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. Smooth and Controlled Braking: Tekonsha P3 Electronic Brake Control
The P3 brake controller features a clear and user-friendly LCD display with customizable screen color options, making it easy to read. It is designed to fit universally, making it compatible with a wide range of vehicles. The up-front controls provide easy access to all features of the P3 brake controller, while the easy-to-understand diagnostics display vital information such as output current, battery status, brake, and output voltage. Additionally, a flashing red warning system alerts the user when there are no trailer brakes, ensuring safety while driving. Users can choose 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 different levels of customized braking, and the compact, dash-hugging design ensures that the brake controller takes up minimal space in the vehicle.
Pros:
• Clear and user-friendly LCD display with customizable screen color options
• Universally compatible design
• Up-front controls provide easy access to all features
• Easy-to-understand diagnostics display vital information
• Flashing red warning system alerts user to No Trailer Brake situations
• Option to choose between electric over hydraulic or electric trailer brake mode
• Screen information display in multiple languages
• Original Boost feature allows for different levels of customized braking
• Compact and space-saving design
Cons:
• No major cons identified.
- 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 Smooth and Consistent Braking with Tekonsha’s Primus IQ
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. Drive with Confidence: The Tekonsha 9030 Voyager Brake Controller in Black
The Tekonsha Voyager brake controller is an excellent choice for those seeking proportional electric brake control. This device automatically applies the brakes on your trailer based on the intensity and rate at which you press your tow vehicle’s brakes, thanks to its internal inertia sensor. This makes it perfect for any braking situation.
One of the advantages of this brake controller is its plug-and-play design, which makes installation easy. It has a snap-in dash mounting clip and a removable electrical connector, making it simple to unplug, unclip, and store.
The brake controller also features an easy-to-read color LED indicator that shows settings, real-time diagnostics, and alerts. A red light indicates an increase in power to the trailer brakes, while a green light indicates a secure connection with the trailer.
If you ever need to manually apply the brakes, the Voyager offers a manual control lever that you can move to the left. This will apply power to your trailer’s brakes up to the amount of power previously set.
The Voyager 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). However, it’s important to note that the vehicle-specific Tekonsha Plug & Play brake controller wiring harness is sold separately.
Some potential drawbacks of the Tekonsha Voyager brake controller include the need for a separate wiring harness and the lack of compatibility with some vehicles.
- 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. Experience Smooth and Precise Braking with Tekonsha 90250 Prodigy RF Electronic Brake Control
This product offers the ideal solution for multiple vehicles sharing a trailer, which can be used with any trailer containing up to three axles. It includes a hand-held control unit that operates from the tow vehicle, as well as a trailer power module mounted on the trailer. These two components communicate wirelessly, enabling proportional braking in both forward and reverse without the need for level adjustments. The trailer’s braking power is supplied through a 7-Way Connector from the vehicle. Additionally, this product is compatible with tow vehicles that have multiplex wiring systems, and it is not vehicle-specific.
Advantages:
• Suitable for any trailer with up to three axles
• Enables proportional braking in both forward and reverse without level adjustments
• Wireless communication between the hand-held control unit and the trailer power module
• Compatible with tow vehicles that have multiplex wiring systems
• Not vehicle-specific
Disadvantages:
• It is not clear what brand or specific product is being referred to
• Additional information is needed about the installation process and compatibility with different vehicles
- 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. Upgrade Your Towing Performance with the Tow-Pro Elite Electric Brake Controller
The REDARC Tow-Pro is an award-winning electric brake controller that offers both proportional and user-controlled modes of braking. Its unique design allows it to sense inertia while driving on the highway, ensuring safe and controlled braking when needed. With the option to switch between modes, users have more control over their trailer’s braking system. The Tow-Pro Elite model features Active Calibration, which simplifies installation and operation. The design is sleek and requires minimal dash space, making it ideal for most common trailer braking applications. The REDARC Tow-Pro Classic model offers a single user-controlled mode of trailer braking, making it easy to adjust the required force with a simple turn of the control knob. However, it may not be suitable for more complex braking needs.
- 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 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.