When towing a trailer, safety should always be a top priority. One crucial component of safe towing is having an effective brake control system in place. An electronic brake control system can make a big difference in the overall safety and control of your vehicle and trailer. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your needs. In this article, we will be exploring the best electronic brake control systems on the market, their features, and what to consider before making a purchase. Whether you’re a seasoned trailer hauler or new to towing, investing in a reliable electronic brake control system can provide peace of mind and a safer towing experience.
1. Safe and Secure Towing: Tekonsha 90195 P3 Electronic Brake Control
The P3 brake controller features a clear LCD display with various color options for easy readability. It has universal fit and up-front controls, allowing for convenient access to all features. The diagnostics system provides clear information on output current, battery, brake, and output voltage. A flashing red warning system alerts the user of a no trailer brake situation. The device can be switched between electric over hydraulic or electric trailer brake mode, and information is displayed in English, French, or Spanish. The Original Boost feature enables different levels of customized braking. Its compact design hugs the dash for a neat installation.
Advantages:
• Clear LCD display with multiple color options for easy readability.
• Up-front controls allow for easy access to all features.
• Diagnostics system provides clear information on brake-related details.
• Warning system alerts user to no trailer brake situations.
• Customizable braking through the Original Boost feature.
• Compact design for a neat installation.
Disadvantages:
• No major disadvantages found.
- 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. Ensure Safe Towing with the Tekonsha 90160 Primus IQ Electronic Brake Control
This product uses a Plug-N-Play port for 2-plug adapters and has a Universal Fit. It also includes a self-diagnostics feature that illuminates an LED readout in case of any issues. However, it requires a T-connector to connect to the vehicle, which is sold separately. It also works proportionally in reverse and comes with a snap-in dash mounting clip and hardware.
Additionally, this product features a digital LED readout and includes a Boost feature. It has a Gray Plastic finish.
Advantages:
• Uses Plug-N-Play port for easy installation with 2-plug adapters
• Universal Fit ensures compatibility with various vehicles
• Self-diagnostics feature alerts users to any issues via LED readout
• Works proportionally in reverse for added convenience and safety
• Includes a snap-in dash mounting clip and hardware
• Digital LED readout and Boost feature enhance usability
Disadvantages:
• Requires T-connector to connect to the vehicle, which is sold separately
• None of its potential limitations or drawbacks have been mentioned.
- 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 braking based on the intensity and rate of your tow vehicle’s brakes, thanks to its internal inertia sensor. This makes it a reliable option in any braking situation. Installing the controller is made easy with its snap-in dash mounting clip and Plug & Play port, which can accommodate two plug adapters. Its removable electrical connector allows for easy unplugging and storage. The controller also features an easy-to-read color LED indicator that shows settings, real-time diagnostics, and alerts. A red light indicates power increase to trailer brakes, while a green light indicates a secure connection with the trailer. If manual braking is needed, simply move the control lever to the left, and the Voyager will apply power to the trailer brakes up to the pre-set power level. 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, that have 2, 4, 6, or 8 brakes (1-4 axles). However, it’s worth noting that a vehicle-specific Tekonsha Plug & Play brake controller wiring harness needs to be purchased separately.
Pros:
• Provides automatic braking based on the intensity and rate of your tow vehicle’s brakes, making it ideal in any braking situation
• Easy to install thanks to its snap-in dash mounting clip and Plug & Play port
• Comes with a removable electrical connector for easy unplugging and storage
• Features an easy-to-read color LED indicator that shows settings, real-time diagnostics, and alerts
• Allows for manual braking, if needed, by moving the control lever to the left
• Compatible with a wide range of vehicles that have 2, 4, 6, or 8 brakes (1-4 axles)
Cons:
• A vehicle-specific Tekonsha Plug & Play brake controller wiring harness needs to be purchased 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 in Control of Your Trailer with the Tekonsha 90250 Prodigy RF Electronic Brake Control
This product offers the ideal solution for multiple vehicles sharing a trailer, which can be used with any trailer containing up to three axles. It includes a hand-held control unit that operates from the tow vehicle, as well as a trailer power module mounted on the trailer. These two components communicate wirelessly, enabling proportional braking in both forward and reverse without the need for level adjustments. The trailer’s braking power is supplied through a 7-Way Connector from the vehicle. Additionally, this product is compatible with tow vehicles that have multiplex wiring systems, and it is not vehicle-specific.
Advantages:
• Suitable for any trailer with up to three axles
• Enables proportional braking in both forward and reverse without level adjustments
• Wireless communication between the hand-held control unit and the trailer power module
• Compatible with tow vehicles that have multiplex wiring systems
• Not vehicle-specific
Disadvantages:
• It is not clear what brand or specific product is being referred to
• Additional information is needed about the installation process and compatibility with different vehicles
- 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. The Perfect Towing Companion: 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 electronic brake control is an essential safety feature for any driver towing a trailer or heavy load. The top products in this category offer a range of features to ensure that you can easily control and stop your vehicle and trailer safely and efficiently, including brake boost, proportional braking, and compatibility with different trailer types. A good electronic brake control can provide peace of mind and ensure that you are prepared for unexpected situations on the road. Whether you’re a professional hauler or a recreational traveler, investing in a high-quality electronic brake control is crucial for your safety and the safety of others on the road. By choosing one of the top products available, you can ensure that you have a reliable and effective brake control that will provide optimal support and convenience while towing. With their durability, functionality, and ease of use, the top electronic brake controls are an excellent investment for anyone looking to stay safe and in control while towing heavy loads.
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.