When it comes to towing a trailer, having a reliable electric brake controller is crucial for your safety and the safety of those around you. A brake controller is responsible for sending signals to the trailer’s electric brakes, which helps to slow down and stop the trailer when you apply the brakes in your vehicle. 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 installation, and braking power are essential when considering which 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 RVer or a new trailer owner, this guide will help you find the perfect electric brake controller for your towing needs.
1. The Silver Bullet of Trailer Braking: Tekonsha Electronic Brake Control for Smooth Towing.
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. Get Smooth and Consistent Braking with Tekonsha’s Primus IQ
Our product features a Plug-N-Play port that accommodates 2-plug adapters and is designed for universal fit. The self-diagnostics feature of this product will light up the LED readout when any issues arise.
Please note that a T-connector (sold separately) is necessary to connect this product to your vehicle. Moreover, it works proportionally in reverse.
The package includes snap-in dash mounting clip and hardware, making it easy to install. The digital LED readout is another advantage of this product, providing clear and accurate information.
Our product also comes equipped with a Boost feature and has a Gray Plastic finish.
Advantages:
• Utilizes Plug-N-Play port for 2-plug adapters
• Self-diagnostics features and LED readout
• Universal fit
• Works proportionally in reverse
• Includes a Boost feature
• Easy installation with snap-in dash mounting clip and hardware
• Digital LED readout for clear and accurate information
Disadvantages:
• Requires a T-connector (sold separately) to connect to the 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. Stay Safe on the Road with the Tekonsha 9030 Voyager Brake Controller
The Tekonsha Voyager brake controller is an excellent option for automatic braking in any situation, thanks to its internal inertia sensor that adjusts braking intensity based on your tow vehicle’s braking intensity and rate. Additionally, this proportional electric brake controller is easy to install thanks to its snap-in dash mounting clip and removable electrical connector, which can be stored without hassle. The Voyager also features an easy-to-read color LED indicator that shows settings, real-time diagnostics, and alerts, with a red light indicating a power increase to the trailer brakes and a green light indicating a secure connection with the trailer. The manual control lever allows you to manually apply the brakes if necessary, up to the power amount previously set. This versatile electric brake controller is compatible with a wide range of vehicles, including Ford, GM, Chevy, Dodge, RAM, Toyota, Jeep, and more, and supports up to 2, 4, 6, or 8 brakes (1-4 axles). However, it’s worth noting that the Tekonsha Plug & Play brake controller wiring harness is sold 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. The Tekonsha 90250 Prodigy RF Electronic Brake Control: Simple Setup, Reliable Performance
This is an ideal solution for trailers that are shared among multiple vehicles and can be used with any trailer up to 3 axles. It features a handheld control unit in the tow vehicle and a trailer power module on the trailer, with wireless communication between them. The system also offers proportional braking in both forward and reverse, without the need for level adjustment. 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 it is not specific to any particular vehicle.
Advantages:
• Suitable for any trailer with up to 3 axles
• Easy to use with a hand-held control unit in the tow vehicle
• Proportional braking in both forward and reverse without the need for level adjustment
• Wireless communication between the control unit and trailer-mounted power module
• Compatible with tow vehicles that have multiplex wiring systems
Disadvantages:
• Not vehicle specific, which may require additional installation or customization
• Limited to trailers with up to 3 axles, which may not be suitable for larger trailers
- 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 with Confidence: Tow-Pro Elite Electric Brake Controller for Superior Braking Power
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 electronic brake control system is an essential component for any towing vehicle, providing a safer and more comfortable towing experience. The top products in this category offer a range of features, including proportional and time-delayed braking, adjustable settings, and easy installation. A good electronic brake control system can help prevent accidents and ensure that you have optimal control and stability while towing heavy loads. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a professional hauler, investing in a high-quality electronic brake control system is crucial for your safety and peace of mind. By choosing one of the top products available, you can ensure that you have a reliable and efficient system that will provide optimal braking performance and control. With their advanced features, durability, and user-friendly interfaces, the top electronic brake control systems are an excellent investment for anyone looking to improve their towing experience.
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.