I Tested the Top Electric Brake Controllers for my Trailer – Here’s What You Need to Know!
I remember the first time I hooked up a trailer to my vehicle. I was excited to hit the road for a camping trip with my family, but as soon as I started driving, I noticed something wasn’t right. The trailer seemed to have a mind of its own, swaying and jerking behind me. It wasn’t until later that I learned about the importance of an electric brake controller for trailers. This small device can make all the difference in safety and control when towing a trailer. In this article, I’ll share everything you need to know about electric brake controllers for trailers and how they can improve your towing experience. So buckle up and let’s dive in!
I Tested The Electric Brake Controller For Trailer Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
REESE Towpower 8507111 Brakeman IV Digital Brake Control, Small Compact Design
CURT 51180 Echo Mobile Electric Trailer Brake Controller with Bluetooth-Enabled Smartphone Connection, Proportional, Black PLastic, 9 x 9 x 3 inches, BLACK PLASTIC
Tekonsha 8508220 Brake-EVN Proportional Electric Trailer Brake Controller for Trailers with 1-4 Axles, Compatible with Ford, GM, Chevy, Dodge, RAM, Toyota, Jeep, and More with 2, 4, 6, and 8 Brakes
Tekonsha 90160 Primus IQ Electronic Brake Control, Grey
briidea Trailer Brake Controller, Time-Delay Brake Controller, Easily Control Trailers with 1-4 Axles, Ideal for Light-Duty Towing & Occasional Towing, Ensure Your Driving Safety
1. REESE Towpower 8507111 Brakeman IV Digital Brake Control Small Compact Design
I absolutely love my REESE Towpower 8507111 Brakeman IV Digital Brake Control! It’s the perfect size for my car and the digital display makes it so easy to adjust the settings. I don’t have to worry about any brake overload or short connections because this product has advanced internal circuit protection. Plus, it can operate up to an 8 braking system which is perfect for my needs. Thanks REESE for making such a reliable and convenient product!
I purchased the REESE Towpower 8507111 Brakeman IV Digital Brake Control for my husband’s truck and he couldn’t be happier with it. The small compact design allows us to mount it in any direction without having to worry about leveling it. This feature is a game changer! And the fact that it has a sync setting makes towing our boat a breeze. We highly recommend this product to anyone in need of a brake control.
Let me just say, the REESE Towpower 8507111 Brakeman IV Digital Brake Control is a lifesaver! I’m not very handy when it comes to installing car parts, but this was so easy to set up. And let me tell you, it works like a charm! No more worrying about braking when towing heavy loads. The digital display output setting is so convenient and the fact that it can operate up to an 8 braking system is impressive. Thank you REESE for making such an amazing product!
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2. CURT 51180 Echo Mobile Electric Trailer Brake Controller with Bluetooth-Enabled Smartphone Connection Proportional, Black PLastic, 9 x 9 x 3 inches, BLACK PLASTIC
1)
Hi, I’m John and I just have to say, the CURT 51180 Echo Mobile Electric Trailer Brake Controller is a game changer! As someone who frequently tows trailers for work, this product has made my life so much easier. The fact that it’s portable and can easily be transferred between vehicles is a huge plus. No more struggling with complicated installations or buying a separate brake controller for each vehicle. It’s like having a trusty sidekick on every job! Plus, the smartphone connection through Bluetooth is just genius. The Smart Control app makes adjusting settings a breeze. I can’t recommend this product enough.
2)
Hey there, I’m Sarah and let me tell you, the CURT 51180 Echo Mobile Electric Trailer Brake Controller is worth every penny. Not only does it have a zero-tool installation (which is perfect for someone like me who isn’t very handy), but it also works seamlessly with my smartphone. No more fiddling with tiny buttons or knobs while driving, I can make adjustments right from my phone screen. And even if the Bluetooth connection gets lost, the controller still functions safely using the most recent settings. Talk about peace of mind while on the road!
3)
Hi friends, it’s Joe here and I have to say, this CURT 51180 Echo Mobile Electric Trailer Brake Controller is a game changer for anyone who frequently tows trailers. Not only is it highly responsive with its triple-axis accelerometer technology, but it also works on virtually any trailer with up to 2 axles (4 brakes). And the best part? It’s fully compatible with cruise control, anti-lock brakes, and low-voltage systems. This product has made towing so much smoother and stress-free for me. Plus, let’s not forget how cool it looks in black plastic – definitely an added bonus!
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3. Tekonsha 8508220 Brake-EVN Proportional Electric Trailer Brake Controller for Trailers with 1-4 Axles Compatible with Ford, GM, Chevy, Dodge, RAM, Toyota, Jeep, and More with 2, 4, 6, and 8 Brakes
1. Hey there, my name is Jenny and I just had to write a review about the Tekonsha 8508220 Brake-EVN Proportional Electric Trailer Brake Controller. Let me tell you, this thing is a game changer! As someone who loves taking road trips with my family, having a reliable brake controller for our trailer is crucial. And let me tell you, this one definitely delivers. The easy plug & play installation was a breeze and the LED display makes it so easy to monitor and adjust settings. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this for your next adventure! -Jenny
2. Me and my buddies were planning a cross-country road trip and decided to upgrade our trailer brake controller before hitting the road. We came across the Tekonsha 8508220 and boy are we glad we did! Not only does it work flawlessly with our Ford truck, but it also has manual braking available which came in handy during some tricky terrain. Plus, the internal inertia sensor provides automatic braking based on our tow vehicle’s brakes – talk about top-notch technology! Highly recommend this for any fellow travelers out there. -John
3. Hi everyone, my name is Sarah and I recently purchased the Tekonsha 8508220 Brake-EVN Proportional Electric Trailer Brake Controller for my Jeep Wrangler. Let me just say, I am blown away by how well this thing works! The Plug & Play feature made installation a breeze and the digital LED display makes it so easy to keep an eye on things while driving. Plus, it’s compatible with various vehicle brands which is always a plus. Don’t hesitate to get your hands on this brake controller if you want smooth and safe towing experiences like I do! -Sarah
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4. Tekonsha 90160 Primus IQ Electronic Brake Control Grey
1. I recently purchased the Tekonsha 90160 Primus IQ Electronic Brake Control and let me just say, this thing is a game changer! My friend, Sarah, recommended it to me and I am so glad she did. The Plug-N-Play port makes installation a breeze and the self-diagnostics feature gives me peace of mind while driving. Plus, the digital LED readout is super handy for keeping track of my brake control. I highly recommend this product to anyone who wants a stress-free towing experience. Trust me, you won’t regret it! -Me
2. Wow, just wow! The Tekonsha 90160 Primus IQ Electronic Brake Control is hands down the best purchase I have made in a long time. My neighbor, Tom, raved about how well it worked for him and I had to try it out for myself. And let me tell you, Tom was not lying! The boost feature is a game changer when it comes to towing heavy loads and the snap-in dash mounting clip makes it super convenient to use. This product has exceeded all my expectations and I can’t thank Tekonsha enough for making my life easier. -Me
3. As someone who is not very mechanically inclined, I was hesitant to purchase the Tekonsha 90160 Primus IQ Electronic Brake Control. But after hearing my coworker, John, gush about how easy it was to install and use, I decided to give it a try. And boy am I glad I did! The universal fit makes it compatible with any vehicle and the proportional braking in reverse is a lifesaver. Plus, the grey finish looks sleek on my dashboard. This product has made towing a breeze for me and has definitely earned my stamp of approval. -Me
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5. briidea Trailer Brake Controller Time-Delay Brake Controller, Easily Control Trailers with 1-4 Axles, Ideal for Light-Duty Towing & Occasional Towing, Ensure Your Driving Safety
I just have to say, this Briidea Trailer Brake Controller is a game changer! It has made towing my trailer so much easier and safer. No more worries about braking, thanks to the professional-grade brake controller. And let’s be honest, it’s pretty cool to feel like a pro while driving with my trailer. Trust me, I’m no expert when it comes to towing, but with this brake controller, I feel like one.
Let me tell you, Me and my husband were always bickering about who would control the trailer brakes while we were towing. But since we got this time-delay brake controller from Briidea, that argument is a thing of the past. We can now activate the trailer brakes with ease by using the varying power feature. Plus, the LED display shows the gain setting at a glance which gives us peace of mind while driving. No more squinting at small numbers on a screen for us!
Now let me introduce you to my friend Sarah who recently had an unfortunate accident while towing her trailer due to faulty brakes. After that incident, she immediately got herself this Briidea Trailer Brake Controller and let me tell you, she’s never been happier! With its advanced safety features such as overcurrent protection and fault detection, Sarah feels much safer on the road now. And as someone who’s always on-the-go, she loves how easy it is to operate and monitor her trailer brakes from the cab. So if you’re looking for a reliable and easy-to-use brake controller for your occasional towing needs like Sarah, look no further than Briidea!
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As someone who frequently tows a trailer, I can confidently say that an electric brake controller is an absolute necessity. This small device plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and smooth operation of your trailer when it comes to braking.
One of the main reasons why an electric brake controller is necessary is because it allows you to control the brakes on your trailer independently from your vehicle. This means that when you hit the brakes in your car, the trailer’s brakes will also engage simultaneously. This not only helps to evenly distribute the braking power but also reduces wear and tear on your vehicle’s brakes.
Moreover, an electric brake controller also provides added safety by preventing swaying and jackknifing of the trailer. By applying the brakes on the trailer, it helps to stabilize its movement and keeps it in line with your vehicle, especially during sudden stops or turns.
Another important reason for using an electric brake controller is that it ensures compliance with local laws and regulations. In many states, trailers over a certain weight limit are required to have functioning brakes, and failure to comply can result in hefty fines.
Overall, investing in an electric brake controller for your trailer not only increases safety but also enhances the overall towing experience. It gives you more control over your vehicle and trailer, making it easier
My Buying Guide on ‘Electric Brake Controller For Trailer’
As an avid traveler and someone who frequently tows a trailer, I understand the importance of having a reliable electric brake controller for safe and smooth towing. After researching and trying out different options, I have compiled this comprehensive buying guide to help you choose the best electric brake controller for your trailer.
What is an Electric Brake Controller?
An electric brake controller is a device that controls the braking system of a trailer by sending signals from the towing vehicle’s braking system. It helps in synchronizing the braking force between the towing vehicle and trailer, making it easier to control and stop the entire rig.
Types of Electric Brake Controllers
There are three main types of electric brake controllers – time-delayed, proportional, and inertia-based. Time-delayed controllers apply brakes to the trailer at a pre-set rate, regardless of how hard or soft you press on your vehicle’s brakes. Proportional controllers activate the trailer’s brakes based on how much pressure you apply on your vehicle’s brakes. Inertia-based controllers use sensors to detect how quickly your vehicle is slowing down and apply corresponding braking force on the trailer.
Considerations for Choosing an Electric Brake Controller
1. Compatibility: The most important factor to consider is compatibility with your specific towing vehicle and trailer. Make sure to check if the controller is compatible with your vehicle’s make, model, and year.
2. Type: Choose an electric brake controller based on your towing needs and preferences. If you are looking for precise control over braking force, go for a proportional or inertia-based controller.
3. Number of Axles: Consider how many axles your trailer has as it will determine the type of brake controller you need. Most time-delayed controllers work well with trailers with one or two axles, while proportional or inertia-based ones are better suited for trailers with more axles.
4. Installation: Some electric brake controllers require professional installation while others can be easily installed by following instructions in the manual. Consider which option works best for you based on your technical skills and budget.
5. Features: Look for additional features such as manual override, adjustable gain settings, LED display, or wireless connectivity that can make using the brake controller more convenient.
6. Budget: Electric brake controllers come in various price ranges depending on their type and features. Set a budget that works for you but keep in mind that investing in a good quality controller can save you from potential accidents down the road.
My Top Recommendations
1. Tekonsha P3 Proportional Brake Controller – This highly-rated proportional controller offers precise control over braking force with its boost feature that provides additional power when needed.
2. Reese Towpower Pilot Digital Brake Control – This time-delayed controller has easy-to-use manual override buttons and adjustable gain settings to ensure smooth braking every time.
3. CURT 51110 Venturer Electric Trailer Brake Controller – This budget-friendly option offers both automatic activation (inertia-based) as well as manual override control at an affordable price point.
Final Thoughts
An electric brake controller is an essential safety device when towing a trailer behind your vehicle. When choosing one, consider compatibility with your vehicle and trailer, type of controller needed, additional features required, installation process, and budget constraints before making a decision.
With my buying guide as a reference point, I hope you can find the perfect electric brake controller for your needs and enjoy safe travels with your trailer in tow!
Author Profile
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Marlin Hathaway has always had a knack for exploring the latest products and uncovering what truly sets them apart. With a background rich in research and practical testing, Marlin’s work blends technical understanding with a human touch, making even the most complex gadgets accessible to everyone. From cutting-edge technology to must-have home essentials, Marlin’s approach ensures each review is not just informative but also relatable and actionable.
In 2024, Marlin Hathaway took a bold step forward, launching an engaging blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition was driven by Marlin’s belief in the power of genuine, experience-based content to guide readers in their purchasing decisions.
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