When towing a trailer, it’s essential to have proper brake control to ensure safety on the road. An electronic brake controller is a device that regulates the electric brakes on the trailer, providing smooth and controlled braking when towing. With so many options available, choosing the right electronic brake control can be overwhelming. In this article, we will be exploring the best electronic brake controllers on the market, their features, and what to consider before making a purchase. Whether you’re towing a small trailer or a large RV, having the right electronic brake controller can make a significant difference in your driving experience and peace of mind.
1. Upgrade Your Towing Setup: Tekonsha P3 Brake Control for Precise Braking
The P3 brake controller features an easily distinguishable LCD display with multiple screen color options, ensuring readability in various lighting conditions. It has universal compatibility with all types of vehicles. The up-front controls provide a hassle-free user experience, allowing users to access all P3 features easily. It features easy-to-understand diagnostics that show output current, battery, brake, and output voltage. A flashing red warning system is in place to alert the user to any No Trailer Brake situations, ensuring their safety. The controller also allows for selecting either Electric over Hydraulic or Electric trailer brake mode, giving the user versatility in their braking needs. The screen information display is available in three languages: English, French, and Spanish, making it user-friendly for a diverse range of people. Additionally, the Original Boost feature enables users to customize their braking to their preferred levels. The compact design of the controller allows it to fit snugly against the dash, making it less obtrusive and freeing up space.
One disadvantage of the P3 brake controller could be its installation. Users may need to consult a professional to install it, which could add extra expense to the purchase. Another potential disadvantage could be the complexity of the controller, which could take some time for users to fully understand and utilize all its features.
- 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 90160 Primus IQ: The Perfect Addition to Your Towing Setup
Our product uses a Plug-N-Play port that accommodates 2-plug adapters and has a Universal Fit. It also features self-diagnostics, which will activate the LED readout to alert you of any issues.
To connect this product to your vehicle, you will need a T-connector (which is sold separately). It works proportionally in reverse, making it easier to operate in challenging driving situations.
We also include a snap-in dash mounting clip and all necessary hardware for your convenience. The digital LED readout is easy to read and provides accurate information.
In addition to these features, our product includes a Boost feature that enhances performance. It has a sleek gray plastic finish that blends in well with your vehicle’s interior.
Advantages:
• Accommodates 2-plug adapters with a Universal Fit
• Self-diagnostics with LED readout for issue alerts
• Proportional operation in reverse
• Snap-in dash mounting clip and hardware included
• Digital LED readout for easy information access
• Boost feature enhances performance
• Sleek gray plastic finish
Disadvantages:
• Requires a T-connector, which 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. Easy to Install and Use: The Tekonsha 9030 Voyager Electronic Brake Control
The Tekonsha Voyager brake controller is a proportional electric brake controller that automatically provides braking based on the intensity and rate at which you apply your tow vehicle’s brakes. It is equipped with an internal inertia sensor that makes it ideal for any braking situation.
Thanks to its snap-in dash mounting clip, Plug & Play port, and removable electrical connector, the Voyager brake controller can be easily installed and unplugged for storage.
The Voyager’s color LED indicator displays real-time diagnostics, alerts, and settings. A red light indicates an increase in power to the trailer brakes, while a green light signals a secure connection with the trailer.
In addition, the Voyager allows for manual braking by moving the control lever to the left, which applies power to the trailer’s brakes up to the amount previously set.
The Tekonsha Voyager brake controller is versatile, compatible with a wide range of vehicles including Ford, GM, Chevy, Dodge, RAM, Toyota, Jeep, and more, with 2 to 8 brakes (1-4 axles). However, vehicle-specific Tekonsha Plug & Play brake controller wiring harnesses are sold separately.
Advantages:
• Provides automatic braking based on the intensity and rate of your tow vehicle’s brakes
• Internal inertia sensor makes it ideal for any braking situation
• Easy to install and remove thanks to snap-in dash mounting clip and removable electrical connector
• Color LED indicator shows real-time diagnostics, alerts, and settings
• Allows for manual braking
• Compatible with a wide range of vehicles
Disadvantages:
• Vehicle-specific Tekonsha Plug & Play brake controller wiring harnesses are 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. Stay Safe and In Control with the Tekonsha 90250 Prodigy RF Electronic Brake Control
This trailer solution is ideal for multiple vehicle sharing and can be used with any trailer that has up to 3 axles. The hand-held control unit is located in the tow vehicle, while the trailer power module is mounted on the trailer. The remote hand unit communicates wirelessly with the trailer-mounted power module. The system provides proportional braking in both forward and reverse without requiring level adjustment. The trailer 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 use with any trailer that has up to 3 axles, making it a versatile solution.
• Wireless communication between the hand-held control unit and the trailer-mounted power module eliminates the need for complicated wiring.
• Proportional braking in both forward and reverse ensures smooth and consistent braking performance, without requiring level adjustment.
• Compatible with vehicles that have multiplex wiring systems, allowing for broader compatibility.
Disadvantages:
• No apparent disadvantages.
- 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 brake controller that offers two types of braking in a single unit, making it the first of its kind. The Tow-Pro Elite model includes both proportional and user-controlled modes, with Active Calibration. This electric brake controller has inertia sensing for highway commutes, ensuring safe and controlled braking when needed. It is designed to suit most common trailer braking applications and has a sleek and innovative design that takes up minimal dash space. It is also easy to install and operate. The Tow-Pro Classic model offers a single user-controlled mode of trailer braking and requires the user to adjust the required force using a control knob.
Advantages:
• The REDARC Tow-Pro offers two types of braking in a single unit, making it the first of its kind.
• The Tow-Pro Elite model includes both proportional and user-controlled modes, with Active Calibration, ensuring safe and controlled braking when needed.
• The electric brake controller is designed to suit most common trailer braking applications and has a sleek and innovative design that takes up minimal dash space.
• The brake controller is easy to install and operate.
• The Tow-Pro Classic model offers a single user-controlled mode of trailer braking, allowing the user to adjust the required force as needed.
Disadvantages:
• No disadvantages were mentioned in the original text.
- 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 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.