehicle's headlights on. The Elecbrakes EB2 unit is powered through the trailer's 7-pin electrical connector. Headlights on = power to the unit. Without this step, the app won't find the device.

Ensure the 7-pin electrical lead is fully plugged in and seated properly at both ends — vehicle and trailer.

Open the Elecbrakes App and Connect

Open the Elecbrakes app on your phone. Make sure Bluetooth is enabled.

Tap "Connect" on the home screen
The app will scan for nearby EB2 units
Select your unit from the list — it will show as "EB2" followed by a number
Once connected, the app displays a live dashboard with brake status, battery level, and gain settings

Multiple EB2 units nearby? Each EB2 has a unique ID printed on the unit. Match the last digits to identify the correct device.

Set the Gain

The gain setting controls how hard the trailer brakes apply relative to your vehicle brakes. Start with a mid-range setting and adjust from there.

Light load (under half capacity): Start at gain 3–4
Medium load (half to three-quarter capacity): Start at gain 5–6
Heavy load (near capacity): Start at gain 7–8

The EB2 uses an accelerometer to detect braking — no manual calibration drive is required. However, you should do a slow test stop to confirm brakes are applying correctly before reaching main roads.

Check the LED Status Lights

The EB2 unit has two LED indicators:

Green solid: Connected and operating normally
Green flashing: Searching for connection / standby
Red: Fault detected — check the app for the error code
No light: No power — check the 7-pin lead connection and headlights

You want to see green before you tow.

Do a Slow Test Stop

In a safe area before reaching the main road, perform a slow-speed brake test at approximately 15–20 km/h:

Apply the vehicle brakes gradually
You should feel and hear the trailer brakes engaging — a slight "drag" feel is normal and correct
Check the app — it should show brake output during the stop
If the trailer brakes feel too harsh (locking up) — reduce the gain in the app
If you feel little to no trailer braking — increase the gain in the app

Manual override: The app has a manual brake button — press and hold to apply the trailer brakes independently (useful for checking brakes or if trailer sways).

During Your Trip

Keep the Elecbrakes app open (or running in background) on your phone throughout your trip — Bluetooth range is approximately 10 m so your phone should be in the vehicle.
The EB2 battery backup keeps the unit running briefly if the 7-pin lead loses power — but keep the lead securely connected.
If you stop for an extended break and turn the vehicle off, the unit will power down. Turn headlights back on when you restart to reconnect.

Troubleshooting

App Won't Find the EB2

Most common issue — easy to fix

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Check headlights are ON — the unit needs power from the 7-pin lead.
Check the 7-pin electrical lead is fully plugged in at both the vehicle and trailer end.
Check Bluetooth is enabled on your phone and the Elecbrakes app has Bluetooth permission.
Close and reopen the app, then try connecting again.
Move your phone closer to the EB2 unit on the trailer A-frame.
If the unit has no LED light at all — no power. Check the 7-pin lead and your vehicle's trailer socket fuse.

Brakes Locking Up (Too Harsh)

Gain is too high for your load

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Reduce the gain setting in the app — drop by 1–2 points and test again.
Harsh braking on an empty or lightly loaded trailer is common — reduce gain when lightly loaded.
If brakes are locking up on a fully loaded trailer at low gain settings — there may be a fault. Pull over safely and call us on 0477 957 051.

No Trailer Braking Felt

Gain may be too low or brakes not connected

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Increase the gain setting in the app and test again.
Check the EB2 app shows brake output during a stop — if it shows output but you feel nothing, there may be a brake wiring or mechanical fault.
Check the LED on the EB2 — it should flash briefly when braking.
If gain is at maximum and there is still no braking effect — do not continue towing. Pull over safely and call us on 0477 957 051.

Red LED / Fault Warning in App

Check the error code in the app

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Open the Elecbrakes app and check the fault notification — it will describe the error.
Common faults: low battery (the EB2 has an internal backup battery — charge via USB if needed), wiring short, or brake magnet fault.
Do not tow if a fault is active and cannot be cleared — call us on 0477 957 051 before leaving the site.
Full Elecbrakes support documentation: elecbrakes.com.au/support