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. The Ultimate Towing Companion: Tekonsha P3 Brake Control for Safe Trailering
The P3 brake controller features an easily readable LCD display with various color options, making it stand out. Its universal fit allows it to be used with a wide range of vehicles. The up-front controls provide simple access to all features of the P3, including easy-to-understand diagnostics that display output current, battery life, brake function, and output voltage. A flashing red warning system alerts users to any situations where there is no trailer brake. Users can select between electric over hydraulic or electric trailer brake mode, and the screen information can be displayed in English, French, or Spanish. The Original Boost feature enables custom braking at different levels. Additionally, the P3’s compact design hugs the dashboard, allowing it to take up less space.
Pros:
• The LCD display is easy to read and offers multiple color options.
• The P3 is a universal fit, making it compatible with a wide range of vehicles.
• The up-front controls provide easy access to all of its features, including simple diagnostics.
• The warning system alerts users to any situations where there is no trailer brake.
• Users can choose between electric over hydraulic or electric trailer brake mode.
• The Original Boost feature allows for custom braking at different levels.
• The compact design takes up less space.
Cons:
• No obvious drawbacks were 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 uses a Plug-N-Play port that accommodates 2-plug adapters and has a Universal Fit. Additionally, it comes with self-diagnostic features that will trigger an LED readout if any issues occur. Please note that a T-connector (sold separately) is required to connect to your vehicle.
The product works proportionally in reverse and has a digital LED readout for ease of use. It also includes a Boost feature to enhance its functionality. The snap-in dash mounting clip and hardware are included in the package, making installation a breeze.
Advantages:
• Compatible with a wide range of vehicles due to its Universal Fit
• Self-diagnostic features alert users to issues with LED readout
• Proportional operation in reverse
• Digital LED readout for ease of use
• Includes a Boost feature to improve performance
• Easy installation with snap-in dash mounting clip and hardware
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. Smooth Braking Performance with the Tekonsha 9030 Voyager Electronic Brake Control
The Tekonsha Voyager Brake Controller utilizes an internal inertia sensor to provide proportional automatic braking based on the intensity and rate of your tow vehicle’s brakes, making it suitable for any braking situation. Its Plug & Play port, snap-in dash mounting clip, and removable electrical connector make installation a breeze. The brake controller features a color LED indicator that displays settings, diagnostics, and alerts, with red indicating a power increase to the trailer brakes and green signifying a secure connection. In the event of manual braking, the Voyager allows you to move the control lever to the left and apply power to the trailer’s brakes up to the preset amount. The Tekonsha Voyager brake controller is versatile, compatible with a wide range of vehicles, and can handle up to 1-4 axles with 2, 4, 6, and 8 brakes. Please note that a vehicle-specific Tekonsha Plug & Play brake controller wiring harness is sold separately.
Advantages:
• Provides proportional automatic braking based on the intensity and rate of the tow vehicle’s brakes, making it suitable for any braking situation
• Easy to install thanks to the snap-in dash mounting clip, Plug & Play port for two plug adapters, and removable electrical connector
• Color LED indicator displays settings, diagnostics, and alerts, making it easy to read
• Allows for manual braking with the control lever, applying power up to the preset amount
• Versatile and compatible with a wide range of vehicles, handling up to 1-4 axles with 2, 4, 6, and 8 brakes
Disadvantages:
• Requires a separate vehicle-specific Tekonsha Plug & Play brake controller wiring harness
- 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 product offers an ideal solution for trailers that are shared among multiple vehicles and can accommodate up to three axles. It features a hand-held control unit in the tow vehicle and a trailer power module that is mounted on the trailer. The wireless communication between the remote hand unit and trailer-mounted power module allows for seamless operation. Additionally, the product offers proportional braking for both forward and reverse directions without the need for level adjustments. The trailer braking power is supplied via a 7-way connector from the vehicle. This product is also compatible with tow vehicles that have multiplex wiring systems, though it is not vehicle-specific.
Advantages:
• Suitable for any trailer with up to 3 axles
• Allows multiple vehicles to share one trailer
• Wireless communication between hand-held unit and trailer power module
• Proportional braking for both forward and reverse without level adjustments
• Compatible with tow vehicles that have multiplex wiring systems
Disadvantages:
• Not vehicle-specific
- 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. Take Your Towing to the Next Level 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, 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 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.