The first and most basic is a manual adjustment by means of a large knob under the floor behind the fifth wheel. It can not be adjusted while driving. You set it and leave it until you stop and readjust it. This option is included as standard equipment in the base price.

The second and more advanced type is adjusted by a small hand wheel which the navigator operates. This requires an experienced navigator or appropriate coordination between the driver and navigator. A certain amount of delay may be expected between the onset of the fish tail and the application of the brake. The cost for this option is $140.

The third and most advanced version of the fifth wheel brake control is hydraulic. A small brake master cylinder operated by the driver by means of an extra brake pedal that provides hydraulic pressure to a small motorcycle type caliper which engages a brake disk attached to the fifth wheel. This is the most efficient fifth wheel brake control because when it is operated by the driver the braking action is instant.  The cost for this option is $250.

The driver operated hydraulic fifth wheel brake is also available on Spider presentation carriages which can help provide a straight back up in dressage. Maybe, just maybe, enough help to bring home the blue!!!