When it comes to towing heavy loads, safety should always be a top priority. One crucial aspect of safe towing is having a reliable electronic brake control system installed on your vehicle. An electronic brake control system provides proportional braking force to your trailer, helping you maintain control and avoid accidents. With so many options available, choosing the best electronic brake control system for your needs can be challenging. In this article, we will be exploring the top electronic brake control systems on the market, their features, and what to consider before making a purchase. Whether you’re towing a boat, RV, or cargo trailer, a high-quality electronic brake control system can make a significant difference in your safety and peace of mind on the road.
1. Simple and Reliable Braking: Tekonsha Electronic Brake Control in Silver
The P3 brake controller offers a clear and easily readable LCD display with multiple color options. It has a universal fit and features up-front controls that provide convenient access to all its functions. The controller offers user-friendly diagnostics that display important information such as output current, battery, brake, and output voltage. A flashing red warning system alerts users when there is no trailer brake present. It can operate in electric over hydraulic or electric trailer brake mode, and offers screen information in English, French or Spanish. The P3 brake controller also comes with an Original Boost feature that allows for customized braking at different levels. Its compact and dash-hugging design makes it an attractive addition to any vehicle.
Pros: The P3 brake controller is user-friendly and offers multiple screen color options to suit different preferences. Its compact and dash-hugging design ensures it does not take up too much space in the vehicle. The controller is easy to install and offers a range of features, including an Original Boost feature that allows for customized braking.
Cons: The P3 brake controller is not compatible with all vehicles, and may require an adapter or special installation in some cases. It may take some time to learn how to use all of its features and functions.
- 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
Our product utilizes a Plug-N-Play port for 2-plug adapters, making it a universal fit for most vehicles. It also features self-diagnostics that illuminate the LED readout to indicate any issues that may arise.
To connect to your vehicle, you will need a T-connector (sold separately). Once connected, it works proportionally in reverse, ensuring a smooth and controlled braking experience.
The package comes with a snap-in dash mounting clip and hardware for easy installation, and a digital LED readout that displays important information.
Additionally, our product includes a Boost feature, which provides added braking power when needed. The finish is a durable gray plastic.
Advantages:
• Universal fit for most vehicles
• Self-diagnostics with LED readout for issue indication
• Proportional braking in reverse
• Easy installation with snap-in dash mounting clip and hardware
• Digital LED readout for displaying information
• Boost feature for added braking power when needed
• Durable gray plastic finish
Disadvantages:
• Requires a T-connector (sold separately) to connect to your 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. The Ultimate Brake Controller for Your Trailer: The Tekonsha 9030 Voyager
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 of the tow vehicle’s brakes, making it perfect for any braking situation. With its plug-and-play design, it’s easy to install and use, featuring a snap-in dash mounting clip, two plug adapter ports, and a removable electrical connector for easy storage.
The Voyager brake controller also features an easy-to-read color LED indicator that shows the settings, real-time diagnostics, and alerts. The red light indicates an increase in power to the trailer brakes, while the green light signifies a secure connection with the trailer. Moreover, if you need to manually apply the brakes, the manual control lever can be moved to the left to activate the trailer’s brakes up to the previously set power.
The Voyager electric 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). It is important to note that the vehicle-specific Tekonsha Plug & Play brake controller wiring harness is sold separately.
Advantages:
• Provides automatic braking based on the intensity and rate of the tow vehicle’s brakes.
• Easy to install and use thanks to the plug-and-play design.
• Easy-to-read color LED indicator for settings, diagnostics, and alerts.
• The manual control lever allows for manual braking when necessary.
• Versatile and compatible with a wide range of vehicles.
Disadvantages:
• The vehicle-specific Tekonsha Plug & Play brake controller wiring harness is sold separately, which may require an additional purchase.
- 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 in Control of Your Trailer with the 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. Upgrade Your Towing Performance with the Tow-Pro Elite Electric Brake Controller
The REDARC Tow-Pro is an award-winning electric brake controller that offers both proportional and user-controlled modes of braking in one unit. Its innovative design includes Active Calibration and inertia sensing for safe, controlled braking during highway commutes. The Tow-Pro Elite is suitable for most common trailer braking applications, while the Tow-Pro Classic offers a single user-controlled mode that allows you to adjust the required force with a control knob. Both models require minimal dash space and are easy to install and operate. With the REDARC Tow-Pro, you can have confidence in your trailer braking system and enjoy a smoother, safer towing experience.
Pros:
• Offers both proportional and user-controlled modes of braking in one unit
• Active Calibration and inertia sensing for safe, controlled braking
• Suitable for most common trailer braking applications
• Minimal dash space required and easy to install and operate
Cons:
• May not be suitable for all trailer braking applications
• Some users may prefer more advanced features or customization options
- 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 an essential tool for anyone who tows a trailer or caravan. It provides a smooth and safe braking experience by regulating the amount of power sent to the trailer brakes, ensuring that the trailer slows down at the same rate as the towing vehicle. The brake controllers listed in this article are all high-quality products that offer precise control, reliability, and easy installation. When choosing an electric brake controller, it’s essential to consider factors such as towing capacity, the number of axles on the trailer, and the type of braking system installed. With the right electric brake controller, towing a trailer becomes safer, more comfortable, and more enjoyable, allowing you to focus on the road ahead. Overall, an electric brake controller is a necessary investment for anyone who frequently tows a trailer or caravan, and the products listed in this article are excellent options that will provide peace of mind and enhance your 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.