Electric brake controllers are an essential piece of equipment for anyone who tows a trailer or caravan. They ensure that the trailer brakes are synchronized with the vehicle’s brakes, making for a safer and more efficient towing experience. With so many options available on the market, it can be challenging to find the best electric brake controller for your needs. Factors such as compatibility, ease of use, and reliability are crucial when considering which brake controller to purchase. 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 traveler or a beginner in the world of towing, this guide will help you find the perfect electric brake controller for your needs.
1. Upgrade Your Towing Setup: Tekonsha P3 Brake Control for Precise Braking
The P3 brake controller features a clear and readable LCD display with a choice of screen colors, making it easy to use. Its universal fit allows for use with a wide range of vehicles. Up-front controls give you convenient access to all P3 functions. The device also provides user-friendly diagnostics that show output current, battery, brake, and output voltage. A red warning system flashes to notify the user of No Trailer Brake situations. It also lets you choose between Electric over Hydraulic or Electric trailer brake mode. You can display screen information in English, French or Spanish. The Original Boost feature enables you to set different levels of customized braking. Additionally, the compact and dash-hugging design saves space in your vehicle.
Advantages:
• The LCD display is easy to read and comes with multiple screen color options.
• The up-front controls allow for easy access to all P3 features.
• The device provides easy-to-understand diagnostics that show output current, battery, brake, and output voltage.
• It includes a warning system that flashes to alert users of No Trailer Brake situations.
• The user can choose between Electric over Hydraulic or Electric trailer brake mode.
• The screen information can be displayed in English, French or Spanish.
• The Original Boost feature enables different levels of customized braking.
• Its compact and dash-hugging design saves space in your vehicle.
Disadvantages:
• None mentioned.
- 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. Get Reliable Braking Control with Tekonsha’s Primus IQ Electronic Brake Controller
Our product uses a Plug-N-Play port that accommodates 2-plug adapters and fits universally. The self-diagnostics feature alerts you with an LED readout when issues arise. However, a T-connector (sold separately) is necessary to connect the product to your vehicle.
This product works proportionally in reverse, making it efficient for different driving situations. It also comes with a snap-in dash mounting clip and hardware for easy installation. The digital LED readout is a user-friendly feature that provides clear information. Additionally, it includes a Boost feature to enhance performance.
Advantages:
• Compatible with a variety of vehicles
• Self-diagnostics feature for easy troubleshooting
• Works proportionally in reverse
• Snap-in dash mounting clip and hardware included
• Digital LED readout for clear information
• Boost feature to enhance performance
Disadvantages:
• Requires a T-connector that 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. Tekonsha 90250 Prodigy RF Electronic Brake Control: Safe, Reliable, and Convenient
This trailer solution is designed to be shared by multiple vehicles, and it is compatible with any trailer that has 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, which communicate wirelessly. The trailer features proportional braking in both forward and reverse directions, and no level adjustment is needed. The trailer braking power is supplied through a 7-way connector from the towing vehicle. Additionally, this system is compatible with tow vehicles that have multiplex wiring systems.
Advantages:
• Allows multiple vehicles to share a single trailer, reducing costs and increasing efficiency.
• Compatible with a wide range of trailers and tow vehicles.
• Wireless communication makes it easy to control the trailer.
• Proportional braking improves safety and reduces wear and tear on the trailer.
Disadvantages:
• May not be compatible with all types of vehicles.
• Installation may be complex, requiring professional assistance.
• Cost may be higher than traditional trailer solutions.
- 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 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 a critical component for any vehicle towing a trailer or caravan. A good electric brake controller ensures that the trailer’s brakes operate smoothly and efficiently, reducing the risk of accidents and damage to the vehicle and trailer. With a wide variety of models available, it’s essential to consider factors such as compatibility, type, and features when selecting an electric brake controller. The products listed in this article are all top-quality options that provide exceptional performance, reliability, and ease of use. Investing in a good electric brake controller is a wise decision for anyone who frequently tows a trailer or caravan, providing peace of mind and improving safety on the road. Overall, an electric brake controller is an essential piece of equipment for any vehicle towing a trailer or caravan, and the products listed in this article are all excellent choices for anyone in the market for an electric brake controller.
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.