Top Best Trailer Brake Controllers in 2020
The best trailer brake controllers are those that ensure a smooth stopping experience. They are also very easy to install and to set up. Furthermore, top quality controllers are those that do not require leveling. Controllers are always installed as an aftermarket part to help with the braking of a towing vehicle. And they are normally activated when the driver brakes in a towing vehicle, which, in turn, activates the electric brakes of the trailer. While it is imperative that you only use the best ones for best results, finding them can be very hard. That’s why we bring you the following reviews.
Checkout the Best Trailer Brake Controllers in Reviews
1. Tekonsha 90195 P3 Electronic Brake Control
The Tekonsha Trailer Brake Controller deserves the top spot. This is because it combines easy portability with multiple trailer compatibility to deliver second-to-none performance. It is a top-notch electric trailer brake that’s designed for up to 4 braking axles. It boasts an integrated Plug-N-Play port, which works for 2-plug adapters. It also has a Snap-in mounting clip that will let you remove and store it when it is not in use. Another incredible feature of this electronic brake control is the boost feature that allows for different levels of customized braking. Moreover, this electronic brake control has up-front controls, which offer easy access to all P3 features. There is also an override lever that allows for manual braking control when desired.
Pros
- Ensures super smooth application of brakes
- The feedback display is really handy
- Very easy to install
- Works exactly as advertised
- Easy to adjust and use
Cons
- The buttons tend to get stuck
2. Tekonsha 90160 Primus IQ Electronic Brake Control
You will not need any level adjustment if you have the Tekonsha 90160 Primus IQ Electronic Brake Control. It is equipped with the primary sensor technology from the Prodigy. In addition, it comes packed with a boost feature to allow you to apply more initial braking power in the event that you are towing heavier trailers. This trailer brake controller also boasts a snap-in dash mounting clip that helps make installation a piece of cake. Plus it has a removable connector to let you quickly store it when it is not in use. The trailer brake controller works proportionally in reverse, so you can back it into tough spots. You will be impressed with its digital readout that displays a secure electrical connection, diagnostic features, and the amount of voltage delivery to the trailer brakes.
Pros
- The setup is simple
- It has great features at a great price
- Easy to install and to use
Cons
- Brackets are made of plastic; hence, they need extra care to last longer
3. Tekonsha Electronic Brake Control, Prodigy P2 (90885)
Tekonsha has another great trailer brake controller in the Tekonsha Electronic Brake Control, Prodigy P2 (90885). The unit is compatible with electric over hydraulic brake systems, and it is designed to work with up to 4 braking axles. It boasts a high-performance digital display that shows the voltage delivery to trailer during braking. It also has a boost feature like other premium trailer brake controllers. This function will allow you to apply more initial braking power in the event that you are towing heavier trailers. Furthermore, this unit has several mounting options, including a 360-degree vertical rotation featuring a disconnect function to let you remove and store it when it is not in use.
Pros
- Very easy to install
- Delivers great results once properly installed
- Instructions are easy to read
- Extremely easy to adjust
- The display is easy to view
- Controls are big for easy use
Cons
- Does not fully apply the trailer brakes even when adjusted to the highest setting
4. Reese Towpower Control Proportional Brake-EVN (8508211)
We recommend this controller for you because the manufacturer believes that safety comes before everything. Their proportional brake control offers a smooth braking response to nearly any stop. It has a sensing device that determines the tow vehicle’s rate of deceleration and then applies the matching trailer brakes. It is designed for use with 1 – 4 axle systems. In addition, the proportional brake controller has a boost feature that makes it possible to apply more initial braking. Its reverse battery protection will give you peace of mind knowing that the chances of the unfortunate are very limited. The diagnostic features of this unit are incorporated in the easy-to-read LED display for ultimate convenience.
Pros
- Installation is a no-brainer
- The price is not super expensive
- Instructions are very easy to follow
- Reasonably small; thus, fits in many places
Cons
- It is not a “mount in any direction” unit, but it has reasonably wide latitude
5. Tekonsha 90250 Prodigy RF Electronic Brake Control
The price of this trailer brake controller is obviously more expensive than the units we have reviewed so far. Nonetheless, it is worth it, considering the high ratings and several customer reviews. It is a reliable electronic brake control that’s suitable for any trailer up to 3 axles. It is safe to use, given that Tekonsha provides a 15-year limited warranty to protect the trailer mounted power module and a 1-year limited warranty to protect the cord. Furthermore, they provide a 5-year limited warranty to protect the handheld unit against defects and poor workmanship. The display of this electronic brake controller is easy to see and shows diagnostics, power output, and trailer brake voltage.
Pros
- Lays the brakes on softly
- It is an invaluable add-on to rental trailers
- Super easy to set up
- The internal sensor function is a cool addition
Cons
- It would be nice if the customer service department of Tekonsha works all the time.
6. REESE Towpower Digital Brake Control, Brakeman IV (8507111)
It is almost an understatement to say that the price of this digital brake control is cheap. Despite the low price point, the unit has an incredible 4.5/5 rating after around 200 customer reviews. Well, this simply shows that it is one of the best units on the market. It installs quickly because of its small and compact design. It can also be mounted in any direction with absolutely no leveling required. Besides, this digital brake control has a plug-and-play feature that is pre-wired and allows for quick and effortless connection to several brake systems (2, 4, 6, and 8). The brake control system also features two separate and easy-to-push button adjustment controls to allow for different trailer weights (outputs) and the activation speed (sync).
Pros
- Extremely easy to use and adjust
- The price is hard to beat
- Very responsive and works as advertised
- Very simple to install
Cons
- Incompatible with some vehicle models
7. Hopkins 47297 INSIGHT Brake Control
If all you want is a simpler and more rewarding towing experience, then the Hopkins 47297 INSIGHT Brake Control is the unit to go for. It is a worthy trailer brake controller that solves the problem of inconvenient mounting, difficult-to-see displays, and out-of-reach controls. It has 7 sensitivity settings to ensure advanced braking control. It also boasts advanced proportional technology as well as increased user control. Moreover, this brake control is super easy to install with zero tools required. It works on trailers with hydraulic or electric brakes, making it a convenient purchase. What’s more, the brake control boasts short-proof protection for up to 8 trailer brakes. It can be mounted wherever you want, and this will let you have your eyes on the road.
Pros
- Very easy to install
- Power levels are easy to adjust
- Can be installed under the dash or on top of the control
Cons
- The double-sided tape it comes with is very cheap
8. CURT TriFlex Electric Trailer Brake Controller (51140)
Despite being reasonably priced, the CURT TriFlex Electric Trailer Brake Controller (51140) has one feature that most trailer brake controllers do not have. Well, that feature is the built-in circuit referred to as the triple-axis accelerometer. It detects motion on 3 planes and offers the expected braking power. It offers smooth, safe and responsive braking whether you are moving up or down a hill. The trailer braking control system is very adjustable, so it can accommodate different loads, trailers, and vehicles. It has nine levels of sensitivity adjustment and boasts driver-selectable power output and manual activation. It will not dominate your dash because it has a compact design that also looks sleek. It measures just 3-1/4” by 4” by 7/8”.
Pros
- Great for the price
- Installation takes around one hour, which is just fine
- Appears to work as advertised
- It sets up easily after installation
Cons
- May arrive with some issues, but there is a return policy
9. Draw-Tite Electronic Brake Control, I-Stop IQ (20191)
The Draw-Tite Electronic Brake Control (20191) is designed for one to three axle trailers. It is a 100-percent proportional electronic trailer braking control system, which levels on its own. It uses the Draw-Tite I-Stop Ultra’s primary sensor technology to provide you with unrivaled results. Additionally, this electronic brake control comes equipped with the boost feature to let you apply more initial braking in the event that you are towing heavier trailers. It can be quickly stored when it is not in use, and this is because of the snap-in dash mounting clip. In addition, this unit comes with a limited lifetime warranty that protects against defects in workmanship and material.
Pros
- The auto-leveling feature is a nice touch
- Very reliable and effective
- Creates a super smooth stopping experience for trucks and trailers
- It is a simple plug-and-play
- Installation is a snap
Cons
- Has some kind of internal sensor that is inconsistent
10. Tekonsha 9030 Voyager Electronic Brake Control
Tekonsha has equipped this voyager electronic brake control with a plug-and-play feature to make it quick and easy to connect. They have also included advanced electronics to help minimize false braking and ensure a smoother ride. What’s more, this brake control has a broad control range that makes it extremely easy to set up. It is designed for up to 4 braking axles, and it works great at ensuring a smooth stopping experience. As you apply brakes via this unit, the LED gradually changes color from green to red to provide you with accurate information. The compact size means you will have zero problems installing this electronic brake control.
Pros
- Works great for the price
- Very easy to install
- Well built for long-lasting performance
- Arrives in a timely manner and in great condition
- Installation instructions are very clear
Cons
- A bit hard to adjust
Buyer’s Guide for the Best Trailer Brake Controllers
Our buyer’s guide talks about the following factors.
Braking Type
It is important to note that there are two types of brake controlling systems; time delayed and proportional. Proportional-based brake controllers provide a smooth braking response to nearly any stop. Time delayed brake controlling systems, on the other hand, offer a set or predetermined amount of braking power to a trailer when the driver steps on their vehicle brakes.
Vehicle Compatibility
When choosing a trailer brake controller, make sure it is one that will work seamlessly with your vehicle. Ideally, buying a trailer brake controller that is compatible with your vehicle helps make installation and setup a breeze.
Display
The display of the trailer brake controller should be easy to view. It should also display lots of features such as the voltage delivery to trailer during braking, power output, and diagnostic features.
Mounting Options
Consider a trailer brake controller that can be mounted in any direction. This helps make installation a breeze. Also, make sure the trailer brake controller you go for does not require leveling during installation.
Conclusion
Trailer brake controllers may not be a must-buy for owners of lightweight trailers. However, they are a must-have for anyone with a heavy trailer. They improve convenience when you are on the road by making sure you stop smoothly. In this article, we have talked about everything to give you full information about these products.
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