When it comes to towing a trailer, safety is of utmost importance. One of the critical components of a safe towing experience is the brake control system. Electronic brake controllers help to activate the brakes on your trailer in sync with your vehicle, ensuring a smooth and controlled stop. With so many options available, choosing the right electronic brake control can be challenging. 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 a seasoned tower or a beginner, investing in a high-quality electronic brake control system is essential for safe and stress-free towing.
1. The Silver Bullet of Trailer Braking: Tekonsha Electronic Brake Control for Smooth Towing.
The P3 brake controller features an easily readable LCD display with various color options, making it stand out. Its universal fit allows it to be used with a wide range of vehicles. The up-front controls provide simple access to all features of the P3, including easy-to-understand diagnostics that display output current, battery life, brake function, and output voltage. A flashing red warning system alerts users to any situations where there is no trailer brake. Users can select between electric over hydraulic or electric trailer brake mode, and the screen information can be displayed in English, French, or Spanish. The Original Boost feature enables custom braking at different levels. Additionally, the P3’s compact design hugs the dashboard, allowing it to take up less space.
Pros:
• The LCD display is easy to read and offers multiple color options.
• The P3 is a universal fit, making it compatible with a wide range of vehicles.
• The up-front controls provide easy access to all of its features, including simple diagnostics.
• The warning system alerts users to any situations where there is no trailer brake.
• Users can choose between electric over hydraulic or electric trailer brake mode.
• The Original Boost feature allows for custom braking at different levels.
• The compact design takes up less space.
Cons:
• No obvious drawbacks were mentioned.
- 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. Make Towing Easier and Safer with Tekonsha’s 90160 Primus IQ
Our product features a Plug-N-Play port that accommodates 2-plug adapters and is designed for universal fit. The self-diagnostics feature of this product will light up the LED readout when any issues arise.
Please note that a T-connector (sold separately) is necessary to connect this product to your vehicle. Moreover, it works proportionally in reverse.
The package includes snap-in dash mounting clip and hardware, making it easy to install. The digital LED readout is another advantage of this product, providing clear and accurate information.
Our product also comes equipped with a Boost feature and has a Gray Plastic finish.
Advantages:
• Utilizes Plug-N-Play port for 2-plug adapters
• Self-diagnostics features and LED readout
• Universal fit
• Works proportionally in reverse
• Includes a Boost feature
• Easy installation with snap-in dash mounting clip and hardware
• Digital LED readout for clear and accurate information
Disadvantages:
• Requires a T-connector (sold separately) to connect to the 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. Stay Safe on the Road with the Tekonsha 9030 Voyager Brake Controller
The Tekonsha Voyager brake controller is a proportional electric brake controller that automatically applies the brakes based on the intensity and rate of the tow vehicle’s braking, thanks to its internal inertia sensor. This feature makes it suitable for any braking situation.
Installation is made easy with the Voyager trailer brake controller’s snap-in dash mounting clip, Plug & Play port, and removable electrical connector. It can be easily unplugged, unclipped, and stored.
The color LED indicator on the controller displays real-time diagnostics, settings, and alerts. A red light indicates an increase in power to the trailer brakes, while a green light signals a secure connection with the trailer.
In case of emergencies, manual braking is available. Simply move the manual control lever to the left, and the Voyager will apply power to the trailer’s brakes up to the pre-set power level.
The Voyager electric brake controller is compatible with a wide range of vehicles, including Ford, GM, Chevy, Dodge, RAM, Toyota, Jeep, and more. It can handle up to 2, 4, 6, and 8 brakes (1-4 axles). However, a vehicle-specific Tekonsha Plug & Play brake controller wiring harness must be purchased separately.
Pros:
• The internal inertia sensor provides automatic braking based on the intensity and rate of the tow vehicle’s braking, making it ideal for any braking situation.
• Easy installation thanks to the snap-in dash mounting clip, Plug & Play port, and removable electrical connector.
• Color LED indicator displays real-time diagnostics, settings, and alerts.
• Manual braking is available in case of emergencies.
• Compatible with a wide range of vehicles with up to 2, 4, 6, and 8 brakes (1-4 axles).
Cons:
• Vehicle-specific Tekonsha Plug & Play brake controller wiring harness must 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. The Perfect Addition to Your Towing Setup: Tekonsha 90250 Prodigy RF Electronic Brake Control
This trailer solution is designed to be shared by multiple vehicles, and it is compatible with any trailer that has 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, which communicate wirelessly. The trailer features proportional braking in both forward and reverse directions, and no level adjustment is needed. The trailer braking power is supplied through a 7-way connector from the towing vehicle. Additionally, this system is compatible with tow vehicles that have multiplex wiring systems.
Advantages:
• Allows multiple vehicles to share a single trailer, reducing costs and increasing efficiency.
• Compatible with a wide range of trailers and tow vehicles.
• Wireless communication makes it easy to control the trailer.
• Proportional braking improves safety and reduces wear and tear on the trailer.
Disadvantages:
• May not be compatible with all types of vehicles.
• Installation may be complex, requiring professional assistance.
• Cost may be higher than traditional trailer solutions.
- 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. Make Towing Safer and Easier with the Tow-Pro Elite Electric Brake Controller
The REDARC Tow-Pro has won awards for its innovative design that offers two types of braking in one unit. The Tow-Pro Elite electric brake controller uses both proportional and user-controlled modes, with the added feature of Active Calibration. Proportional mode uses inertia sensing for safer, more controlled braking during highway commutes.
These electric brake controllers are versatile and can suit most common trailer braking applications. They have a sleek, innovative design that requires minimal dash space and are easy to install and operate. The Tow-Pro Classic Electric Brake Controller offers a single user-controlled mode of trailer braking. With a simple turn of a control knob, you can adjust the required force for your towed vehicle whenever needed.
Pros:
• The REDARC Tow-Pro offers both proportional and user-controlled braking modes, making it versatile for different driving situations.
• The Tow-Pro Elite’s Active Calibration feature ensures accurate and reliable braking performance.
• These electric brake controllers have a sleek and innovative design, requiring minimal dash space and easy to install and operate.
• The Tow-Pro Classic offers a simple and user-controlled mode of trailer braking.
Cons:
• There are no major drawbacks to the REDARC Tow-Pro electric brake controllers. However, some users may prefer other brands or models with different features or designs.
- 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.