If you’re a frequent traveler who enjoys the convenience of towing your caravan or trailer, then having an electric brake controller is essential. An electric brake controller is a device that helps control the brakes on a trailer or caravan, ensuring a smoother and safer journey. However, 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 all important 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 traveler or new to towing, this guide will help you find the perfect electric brake controller for your needs.
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 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. Drive with Confidence: The Tekonsha 9030 Voyager Brake Controller in Black
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. Experience Smooth and Precise Braking with Tekonsha 90250 Prodigy RF Electronic Brake Control
This trailer solution is ideal for sharing among multiple vehicles and can be used with any trailer that has up to 3 axles. It features a hand-held control unit in the tow vehicle and a trailer power module on the trailer. The remote hand unit and trailer-mounted power module communicate wirelessly, allowing for proportional braking in both forward and reverse without the need for level adjustments. The trailer braking power is supplied via 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
• Proportional braking in both forward and reverse without level adjustments
• Wireless communication between the remote hand unit and trailer-mounted power module
• Compatible with tow vehicles that have multiplex wiring systems
Disadvantages:
• None specified.
- 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 provides two braking modes in a single unit, making it unique in its class. The Tow-Pro Elite model features both proportional and user-controlled braking modes, with the added benefit of Active Calibration. The inertia-sensing technology in proportional mode ensures safe and controlled braking during highway commutes.
The REDARC Tow-Pro Electric Brake Controllers are designed to fit most common trailer braking applications, with sleek and innovative designs that require minimal dash space. Installation and operation are also made easy for user convenience.
Moreover, the REDARC Tow-Pro Classic Electric Brake Controller offers a single user-controlled braking mode. Adjust the force required for your towed vehicle with a simple turn of a control knob whenever necessary.
Pros:
• Provides two braking modes in a single unit
• Inertia-sensing technology ensures safe and controlled braking during highway commutes
• Designed to fit most common trailer braking applications with minimal dash space required
• Easy installation and operation
• User-controlled mode for adjusting the force required for the towed vehicle
Cons:
• No mentioned cons.
- 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 device for anyone towing a trailer, caravan, or boat. The controller provides a safe and reliable way to control the brakes on the trailer, improving overall safety and control when towing. The electric brake controllers listed in this article are all top-quality products that provide excellent braking performance and user-friendly operation. With various models available, including proportional and time-delayed controllers, it’s important to consider individual needs when selecting an electric brake controller. Investing in a high-quality brake controller can make a significant difference in your overall towing experience, providing greater peace of mind and control. Overall, electric brake controllers are an important investment for anyone towing a trailer, and the products listed in this article are all excellent choices for anyone looking to upgrade or purchase a brake controller.
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.