For tow vehicles without a factory-installed brake control system, a trailer brake controller is the only way to ensure the safe use of trailer brakes. But how do you choose one that’s right for your towing setup? Let’s cover the most important buying factors and highlight our favorite trailer brake controller brands.
Key Takeaways
- Brake Controller Necessity: A trailer brake controller is required for safe braking when towing trailers with electric or electro-hydraulic brakes, especially if the loaded weight exceeds 3,000 pounds. Some trucks come with factory-installed controllers, but SUVs, minivans, and other vehicles typically require an aftermarket option.
- Choosing the Right Controller: Proportional controllers provide smoother, more accurate braking and are ideal for frequent towing or heavier loads, while time-delayed controllers are more affordable but can lead to jerky stops. Installation options range from easy plug-and-play models to fully integrated systems requiring professional installation.
- Top Brake Controller Brands: Recommended brands include CURT Echo Mobile (Bluetooth-enabled, plug-and-play), Tekonsha Primus IQ (proportional with digital diagnostics), and REDARC Tow-Pro Liberty (highway-friendly with manual brake control).
Do You Need a Brake Controller for Trailer Brakes?
According to federal law, RV trailers must have a braking system if their loaded weight exceeds 3,000 pounds. With most braking systems, the brake controller effectively operates the trailer brakes when you apply the brakes in your tow vehicle.
In addition to loaded weight requirements, trailers with electric or electro-hydraulic brakes must use a brake controller when towing. Without a controller, the tow vehicle can’t activate the trailer brakes for safe braking application. Some tow vehicles—mainly trucks—come with factory-installed brake controls. If you’re towing with an SUV, minivan, or any other vehicle that didn’t come with a controller, you’ll likely need an aftermarket option.
Choosing A Brake Control for Towing
Use these factors to select a control compatible with your trailer and tow vehicle.
Trailer Weight
The two main trailer brake controller types—proportional and time-delayed—are best for different applications. For heavy-duty towing or those concerned with the safety of their cargo, proportional controllers are best. They generally deliver smoother stopping because they apply force proportional to what you’re applying to your tow vehicle’s brake pedal.
Time-delayed controllers are typically more affordable but can work well for lightweight towables like pop up campers. Their main drawback is that you set a single gain setting. Whether you’re gently braking or coming to an abrupt stop, the controller applies the same force. This can lead to jerky starts and stops that aren’t ideal for most towable campers, especially when you have your personal belongings inside.
Advantage: Proportional Controllers (for all but the lightest setups)
Towing Frequency
For full-time campers or those who tow frequently, proportional trailer brake controllers deliver more accurate braking. This is due to their built-in accelerometers, which detect momentum changes to deliver a less herky-jerky braking experience.
Additionally, some plug-and-play proportional controllers work with multiple towing setups. If you tow with multiple vehicles or have a second towable—think boat or utility trailer—select models can be programmed to fit your various towing applications.
While a time-delayed controller may suit those who tow infrequently, it doesn’t offer substantial cost savings compared to affordable controllers that use proportional braking. The added investment is typically worth having a more sensitive, smoother braking controller.
Advantage: Proportional Controllers
Installation Preference
There are three main ways to install an aftermarket brake controller for towing.
- Non-Invasive
- Bracket Mounted
- Fully Integrated
Generally, we’ve listed them from most to least affordable and least to most time-intensive. But let’s provide more detail:
A non-invasive installation requires a plug-and-play controller. These typically plug into your tow vehicle’s electrical connector and connect to a smartphone or dash-mounted display. Many connect via Bluetooth to avoid hardwiring. They are the quickest and easiest way to control and monitor trailer braking activity.
A bracket-mounted installation is typically placed on the dash underneath the steering wheel. This position allows you to easily adjust the controller’s gain setting and monitor braking activity. However, the controller must be wired according to the manufacturer’s instructions, often requiring professional installation assistance.
A fully integrated installation most closely resembles a factory-installed trailer brake controller. It provides the ease of use you’d get with a tow vehicle that came with a brake controller, but completing this installation with an aftermarket product will require a certified RV technician.
Advantage: Depends on User Preference and Installation Budget
What Is the Best Trailer Brake Controller?
Whether installing a trailer brake control for the first time or upgrading an existing controller, it’s smart to select a trusted brand. Some of the most trusted names in brake controls include CURT (by Lippert), REDARC, and Tekonsha Primus. These are some of our picks for the best trailer brake controller for towing.
CURT Echo Mobile: Best Trailer Brake Controller for Easy Installation
The CURT Echo Mobile brake controller is designed for the modern RVer. It utilizes Bluetooth technology to connect with your smartphone so you can control the brake settings without needing an additional interface installed in your tow vehicle.
It’s a plug-and-play adapter that installs between your trailer-to-vehicle 7-pin electrical connector. Once installed, this high-tech brake controller utilizes a triple-axis, motion-sensing accelerometer to deliver smooth, responsive braking.
Is the Echo Brake Controller the Easiest RV Upgrade?
Tekonsha Primus IQ
The Primus IQ is a proportional trailer brake controller that supports trailers with up to three axles. Installation is easy with a snap-in dash mounting clip and the included hardware.
The digital LED readout tells you the amount of voltage being delivered to the trailer brakes. It also signals a secure electrical connection and includes a self-diagnostics feature that illuminates the LED readout if issues occur.
REDARC Tow-Pro Liberty
REDARC’s Tow-Pro Liberty provides excellent versatility for the experienced RVer. This proportional brake controller is perfect for highway driving. You can also manually apply trailer brakes, allowing you to use the dash-mounted unit to further control trailer sway.
This braking system is compatible with electric and electric-over-hydraulic trailer brakes and works with 12-volt electrical systems. While towing, the controller’s three-axis accelerometer detects acceleration in any direction, and inertia-sensing technology delivers smooth braking without push and pull when stopping or accelerating.
Trailer brake controllers eventually become an afterthought when you’ve been towing for years, but they’re essential to your safety and the effective operation of electric trailer brakes. Explore other trailer towing resources for safety and security:
- What’s the Best SUV for Towing?
- Is the CURT TruTrack Your Ideal Hitch?
- Do You Need a Trailer Sway Control Kit?
Do you have a favorite brake controller? Maybe you have questions about brake control in general? Let us know in the comments below.
