When it comes to towing a trailer, having a reliable electric brake controller is crucial for your safety and the safety of those around you. A brake controller is responsible for sending signals to the trailer’s electric brakes, which helps to slow down and stop the trailer when you apply the brakes in your vehicle. 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 installation, and braking power are essential 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 RVer or a new trailer owner, this guide will help you find the perfect electric brake controller for your towing needs.
1. The Ultimate Towing Companion: Tekonsha P3 Brake Control for Safe Trailering
The P3 brake controller features an easily distinguishable LCD display with multiple screen color options, ensuring readability in various lighting conditions. It has universal compatibility with all types of vehicles. The up-front controls provide a hassle-free user experience, allowing users to access all P3 features easily. It features easy-to-understand diagnostics that show output current, battery, brake, and output voltage. A flashing red warning system is in place to alert the user to any No Trailer Brake situations, ensuring their safety. The controller also allows for selecting either Electric over Hydraulic or Electric trailer brake mode, giving the user versatility in their braking needs. The screen information display is available in three languages: English, French, and Spanish, making it user-friendly for a diverse range of people. Additionally, the Original Boost feature enables users to customize their braking to their preferred levels. The compact design of the controller allows it to fit snugly against the dash, making it less obtrusive and freeing up space.
One disadvantage of the P3 brake controller could be its installation. Users may need to consult a professional to install it, which could add extra expense to the purchase. Another potential disadvantage could be the complexity of the controller, which could take some time for users to fully understand and utilize all its features.
- 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. Get Reliable Braking Control with Tekonsha’s Primus IQ Electronic Brake Controller
Our product uses a Plug-N-Play port that accommodates 2-plug adapters and fits universally. The self-diagnostics feature alerts you with an LED readout when issues arise. However, a T-connector (sold separately) is necessary to connect the product to your vehicle.
This product works proportionally in reverse, making it efficient for different driving situations. It also comes with a snap-in dash mounting clip and hardware for easy installation. The digital LED readout is a user-friendly feature that provides clear information. Additionally, it includes a Boost feature to enhance performance.
Advantages:
• Compatible with a variety of vehicles
• Self-diagnostics feature for easy troubleshooting
• Works proportionally in reverse
• Snap-in dash mounting clip and hardware included
• Digital LED readout for clear information
• Boost feature to enhance performance
Disadvantages:
• Requires a T-connector that 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 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 Safe and In Control with the Tekonsha 90250 Prodigy RF Electronic Brake Control
This is an ideal solution for sharing a trailer among multiple vehicles, and it can be used with any trailer that has up to 3 axles. The system consists of a hand-held control unit in the tow vehicle and a trailer power module on the trailer, which communicate wirelessly. The system features proportional braking in both forward and reverse, and there is no need for any level adjustment. The trailer braking power is supplied via a 7-way connector from the vehicle. The product is also compatible with tow vehicles that have multiplex wiring systems, but it is not specific to any particular vehicle.
Advantages:
• Suitable for any trailer with up to 3 axles, making it a versatile solution.
• Wireless communication between the control unit and power module allows for easy and convenient operation.
• Proportional braking in both forward and reverse provides precise control and improved safety.
• No level adjustment is necessary, which saves time and effort.
• The system is compatible with tow vehicles that have multiplex wiring systems, expanding its range of applications.
Disadvantages:
• No significant disadvantages were mentioned in the original statement. However, one potential downside may be the cost of the system, as it may be more expensive than some other trailer brake control 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. Take Your Towing to the Next Level with the Tow-Pro Elite Electric Brake Controller
The REDARC Tow-Pro, an award-winning product, is the first brake controller that offers two types of braking in a single unit. The Tow-Pro Elite brake controller features both proportional and user-controlled modes, including Active Calibration. The proportional mode uses inertia sensing for highway commutes, ensuring safe and controlled braking when needed. This product is designed to suit most common trailer braking applications and features a sleek, innovative design that requires minimal dash space, making it easy to install and operate.
In addition, the REDARC Tow-Pro Classic Electric Brake Controller offers a single user-controlled mode of trailer braking. This model allows you to adjust the required force for your towed vehicle with the turn of a control knob, providing ease of use and flexibility.
- 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 component for anyone who tows a trailer or carries heavy loads. The top products in this category offer a range of features to ensure safe and reliable braking, including proportional brake control, adjustable power output, and compatibility with different types of trailers. An electronic brake control can help improve braking performance, reduce wear and tear on your vehicle’s braking system, and ensure a smoother and more controlled driving experience. Whether you’re hauling cargo, towing a boat or RV, or transporting heavy equipment, 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 controller that will provide optimal control and safety when towing. With their durability, advanced features, and ease of use, the top electronic brake controls are an excellent investment for anyone looking to improve their towing experience and stay safe on the road.
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.