brakes question Avan Cruiseliner

thanks Macca, my Cruiser has a controller as it usually pulls a 1.4T flat top work trailer and it's set up with a 12-pin and break-away etc but my Triton single cab doesn't and other ones can be cars belonging to staff and crew and we even get some loaned 4WDs. so maybe I'll put controllers on my Triton as well and save the portable unit for the other more random ones.
I agree with you that having more plugs down the back all connected to each other is not the best solution but we've got pretty good at protecting trailer wiring from doing this for years and we carry spare plugs and solder gear so can replace the plug ends and/or repair and replace the wiring easily.
Thanks again for the reply.

thanks OzzieCruiser, good to know, cheers. agreed - there aren't many things that get cheaper over the years are there :-)

(1) Yes, the 7 pin plug fits into a 12 pin socket. It's the other way around that does not work.

(2) Break-away battery? What is a van that small doing with breakaway brakes? Trailers with a GTM of 2 tonnes or less do not need breakaway brakes. The other pins may be used for house battery charging (pin 8) or powering the fridge whilst travelling (pin 9.)

The only thing that concerns me about your proposed kit is it contains a synchroniser type brake controller. Most of us (and manufacturers) are steering clear of those these days. We are using proportional types. They provide better braking characteristics and are generally set and forget devices. The synchronized types only offer full braking current no matter whether you are braking lightly or in an emergency braking situation. They are a pain in the but when you are driving in traffic and only using light braking. Drivers often reduce the gain when they are in traffic. When they do that they no longer have full braking during emergency situations. This may not be too much of a problem whilst the lightweight trailer is being towed by heavy 4WDs. The following graphic illustrates the difference between the two types.

thx Nomadic Navarra.
The 12 pin plug on the Cruiser is for a different 1.4T flat top work trailer (potential total weight is 3.5T). thx for the thoughts on synchronised versus proportional. I've ordered one of the simple ones and will see how it goes. Hopefully "simple" might do the job, most of our driving is on country roads but if it doesn't go well I'll re-read your info :-)