Trailer brake controllers, a crucial piece of safety gear for routine towing, have been around for a while, but during the past two decades, they’ve advanced significantly. These controllers, as their name suggests, control the electric brakes on a trailer. Without them, the brakes of the car must stop the entire weight of the car plus whatever it is towing. At best, that will result in extremely long stopping distances; at worst, it will result in a crash or worn-out, overheated brake.
The problem with trailers is that they come in a variety of sizes and forms. They can be attached to your vehicle but doing so might be risky. This is so that your automobile and trailer may both be stopped when you press the brakes. Well, in this article, you’ll be introduced to the list of the best trailer brake controllers.
So, let’s dive in!
Contents
Best trailer brake controller
The followings are the lists of best trailer brake controllers in today’s auto market:
- Tekonsha P3 Model 90195
- Curt 51110 Venturer
- Tekonsha 90160 Primus™ IQ Electronic Trailer Brake Control
- Reese Towpower Brakeman Model 74642
- Tekonsha P3 Trailer Brake Controller with Wiring Harness
Tekonsha P3 Model 90195
The Tekonsha P3 looks as much like an OEM component that has been factory installed as an aftermarket brake controller can. The battery, brake, and output voltages as well as the system currently being displayed on a sizable, easy-to-read LED readout panel. If there is a problem in the system, it can also flash a warning. The language (English, Spanish, and French) and brightness can all be adjusted.
The P3 can handle up to four axles, and there is a boost feature to modify braking power. Braking is adjusted by two extremely large buttons that are simple for a driver to use while behind the wheel. Unfortunately, it is not inexpensive.
Curt 51110 Venturer
This Curt brake controller’s power output and ramp time settings let you precisely regulate the amount of braking force you require, whether you’re traveling uphill or on flat ground, regardless of how much or little freight you’re hauling. The inexpensive item mounts quickly and is compatible with a number of brake systems.
Trailers with one to three axles can use this Curt braking controller. The Curt 51110 operates your trailer brakes in accordance with your predetermined settings because it is a time-based device. When you press the brake pedal in your towing vehicle, a synch button enables you to predetermine how quickly you want the trailer to be stopped. The amount of braking force, which is displayed by the LED lights on the right side of the controller, can be adjusted by turning the toggle on top of the device.
Tekonsha 90160 Primus™ IQ Electronic Trailer Brake Control
The Primus does routine self-diagnoses and communicates any faults on the LED panel. The drawback is that not all you need is in the box for a product that claims to be simple to install. Specific wire harnesses for each vehicle are extra-charged and sold separately by Tekonsha.
At a reasonable cost, the Tekonsha Prius IQ offers a ton of features. This device has a boost setting and can manage up to three axles. A useful, although not entirely comprehensive, LED readout is present. It is also one of the simplest to install among conventional aftermarket trailer brake controllers; it practically snaps into place, however, there is also a detachable electric link.
Reese Towpower Brakeman Model 74642
The Reese Towpower Brakeman is a good option if you only have two very small camping or light equipment trailers. Its solid-state design means there are no internal moving components, making it easy, affordable, and dependable. However, it also implies that the amount of braking sent to the trailer is fixed and not based on how hard the brakes of the towing vehicle are being used.
The braking force can be adjusted by the driver via a thumbwheel, however, proportional systems are far more accurate. It does not include a wire connector and neither does it include a readout to inform the driver of what is happening.
Tekonsha P3 Trailer Brake Controller with Wiring Harness
The Tekonsha wiring harness included in this package is specifically made for Toyota Sequoia, Landcruiser, and 4Runner SUVs as well as Tacoma and Lexus vehicles. It is also our top option for Tekonsha trailer brake controllers. This 32-inch accessory’s two-plug adapter makes it simple to connect your controller to the brake control port of the car.
Finding the proper cables to connect the brake control of your vehicle and that of your trailer is made easier with the Tekonsha 3040-P brake control wiring adapter. These Toyota vehicles are compatible with your Tekonsha P3: Tacoma (2007-2015), Lexus LX470 (2003-2007), Lexus GX470 (2003-2009), Lexus GX460 (2010-2015), Lexus LX570 (2008-2011, 2013-2015), and Tundra (2003-2014).
FAQs
What is the best trailer brake controller?
The followings are the lists of the best trailer brake controller in today’s market:
- Tekonsha P3 Model 90195
- Curt 51110 Venturer
- Tekonsha 90160 Primus™ IQ Electronic Trailer Brake Control
- Reese Towpower Brakeman Model 74642
- Tekonsha P3 Trailer Brake Controller with Wiring Harness
Which brake controller should I get?
The safest and most effective braking system you can install is one with proportional controllers. – The ideal controllers for heavy trailer users are proportional ones rather than time-delayed ones, which are best for infrequent users. They perform better under different circumstances and put less strain on the tow and trailer brakes.
Are trailer brake controllers worth it?
A brake controller can mean the difference between stopping safely and having a trailer fishtail out of control, especially when towing heavy loads, moving at greater speeds, or on rough terrain. Instead of the straightforward on-off, you might have with simple trailer wiring, they give your trailer brakes brains.
Are all trailer brake controllers the same?
There are many different kinds of trailer brake controllers available today, but the three most popular types are factory, proportional, and time delay. Controls for time-delay brakes: These work consistently.
Can I tow a trailer with electric brakes without a brake controller?
Without a brake controller, electric trailer brakes are inoperable. You will need a brake controller to tow if your trailer has electric brakes. Surge brakes, however, are available on some trailers. These brakes are hydraulic and are operated by the weight and movement of the trailer itself.
Can I install my own trailer brake controller?
The controller is easily mounted to your trailer drawbar using a regular drill and screws (or if you’re in a rush, cable ties). All that’s left to do is plug the apparatus in, and you’re ready to begin. no wiring for the electronic brake controller.
Does 7-pin control trailer brakes?
No, the brakes themselves are neither engaged nor controlled via a 7-pin trailer plug. It merely serves as a link between the trailer and the towing vehicle.
Are all electric brake controllers the same?
Electric brake controllers come in two different varieties. Motion sensing is sometimes referred to as solid-state, pendulum type, and time delay activated. Both types of controllers are fairly similar, despite the fact that their approaches differ.
Can an electric brake controller drain the battery?
When the truck is off, trailer brake controllers like the Prodigy P2 # 90885 will consume a very small amount of power, yet this is all that is needed to turn on the tiny LED light. Because of how little power is being used, it would be several months before the battery’s power consumption became an issue.
How does a brake controller know if a trailer is connected?
When a trailer is connected, aftermarket brake controllers send a tiny amount of voltage through the brake output wire, which is used to power the magnets in the brake assembly. The controller is informed that a trailer is linked to this power consumption.
How much does it cost to fit a brake controller?
The controller itself will typically cost between $60.00 and $340, and the most difficult installations may require up to $300 in labor. The price to install a brake controller, however, varies according to the kind of controller you select and the wiring that is already in your car.
Related Article:
- Understanding Service Trailer Brake System
- What does “service brake assist” mean?
- What causes a spongy or soft brake pedal (and how to fix it)
- 4 pin trailer wiring installation
- Lists of best all-season tires
That is all for this article, where the lists of the best trailer brake controller are discussed. I hope you learn a lot from the reading, if so, kindly share with others. Thanks for reading, see you around!
