When towing a trailer or caravan, having an electric brake controller is essential for safety and control. It allows you to adjust the braking force of your trailer or caravan to match your vehicle, preventing dangerous situations such as swaying and jackknifing. With so many options available on the market, it can be challenging to decide which electric brake controller is the best for your needs. Factors such as compatibility, ease of installation, and braking power are all essential considerations when choosing an electric brake controller. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the top electric brake controllers and what makes them stand out. Whether you’re a seasoned towing expert or a beginner looking to improve your safety and control on the road, this guide will help you find the perfect electric brake controller for your needs.
1. Safe and Secure Towing: Tekonsha 90195 P3 Electronic Brake Control
The P3 brake controller boasts a clear and user-friendly LCD display that offers multiple color options. Its universal fit allows it to be used with most vehicles, while the up-front controls provide easy access to all the P3 features. Its diagnostics feature helps you keep track of the output current, battery, brake, and output voltage. Additionally, the flashing red warning system alerts the user to situations where there is no trailer brake. The controller also allows you to choose between Electric over Hydraulic or Electric trailer brake modes, and the information display can be set to English, French, or Spanish. With the Original Boost feature, you can customize the braking levels as per your needs. Its compact design allows it to sit flush with the dashboard.
Advantages:
• The LCD display is easy to read and offers multiple color options.
• The controller is compatible with most vehicles due to its universal fit.
• The up-front controls provide easy access to all P3 features.
• The diagnostics feature allows you to keep track of the output current, battery, brake, and output voltage.
• The controller offers customizable braking levels.
• The compact design sits flush with the dashboard.
Disadvantages:
• No apparent disadvantages were mentioned in the original text.
The P3 brake controller features a clear and user-friendly LCD display with a variety of screen color options. Its universal fit allows it to be compatible with most vehicles. The up-front controls make accessing P3’s features a breeze, and the diagnostics display provides clear and comprehensive information on output current, battery, brake, and output voltage. A flashing red warning system alerts the user to a No Trailer Brake situation. The device offers a choice between Electric over Hydraulic or Electric trailer brake modes and can display screen information in English, French, or Spanish. The Original Boost feature enables the user to adjust braking to their preference. Its compact and sleek design fits seamlessly into the dashboard.
Pros:
• Easy-to-read LCD display with multiple screen color options.
• Universal fit for compatibility with most vehicles.
• Clear and comprehensive diagnostics display.
• Alert system for No Trailer Brake situations.
• Multiple language options.
• Customizable braking with Original Boost feature.
• Compact and sleek design for a seamless fit into the dashboard.
Cons:
• No major drawbacks reported.
- A distinct, easy-to-read LCD display with multiple screen color options..Fit Type: Universal Fit
- Up-Front controls provide easy access to all P3 features.
- Easy to understand diagnostics show output current, battery, brake, and output voltage.
- A flashing red warning system alerts user to No Trailer Brake situations.
- Select Electric over Hydraulic or Electric trailer brake mode.
2. Keep Your Trailer Under Control with the Tekonsha Primus IQ Brake Control
Our product uses a Plug-N-Play port that accommodates 2-plug adapters and has a Universal Fit. It also features self-diagnostics, which will activate the LED readout to alert you of any issues.
To connect this product to your vehicle, you will need a T-connector (which is sold separately). It works proportionally in reverse, making it easier to operate in challenging driving situations.
We also include a snap-in dash mounting clip and all necessary hardware for your convenience. The digital LED readout is easy to read and provides accurate information.
In addition to these features, our product includes a Boost feature that enhances performance. It has a sleek gray plastic finish that blends in well with your vehicle’s interior.
Advantages:
• Accommodates 2-plug adapters with a Universal Fit
• Self-diagnostics with LED readout for issue alerts
• Proportional operation in reverse
• Snap-in dash mounting clip and hardware included
• Digital LED readout for easy information access
• Boost feature enhances performance
• Sleek gray plastic finish
Disadvantages:
• Requires a T-connector, which is sold separately
- Utilizes Plug-N-Play port for 2-plug adapters.Fit Type: Universal Fit
- Self-diagnostics features will illuminate LED readout when issues occur
- Requires T-connector to connect to vehicle (sold separately)
- Works proportionally in reverse
- Snap-in dash mounting clip and hardware included
3. Drive with Confidence: The Tekonsha 9030 Voyager Brake Controller in Black
The Tekonsha Voyager brake controller is a proportional electric brake controller that utilizes an internal inertia sensor to provide automatic braking based on the intensity and rate at which the tow vehicle’s brakes are applied. This makes it an ideal option for any braking situation.
Thanks to its snap-in dash mounting clip and Plug & Play port for two plug adapters, the Voyager trailer brake controller can be easily installed. It also has a removable electrical connector, making it effortless to unplug, unclip, and store when not in use.
The Voyager electric brake controller features a color LED indicator that displays settings, real-time diagnostics, and alerts. A red light indicates an increase in power to the trailer brakes, while a green light shows a secure connection with the trailer.
In situations where manual braking is necessary, the Voyager offers a manual control lever that can be moved to the left to apply power to the trailer’s brakes up to the amount previously set.
The Voyager brake controller is versatile and compatible with a wide range of vehicles, including Ford, GM, Chevy, Dodge, RAM, Toyota, Jeep, and more, with 2, 4, 6, and 8 brakes (1-4 axles). However, a vehicle-specific Tekonsha Plug & Play brake controller wiring harness must be purchased separately.
Advantages:
• Provides automatic braking based on the intensity and rate of tow vehicle’s brakes
• Easy to install thanks to snap-in dash mounting clip and Plug & Play port
• Easy-to-read color LED indicator for settings, diagnostics, and alerts
• Offers manual control lever for manual braking
• Compatible with a wide range of vehicles with 2, 4, 6, and 8 brakes (1-4 axles)
Disadvantages:
• Vehicle-specific Tekonsha Plug & Play brake controller wiring harness must be purchased separately
- PROPORTIONAL ELECTRIC BRAKE CONTROLLER: Provides automatic braking based on the intensity and rate at which you apply your tow vehicle’s brakes, thanks to an internal inertia sensor. This makes the Tekonsha Voyager brake controller ideal in any braking situation
- EASILY INSTALL THANKS TO PLUG & PLAY: The Voyager trailer brake controller has a snap-in dash mounting clip, Plug & Play port for two plug adapters, and removeable electrical connector so the unit can be easily unplugged, unclipped, and stored
- EASY-TO-READ INDICATOR: Color LED indicator shows settings, real-time diagnostics, and alerts. Red light means power increase to trailer brakes. Green light means secure connection with trailer
- MANUAL BRAKING AVAILABLE: If you ever need to manually apply the brakes, simply move the manual control lever to the left. The Voyager will apply power to your trailer’s brakes up to the amount of power previously set
- VERSATILE: The Voyager electric brake controller is compatible with a wide range of vehicles including Ford, GM, Chevy, Dodge, RAM, Toyota, Jeep, and more with 2, 4, 6, and 8 brakes (1-4 axles). Vehicle-specific Tekonsha Plug & Play brake controller wiring harness sold separately
4. Experience Smooth and Precise Braking with Tekonsha 90250 Prodigy RF Electronic Brake Control
This is an ideal solution for sharing a trailer among multiple vehicles, and it can be used with any trailer with up to three axles. The system includes a hand-held control unit in the tow vehicle and a trailer power module mounted on the trailer, with wireless communication between the two. The system also features proportional braking in both forward and reverse directions, eliminating the need for level adjustment. The trailer’s braking power is supplied via a 7-way connector from the vehicle. The system is compatible with tow vehicles that have multiplex wiring systems, but it is not specific to any particular vehicle.
Advantages:
• Ideal for multiple vehicle sharing of a trailer
• Suitable for trailers with up to three axles
• Hand-held control unit in the tow vehicle allows for easy operation
• Wireless communication between the control unit and trailer power module eliminates the need for wiring
• Proportional braking in both forward and reverse directions, with no need for level adjustment
• Compatible with tow vehicles that have multiplex wiring systems
Disadvantages:
• None explicitly mentioned in the given text
- The perfect multiple vehicle-shared trailer solution, suitable for any trailer with up to 3 axles
- Hand Held control unit in the Tow Vehicle, Trailer Power Module on the Trailer
- Wireless communication between the remote hand unit and trailer mounted power module
- Proportional braking, forward and reverse, no level adjustment necessary.Trailer braking power supplied via 7-Way Connector from the vehicle
- Compatible with tow vehicles that have multiplex wiring systems; Product Not Vehicle Specific
5. Experience Ultimate Braking Control with the Tow-Pro Elite Electric Brake Controller
The REDARC Tow-Pro has won awards for its innovative design that offers two types of braking in one unit. The Tow-Pro Elite electric brake controller uses both proportional and user-controlled modes, with the added feature of Active Calibration. Proportional mode uses inertia sensing for safer, more controlled braking during highway commutes.
These electric brake controllers are versatile and can suit most common trailer braking applications. They have a sleek, innovative design that requires minimal dash space and are easy to install and operate. The Tow-Pro Classic Electric Brake Controller offers a single user-controlled mode of trailer braking. With a simple turn of a control knob, you can adjust the required force for your towed vehicle whenever needed.
Pros:
• The REDARC Tow-Pro offers both proportional and user-controlled braking modes, making it versatile for different driving situations.
• The Tow-Pro Elite’s Active Calibration feature ensures accurate and reliable braking performance.
• These electric brake controllers have a sleek and innovative design, requiring minimal dash space and easy to install and operate.
• The Tow-Pro Classic offers a simple and user-controlled mode of trailer braking.
Cons:
• There are no major drawbacks to the REDARC Tow-Pro electric brake controllers. However, some users may prefer other brands or models with different features or designs.
- The award winning REDARC Tow-Pr is the first of its kind to offer two types of braking in the one unit. The Tow-Pro Elite electric brake controller uses both proportional and user-controlled mode, and features Active Calibration.
- With proportional mode inertia sensing for highway commutes, you can ensure your electric trailer brake controller will initiate safe, controlled braking when the time arises.
- The REDARC Tow-Pro Electric Brake Controllers are designed to suit most common trailer braking applications. Our sleek innovative designs also require minimal dash space and are simple to install and operate.
- Additionally, the REDARC Tow-Pro Classic Electric Brake Controller offers a single user-controlled mode of trailer braking. Simply adjust the required force your towed vehicle requires with the turn of a control knob when ever needed.
In conclusion, electronic brake control is an essential technology for any driver who tows a trailer or caravan. The top products in this category offer a range of features to ensure optimal safety and control, including proportional braking, easy installation, and compatibility with various vehicles and trailers. A good electronic brake control system can help prevent trailer sway, reduce stopping distance, and improve overall towing performance. Whether you’re an occasional weekend warrior or a professional contractor, investing in a high-quality electronic brake control system is crucial for your safety and that of others on the road. By choosing one of the top products available, you can ensure that you have a reliable and effective system that will provide optimal support and control while towing. With their advanced technology, durability, and ease of use, the top electronic brake control systems are an excellent investment for anyone looking to enhance their towing performance and safety.
FAQs
What is an electric brake controller?
An electric brake controller is a device that controls the electric brakes on a trailer. It applies the brakes on the trailer when the brakes on the towing vehicle are applied, providing a safe and smooth braking experience while towing.
What are some benefits of using an electric brake controller?
Using an electric brake controller can improve the safety and handling of your vehicle while towing. It provides smoother and more controlled braking, reduces wear on your vehicle’s brakes, and helps prevent accidents caused by trailer sway or uncontrolled braking.
What should you consider when choosing the best electric brake controller?
When choosing the best electric brake controller, consider factors such as the type of towing vehicle, the size and weight of the trailer, the number of axles on the trailer, and the type of braking system on the trailer. Look for a controller that is easy to install and operate, and that provides smooth and responsive braking.
What are some of the best electric brake controllers on the market?
Some of the best electric brake controllers on the market include the Tekonsha P3 Prodigy, the CURT Spectrum, the Reese Pilot, the Hopkins Insight, and the Draw-Tite I-Command.
How do you properly install and use an electric brake controller?
To properly install and use an electric brake controller, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Mount the controller in a location that is easy to reach and operate while driving. Connect the controller to the towing vehicle’s brake system and the trailer’s electric brakes. Test the controller and adjust the braking force as needed to ensure smooth and responsive braking.