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. Protect Your Trailer and Cargo: Tekonsha 90195 P3 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. Ensure Safe Towing with the Tekonsha 90160 Primus IQ Electronic Brake Control
Our product utilizes a Plug-N-Play port for 2-plug adapters and has a universal fit. It comes equipped with self-diagnostic features that will light up the LED readout to indicate any issues that may occur.
To connect to your vehicle, you will need a T-connector (sold separately). The product is capable of working proportionally in reverse, providing you with an optimal braking experience.
It comes with a snap-in dash mounting clip and hardware for easy installation. The product also has a digital LED readout that displays important information.
In addition, it includes a Boost feature that enhances braking power. The finish is a sleek gray plastic.
Advantages:
• Utilizes Plug-N-Play port for 2-plug adapters for a universal fit
• Self-diagnostic features to indicate any issues that may arise
• Works proportionally in reverse for an optimal braking experience
• Comes with a snap-in dash mounting clip and hardware for easy installation
• Digital LED readout to display important information
• Boost feature enhances braking power
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. Smooth Braking Performance with the Tekonsha 9030 Voyager Electronic Brake Control
The Tekonsha Voyager brake controller is a proportional electric brake controller that automatically provides braking based on the intensity and rate at which you apply your tow vehicle’s brakes. It is equipped with an internal inertia sensor that makes it ideal for any braking situation.
Thanks to its snap-in dash mounting clip, Plug & Play port, and removable electrical connector, the Voyager brake controller can be easily installed and unplugged for storage.
The Voyager’s color LED indicator displays real-time diagnostics, alerts, and settings. A red light indicates an increase in power to the trailer brakes, while a green light signals a secure connection with the trailer.
In addition, the Voyager allows for manual braking by moving the control lever to the left, which applies power to the trailer’s brakes up to the amount previously set.
The Tekonsha Voyager brake controller is versatile, compatible with a wide range of vehicles including Ford, GM, Chevy, Dodge, RAM, Toyota, Jeep, and more, with 2 to 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 your tow vehicle’s brakes
• Internal inertia sensor makes it ideal for any braking situation
• Easy to install and remove thanks to snap-in dash mounting clip and removable electrical connector
• Color LED indicator shows real-time diagnostics, alerts, and settings
• Allows for manual braking
• 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 trailer solution is ideal for multiple vehicles and can be used with any trailer that has up to three axles. The tow vehicle comes with a hand-held control unit, while the trailer has a power module. Wireless communication is established between the remote hand unit and the trailer-mounted power module. The braking system is proportional in both forward and reverse, with no need for level adjustment. Trailer braking power is supplied through a 7-way connector from the vehicle. It is also compatible with tow vehicles that have multiplex wiring systems. However, the product is not specific to any particular vehicle.
Advantages:
• Suitable for any trailer with up to three axles
• Wireless communication between the control unit and power module
• Proportional braking system eliminates the need for level adjustment
• Compatible with tow vehicles that have multiplex wiring systems
Disadvantages:
• Not designed for any specific vehicle, which may require additional setup or customization
• May be more expensive compared to other trailer solutions on the market.
- 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 Ultimate Towing Solution: Tow-Pro Elite Electric Brake Controller for Maximum Control.
The REDARC Tow-Pro is an award-winning electric brake controller that combines both proportional and user-controlled modes of braking into one compact unit. With its Active Calibration feature and inertia sensing technology, the Tow-Pro Elite ensures safe and controlled braking during highway commutes. This innovative design is perfect for most common trailer braking applications, and takes up minimal dash space while being simple to install and operate.
The Tow-Pro Classic, on the other hand, offers a single user-controlled mode of trailer braking. With the turn of a control knob, you can easily adjust the required force for your towed vehicle whenever needed. Both models of the REDARC Tow-Pro electric brake controllers are designed to provide reliable performance and peace of mind while towing.
Advantages:
• Two types of braking (proportional and user-controlled) in one unit
• Active Calibration ensures safe and controlled braking during highway commutes
• Compact design takes up minimal dash space and is simple to install and operate
• Tow-Pro Classic offers easy user-controlled adjustment of braking force
Disadvantages:
• None mentioned.
- 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 who tows a trailer, caravan, or boat. It provides the driver with the ability to control the brakes on the trailer, improving safety and reducing the risk of accidents. With a range of options available, it’s essential to consider factors such as the size of the trailer, the type of vehicle, and the budget when selecting an electric brake controller. The controllers listed in this article are all top-quality products that provide reliable and precise braking control. They are easy to install, user-friendly, and offer various features to suit different towing needs. Investing in an electric brake controller is an investment in your safety and the safety of others on the road. It can also save you money by reducing wear and tear on your vehicle and trailer, as well as preventing costly accidents. Overall, an electric brake controller is a must-have for anyone who tows a trailer, and the products listed in this article are excellent options that provide reliable and efficient braking control.
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.