Electric brake controllers are essential for towing a trailer or caravan safely. They are designed to activate the brakes on your trailer or caravan when you apply the brakes in your vehicle. This helps to prevent accidents and makes towing easier and more manageable. However, with so many electric brake controllers available on the market, it can be challenging to find the best one for your needs. Factors such as compatibility, ease of installation, and features can all play a role in your decision-making process. 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 towing veteran or a newbie, this guide will help you find the perfect electric brake controller for your needs.
1. Smooth and Controlled Braking: Tekonsha 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. Tekonsha’s Primus IQ: The Easy-to-Install Brake Controller for Your Trailer
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. 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 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. Stay in Control of Your Trailer with the Tekonsha 90250 Prodigy RF Electronic Brake Control
This solution is ideal for sharing a trailer among multiple vehicles and is compatible with any trailer that has up to three axles. It features a hand-held control unit in the tow vehicle and a trailer power module mounted on the trailer. The remote hand unit communicates wirelessly with the trailer-mounted power module. The system includes proportional braking in both forward and reverse, with no level adjustment needed. The trailer’s braking power is supplied through a 7-way connector from the vehicle. Additionally, this solution is compatible with tow vehicles that have multiplex wiring systems, and the product is not vehicle-specific.
Advantages:
• Allows for multiple vehicles to share a single trailer, which can be cost-effective for individuals or companies that frequently transport goods or equipment.
• Wireless communication between the control unit and trailer power module allows for more flexibility and convenience during use.
• Proportional braking ensures smoother and safer braking, reducing the risk of accidents or damage to the trailer or tow vehicle.
• Compatible with tow vehicles that have multiplex wiring systems, making it a versatile option for a variety of vehicles.
Disadvantages:
• No notable disadvantages were mentioned.
- 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 is an award-winning electric brake controller that offers two types of braking in one unit, making it the first of its kind. The Tow-Pro Elite model uses both proportional and user-controlled modes, and includes Active Calibration technology. This ensures safe and controlled braking when needed during highway commutes, thanks to its inertia sensing feature. Designed to fit most common trailer braking applications, the REDARC Tow-Pro Electric Brake Controllers have innovative and sleek designs that require minimal dash space and are easy to install and operate. For those who prefer a simpler option, the REDARC Tow-Pro Classic Electric Brake Controller offers a single user-controlled mode of trailer braking. With just a turn of a control knob, you can adjust the required force for your towed vehicle as needed.
Pros:
• Offers two types of braking in one unit (Tow-Pro Elite model)
• Inertia sensing for safe and controlled braking during highway commutes (Tow-Pro Elite model)
• Designed to fit most common trailer braking applications
• Innovative and sleek design that requires minimal dash space
• Easy to install and operate
• User-controlled mode for simple and quick adjustments (Tow-Pro Classic model)
Cons:
• May not be suitable for all trailer braking applications
• The more advanced Tow-Pro Elite model may be more expensive than some alternatives
- 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.