Electronic brake control systems are a crucial component of modern trailers and towing vehicles. They ensure that the trailer brakes are synchronized with the towing vehicle, providing a safe and smooth driving experience. With so many options available, choosing the right electronic brake control system can be overwhelming. 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 towing a small trailer for a weekend camping trip or a heavy load for work, the right electronic brake control system can make all the difference in ensuring a safe and stress-free journey.
1. Effortless Braking Performance: Tekonsha 90195 P3 Electronic Brake Control
The P3 brake controller offers a clear and easily readable LCD display with multiple color options. It has a universal fit and features up-front controls that provide convenient access to all its functions. The controller offers user-friendly diagnostics that display important information such as output current, battery, brake, and output voltage. A flashing red warning system alerts users when there is no trailer brake present. It can operate in electric over hydraulic or electric trailer brake mode, and offers screen information in English, French or Spanish. The P3 brake controller also comes with an Original Boost feature that allows for customized braking at different levels. Its compact and dash-hugging design makes it an attractive addition to any vehicle.
Pros: The P3 brake controller is user-friendly and offers multiple screen color options to suit different preferences. Its compact and dash-hugging design ensures it does not take up too much space in the vehicle. The controller is easy to install and offers a range of features, including an Original Boost feature that allows for customized braking.
Cons: The P3 brake controller is not compatible with all vehicles, and may require an adapter or special installation in some cases. It may take some time to learn how to use all of its features and functions.
- 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 Easy-to-Install Brake Controller for Your Trailer
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. Get More Control Over Your Trailer Brakes with the Tekonsha 9030 Voyager
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 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. The Perfect Towing Companion: Tow-Pro Elite Electric Brake Controller
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, an electronic brake control system is an essential component for any vehicle that tows a trailer or carries heavy loads. The top products in this category offer a range of features to ensure safe and efficient braking, including proportional braking, automatic leveling, and diagnostic alerts. An electronic brake control system can significantly improve your vehicle’s stopping power and provide a smoother, more controlled braking experience. Whether you’re a professional truck driver or a weekend warrior, investing in a high-quality electronic brake control system 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 system that will provide optimal support and safety when towing or hauling. With their durability, reliability, and ease of use, the top electronic brake control systems are an excellent investment for anyone looking to enhance their vehicle’s safety and performance.
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.