If you are towing a trailer, having a reliable and efficient brake control system is essential for safety on the road. An electronic brake control system can provide a smoother and more effective braking experience, making it easier to stop your vehicle and trailer when needed. With so many options available, choosing the right electronic brake control can be challenging. In this article, we will be exploring the best electronic brake controls on the market, their features, and what to consider before making a purchase. Whether you’re hauling a small utility trailer or a large camper, a good electronic brake control can make your towing experience more comfortable and safer for you and your passengers.
1. Customizable and Easy to Use: Tekonsha Silver Electronic Brake Control
The P3 brake controller offers a clear and easily readable LCD display with multiple color options. It has a universal fit and features up-front controls that provide convenient access to all its functions. The controller offers user-friendly diagnostics that display important information such as output current, battery, brake, and output voltage. A flashing red warning system alerts users when there is no trailer brake present. It can operate in electric over hydraulic or electric trailer brake mode, and offers screen information in English, French or Spanish. The P3 brake controller also comes with an Original Boost feature that allows for customized braking at different levels. Its compact and dash-hugging design makes it an attractive addition to any vehicle.
Pros: The P3 brake controller is user-friendly and offers multiple screen color options to suit different preferences. Its compact and dash-hugging design ensures it does not take up too much space in the vehicle. The controller is easy to install and offers a range of features, including an Original Boost feature that allows for customized braking.
Cons: The P3 brake controller is not compatible with all vehicles, and may require an adapter or special installation in some cases. It may take some time to learn how to use all of its features and functions.
- 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. Make Towing Easier and Safer with Tekonsha’s 90160 Primus IQ
Our product utilizes a Plug-N-Play port for 2-plug adapters, making it a universal fit for most vehicles. It also features self-diagnostics that illuminate the LED readout to indicate any issues that may arise.
To connect to your vehicle, you will need a T-connector (sold separately). Once connected, it works proportionally in reverse, ensuring a smooth and controlled braking experience.
The package comes with a snap-in dash mounting clip and hardware for easy installation, and a digital LED readout that displays important information.
Additionally, our product includes a Boost feature, which provides added braking power when needed. The finish is a durable gray plastic.
Advantages:
• Universal fit for most vehicles
• Self-diagnostics with LED readout for issue indication
• Proportional braking in reverse
• Easy installation with snap-in dash mounting clip and hardware
• Digital LED readout for displaying information
• Boost feature for added braking power when needed
• Durable gray plastic finish
Disadvantages:
• Requires a T-connector (sold separately) to connect to your vehicle
- 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. Get More Control Over Your Trailer Brakes with the Tekonsha 9030 Voyager
The Tekonsha Voyager brake controller is a proportional electric brake controller that automatically applies the brakes based on the intensity and rate of the tow vehicle’s braking, thanks to its internal inertia sensor. This feature makes it suitable for any braking situation.
Installation is made easy with the Voyager trailer brake controller’s snap-in dash mounting clip, Plug & Play port, and removable electrical connector. It can be easily unplugged, unclipped, and stored.
The color LED indicator on the controller displays real-time diagnostics, settings, and alerts. A red light indicates an increase in power to the trailer brakes, while a green light signals a secure connection with the trailer.
In case of emergencies, manual braking is available. Simply move the manual control lever to the left, and the Voyager will apply power to the trailer’s brakes up to the pre-set power level.
The Voyager electric brake controller is compatible with a wide range of vehicles, including Ford, GM, Chevy, Dodge, RAM, Toyota, Jeep, and more. It can handle up to 2, 4, 6, and 8 brakes (1-4 axles). However, a vehicle-specific Tekonsha Plug & Play brake controller wiring harness must be purchased separately.
Pros:
• The internal inertia sensor provides automatic braking based on the intensity and rate of the tow vehicle’s braking, making it ideal for any braking situation.
• Easy installation thanks to the snap-in dash mounting clip, Plug & Play port, and removable electrical connector.
• Color LED indicator displays real-time diagnostics, settings, and alerts.
• Manual braking is available in case of emergencies.
• Compatible with a wide range of vehicles with up to 2, 4, 6, and 8 brakes (1-4 axles).
Cons:
• 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. Tekonsha 90250 Prodigy RF Electronic Brake Control: Safe, Reliable, and Convenient
This solution is ideal for sharing a trailer among multiple vehicles and is compatible with any trailer that has up to three axles. It features a hand-held control unit in the tow vehicle and a trailer power module mounted on the trailer. The remote hand unit communicates wirelessly with the trailer-mounted power module. The system includes proportional braking in both forward and reverse, with no level adjustment needed. The trailer’s braking power is supplied through a 7-way connector from the vehicle. Additionally, this solution is compatible with tow vehicles that have multiplex wiring systems, and the product is not vehicle-specific.
Advantages:
• Allows for multiple vehicles to share a single trailer, which can be cost-effective for individuals or companies that frequently transport goods or equipment.
• Wireless communication between the control unit and trailer power module allows for more flexibility and convenience during use.
• Proportional braking ensures smoother and safer braking, reducing the risk of accidents or damage to the trailer or tow vehicle.
• Compatible with tow vehicles that have multiplex wiring systems, making it a versatile option for a variety of vehicles.
Disadvantages:
• No notable disadvantages were mentioned.
- 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. The Perfect Towing Companion: Tow-Pro Elite Electric Brake Controller
The REDARC Tow-Pro is an award-winning electric brake controller that offers two types of braking in one unit, making it the first of its kind. The Tow-Pro Elite model uses both proportional and user-controlled modes, and includes Active Calibration technology. This ensures safe and controlled braking when needed during highway commutes, thanks to its inertia sensing feature. Designed to fit most common trailer braking applications, the REDARC Tow-Pro Electric Brake Controllers have innovative and sleek designs that require minimal dash space and are easy to install and operate. For those who prefer a simpler option, the REDARC Tow-Pro Classic Electric Brake Controller offers a single user-controlled mode of trailer braking. With just a turn of a control knob, you can adjust the required force for your towed vehicle as needed.
Pros:
• Offers two types of braking in one unit (Tow-Pro Elite model)
• Inertia sensing for safe and controlled braking during highway commutes (Tow-Pro Elite model)
• Designed to fit most common trailer braking applications
• Innovative and sleek design that requires minimal dash space
• Easy to install and operate
• User-controlled mode for simple and quick adjustments (Tow-Pro Classic model)
Cons:
• May not be suitable for all trailer braking applications
• The more advanced Tow-Pro Elite model may be more expensive than some alternatives
- 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, an electric brake controller is an essential component for any vehicle towing a trailer or caravan. It ensures that the trailer’s brakes work in tandem with the vehicle’s brakes, providing better control, stability, and safety when towing. With various options available, it’s crucial to consider factors such as compatibility, ease of installation, and functionality when selecting an electric brake controller. The electric brake controllers listed in this article are all top-quality products that provide exceptional performance, reliability, and ease of use. Investing in a good electric brake controller can make a significant difference in the safety and control of your vehicle when towing. It’s a small investment that can pay off big in terms of peace of mind and safety. In summary, an electric brake controller is an essential piece of equipment for anyone towing a trailer, and the products listed in this article are all excellent choices for anyone in the market for one.
FAQs
What is an electronic brake control?
An electronic brake control is a device that is installed in a vehicle to control the trailer brakes. It applies the trailer brakes in proportion to the braking force of the towing vehicle, helping to maintain control and prevent jackknifing.
What factors should I consider when choosing the best electronic brake control?
When choosing the best electronic brake control, consider factors such as compatibility with your vehicle and trailer, braking power, ease of use, adjustability, and price.
What are some of the best electronic brake controls on the market?
Some of the best electronic brake controls on the market include the Tekonsha P3, the Curt Echo, and the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite. These brake controls offer a range of features such as proportional braking, Bluetooth connectivity, and easy adjustment.
How do I install an electronic brake control?
Installation of an electronic brake control involves connecting the brake controller to the vehicle’s brake system, mounting the control unit in a convenient location, and connecting it to the trailer brakes. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and ensure that the brake control is properly calibrated and adjusted.
What are the benefits of using an electronic brake control?
Using an electronic brake control can provide several benefits, such as increased safety, improved control when towing, and reduced wear and tear on the towing vehicle’s brakes. It can also help to prevent damage to the trailer and its contents, as well as improve fuel efficiency by reducing drag.