When towing a trailer, having an electric brake controller can make all the difference in terms of safety and control. An electric brake controller allows you to apply the brakes on the trailer using the same brake pedal as your vehicle, ensuring a smoother and more responsive braking experience. With so many options available on the market, it can be challenging to find the best electric brake controller for your towing needs. Factors such as ease of installation, compatibility, and braking power are crucial to consider when making your decision. 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 towing a small utility trailer or a heavy-duty RV, this guide will help you find the perfect electric brake controller for your towing needs.
1. Upgrade Your Towing Setup: Tekonsha P3 Brake Control for Precise Braking
The P3 brake controller boasts a clear LCD display that offers several color options, making it effortless to read. Its universal fit type ensures it’s compatible with most vehicles. The P3 is equipped with up-front controls, enabling easy access to all of its features. The display shows straightforward diagnostics, including output current, battery, brake, and output voltage, making it easy to understand. The unit features a flashing red warning system to alert users to No Trailer Brake situations. Additionally, users can choose between Electric over Hydraulic or Electric trailer brake mode. The display information is available in English, French, or Spanish. The Original Boost feature is another bonus, allowing for different levels of customized braking. Finally, the P3’s compact, dash-hugging design ensures it won’t take up too much space in your vehicle.
Pros:
• Clear and easy-to-read LCD display
• Universal fit type
• Up-front controls for easy access to features
• Simple and understandable diagnostics
• Flashes a red warning to alert users
• Choice between Electric over Hydraulic or Electric trailer brake mode
• Display information available in English, French, or Spanish
• Original Boost feature enables customized braking
• Compact design that fits snugly in your vehicle’s dash
Cons:
• 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. Tekonsha’s Primus IQ: The Ultimate Electronic Brake Controller for Towing
This product utilizes a Plug-N-Play port for 2-plug adapters and has a Universal Fit, making it easy to use. It also has self-diagnostics features that will illuminate an LED readout when issues occur, allowing for easy troubleshooting.
To connect to a vehicle, a T-connector (sold separately) is required. This product also works proportionally in reverse, ensuring that the vehicle and trailer are moving together in harmony. It comes with a snap-in dash mounting clip and hardware, making it easy to install.
The product features a digital LED readout, allowing for easy monitoring of important information. It also includes a Boost feature, providing additional power when needed. The finish is a sleek Gray Plastic, adding a modern touch to your vehicle.
Advantages:
• Utilizes a Plug-N-Play port for easy use
• Self-diagnostics features for easy troubleshooting
• Works proportionally in reverse for smooth movement
• Comes with a snap-in dash mounting clip and hardware for easy installation
• Digital LED readout for easy monitoring of important information
• Boost feature for additional power
Disadvantages:
• Requires a T-connector (sold separately) to connect to a vehicle
• None mentioned about any additional features or functionalities compared to other similar products in the market.
- 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. Stay Safe on the Road with the Tekonsha 9030 Voyager Brake Controller
The Tekonsha Voyager brake controller is an excellent choice for those seeking proportional electric brake control. This device automatically applies the brakes on your trailer based on the intensity and rate at which you press your tow vehicle’s brakes, thanks to its internal inertia sensor. This makes it perfect for any braking situation.
One of the advantages of this brake controller is its plug-and-play design, which makes installation easy. It has a snap-in dash mounting clip and a removable electrical connector, making it simple to unplug, unclip, and store.
The brake controller also features an easy-to-read color LED indicator that shows settings, real-time diagnostics, and alerts. A red light indicates an increase in power to the trailer brakes, while a green light indicates a secure connection with the trailer.
If you ever need to manually apply the brakes, the Voyager offers a manual control lever that you can move to the left. This will apply power to your trailer’s brakes up to the amount of power previously set.
The Voyager 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). However, it’s important to note that the vehicle-specific Tekonsha Plug & Play brake controller wiring harness is sold separately.
Some potential drawbacks of the Tekonsha Voyager brake controller include the need for a separate wiring harness and the lack of compatibility with some vehicles.
- 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. Stay Safe and In Control with the Tekonsha 90250 Prodigy RF Electronic Brake Control
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. Tow-Pro Elite Electric Brake Controller: The Key to Safe and Efficient Towing
The REDARC Tow-Pro is an award-winning electric brake controller that combines both proportional and user-controlled modes of braking into one compact unit. With its Active Calibration feature and inertia sensing technology, the Tow-Pro Elite ensures safe and controlled braking during highway commutes. This innovative design is perfect for most common trailer braking applications, and takes up minimal dash space while being simple to install and operate.
The Tow-Pro Classic, on the other hand, offers a single user-controlled mode of trailer braking. With the turn of a control knob, you can easily adjust the required force for your towed vehicle whenever needed. Both models of the REDARC Tow-Pro electric brake controllers are designed to provide reliable performance and peace of mind while towing.
Advantages:
• Two types of braking (proportional and user-controlled) in one unit
• Active Calibration ensures safe and controlled braking during highway commutes
• Compact design takes up minimal dash space and is simple to install and operate
• Tow-Pro Classic offers easy user-controlled adjustment of braking force
Disadvantages:
• None mentioned.
- 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 electronic brake control is an essential component for anyone who tows a trailer or carries heavy loads. The top products in this category offer a range of features to ensure safe and reliable braking, including proportional brake control, adjustable power output, and compatibility with different types of trailers. An electronic brake control can help improve braking performance, reduce wear and tear on your vehicle’s braking system, and ensure a smoother and more controlled driving experience. Whether you’re hauling cargo, towing a boat or RV, or transporting heavy equipment, investing in a high-quality electronic brake control is crucial for your safety and the safety of others on the road. By choosing one of the top products available, you can ensure that you have a reliable and effective brake controller that will provide optimal control and safety when towing. With their durability, advanced features, and ease of use, the top electronic brake controls are an excellent investment for anyone looking to improve their towing experience and stay safe on the road.
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.