When it comes to towing a trailer, safety should always be a top priority. An electronic brake control system is a crucial component for ensuring your trailer stops smoothly and safely. These systems work by electronically controlling the brakes on the trailer, synchronizing them with the towing vehicle. With so many options available, it can be difficult to choose the right electronic brake control system for your needs. In this article, we will be exploring the best electronic brake controls on the market, their features, and what to consider before making a purchase. Whether you’re towing a small utility trailer or a large RV, having a reliable electronic brake control system can make all the difference in ensuring a safe and stress-free towing experience.
1. Customizable and Easy to Use: Tekonsha Silver Electronic Brake Control
The P3 brake controller boasts a clear, user-friendly LCD display that can be customized with various color options. Its universal fit makes it suitable for all types of vehicles. The up-front controls give you easy access to all the features and the diagnostic system provides clear information on battery, brake, output voltage, and current. If there’s an issue with the trailer brake, the flashing red warning system will notify you. You can choose between electric or hydraulic modes for the trailer brake and select the language of your choice (English, French or Spanish) for the display. The Boost feature lets you personalize the braking levels, and the compact design of the controller ensures it stays neatly tucked away on your dashboard.
Pros:
• The LCD display is easy to read and comes with customizable color options.
• The up-front controls allow for easy access to all the features.
• The diagnostic system provides clear information on various parameters.
• The warning system alerts users to potential issues with the trailer brake.
• The Boost feature enables customization of braking levels.
• The compact design makes it easy to install and stays neatly tucked away on the dashboard.
Cons:
• None specified.
- 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. Keep Your Trailer Under Control with the Tekonsha Primus IQ Brake Control
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 applies the trailer brakes based on the intensity and rate of the tow vehicle’s brakes. Its internal inertia sensor makes it ideal for any braking situation. Additionally, installation is easy thanks to its snap-in dash mounting clip, Plug & Play port for two plug adapters, and removable electrical connector. It can be quickly unplugged, unclipped, and stored when not in use.
The Voyager brake controller features an easy-to-read color LED indicator that displays the settings, real-time diagnostics, and alerts. A red light indicates an increase in power to the trailer brakes, while a green light confirms a secure connection with the trailer. The manual control lever allows the user to manually apply the brakes up to the pre-set amount of power.
This 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). However, vehicle-specific Tekonsha Plug & Play brake controller wiring harnesses are sold separately.
Advantages:
• Provides automatic braking based on the intensity and rate of the tow vehicle’s brakes
• Easy installation thanks to snap-in dash mounting clip, Plug & Play port, and removable electrical connector
• Color LED indicator displays settings, diagnostics, and alerts
• Allows for manual braking when needed
• 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. Tekonsha 90250 Prodigy RF Electronic Brake Control: The Smart Choice for Safe Towing.
This is an ideal solution for sharing a trailer among multiple vehicles, and it can be used with any trailer with up to three axles. The system includes a hand-held control unit in the tow vehicle and a trailer power module mounted on the trailer, with wireless communication between the two. The system also features proportional braking in both forward and reverse directions, eliminating the need for level adjustment. The trailer’s braking power is supplied via a 7-way connector from the vehicle. The system is compatible with tow vehicles that have multiplex wiring systems, but it is not specific to any particular vehicle.
Advantages:
• Ideal for multiple vehicle sharing of a trailer
• Suitable for trailers with up to three axles
• Hand-held control unit in the tow vehicle allows for easy operation
• Wireless communication between the control unit and trailer power module eliminates the need for wiring
• Proportional braking in both forward and reverse directions, with no need for level adjustment
• Compatible with tow vehicles that have multiplex wiring systems
Disadvantages:
• None explicitly mentioned in the given text
- 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. Unmatched Braking Performance: Tow-Pro Elite Electric Brake Controller for Your Trailer
The REDARC Tow-Pro is an award-winning electric brake controller that sets itself apart by offering two types of braking in a single unit. The Tow-Pro Elite model features both proportional and user-controlled modes, with the added benefit of Active Calibration. In proportional mode, the controller uses inertia sensing to provide safe, controlled braking during highway commutes.
Designed to suit most common trailer braking applications, the REDARC Tow-Pro Electric Brake Controllers boast innovative and sleek designs that require minimal dash space. Installation and operation are also easy and straightforward.
The REDARC Tow-Pro Classic Electric Brake Controller, on the other hand, offers a single user-controlled mode of trailer braking. Using a simple control knob, you can easily adjust the required force for your towed vehicle whenever necessary.
Advantages:
• The Tow-Pro Elite model offers both proportional and user-controlled modes of braking, as well as Active Calibration for added safety.
• The REDARC Tow-Pro Electric Brake Controllers are designed to fit most common trailer braking applications and are easy to install and operate.
• The Tow-Pro Classic model provides a simple user-controlled mode for trailer braking with the use of a control knob.
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, electronic brake control is an essential technology for any driver who tows a trailer or caravan. The top products in this category offer a range of features to ensure optimal safety and control, including proportional braking, easy installation, and compatibility with various vehicles and trailers. A good electronic brake control system can help prevent trailer sway, reduce stopping distance, and improve overall towing performance. Whether you’re an occasional weekend warrior or a professional contractor, investing in a high-quality electronic brake control system is crucial for your safety and that of others on the road. By choosing one of the top products available, you can ensure that you have a reliable and effective system that will provide optimal support and control while towing. With their advanced technology, durability, and ease of use, the top electronic brake control systems are an excellent investment for anyone looking to enhance their towing performance and safety.
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.