The brakes on your trailer are vitally important for safe trailer towing and for protecting your car or truck from damage. In addition to checking the brakes regularly, you’ll also want to make sure that the brakes are working properly when you’re towing. That’s where a set of trailer brake controls come in. You can use the brakes on your car or truck’s steering column, but if you have an older car or one without power brakes, using the brakes on your car to slow down a trailer can be difficult. That’s where trailer brake controls come in.
Here’s what to look for when shopping for trailer brake controls.
Our Editor’s Best Trailer Brake Controls Reviews
- PORTABLE — The Echo trailer brake controller has a non-invasive install and is easily transferrable from one vehicle to another. It plugs into any 7-way connector, wirelessly links to your smartphone using Bluetooth
- SMARTPHONE-READY — The Echo brake controller wirelessly syncs with your Apple or Android phone, turning it into a brake controller interface with the Smart Control app (Warning: Avoid distracted driving. Only make adjustments when vehicle is stationary)
- ZERO-TOOL INSTALL — Installing this trailer brake controller is as easy as plugging in a 7-way trailer wiring connector. It requires no tools, no extra wires and no hardware. A locking tab and strap keep it firmly connected. NOTE: Strap stored inside cap
- HIGHLY RESPONSIVE — Echo uses a triple-axis accelerometer to provide smooth, safe braking. It maintains responsive braking, even when your phone screen is locked, receives incoming calls or if the Bluetooth connection is lost
- VERSATILE — This electronic trailer brake controller easily transfers between vehicles and trailers and works on virtually any trailer with 1 to 2 axles (2 to 4 brakes). It is also fully compatible with cruise control, anti-lock brakes, low-voltage systems
- VERSATILE: The Brakeman IV digital 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.
- TIME-DELAYED DIGITAL BRAKE CONTROLLER: Applies braking power that ramps up, or increases over a period of time, at a fixed rate. This makes the REESE Brakeman IV brake controller ideal for basic towing needs.
- EASILY INSTALL: The Brakeman IV trailer brake controller has a Plug & Play connection for easy installation. As a time-based controller with a compact design, the unit can be installed above or below the dash, in any direction, as it is within reach of the driver.
- EASY-TO-READ INDICATOR: This controller has an LED light display those changes from green to red to indicate trailer connectivity and power output.
- MANUAL BRAKING AVAILABLE: If you ever need to manually apply the brakes, simply move the manual control lever to the left. The Brakeman IV will apply power to your trailer’s brakes up to the amount of power previously set.
- COMPATIBILITY: The BRAKE-EVN 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.
- 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 BRAKE-EVN brake controller ideal in any braking situation.
- EASILY INSTALL THANKS TO PLUG & PLAY: The BRAKE-EVN trailer brake controller has a Plug & Play port for two plug adapters and a removeable electrical connector so the unit can be easily unplugged.
- EASY-TO-READ LED DISPLAY: Digital LED display shows settings, real-time diagnostics, and alerts.
- MANUAL BRAKING AVAILABLE: If you ever need to manually apply the brakes, simply move the manual control lever to the left. The BRAKE-EVN will apply power to your trailer’s brakes up to the amount of power previously set.
- PROPORTIONAL ELECTRIC BRAKE CONTROLLER: Provides automatic braking based on the intensity and rate at which you apply your tow vehicle’s brakes, giving you smooth braking thanks to an internal inertia sensor. This makes the Primus IQ brake controller ideal for general and heavy-duty emergency braking.
- EASILY INSTALL AND STOW, THANKS TO PLUG & PLAY: The Primus IQ 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 LED DISPLAY: Digital LED display shows settings, real-time diagnostics, and alerts.
- BOOST FEATURE PROVIDES EXTRA BRAKING POWER: Boost provides up to three levels of additional stopping power at the touch of a button, giving you confidence in stopping safely when you’re hauling heavier loads and/or need more power to stop.
- VERSATILE: The Primus IQ electric brake controller is compatible with a wide range of vehicles including Ford, GM, Chevy, Dodge, RAM, Toyota, Jeep, and more with 2, 4, or 6
- TIME-DELAYED DIGITAL BRAKE CONTROLLER: Applies braking power that ramps up, or increases over a period of time, at a fixed rate. This makes the Tekonsha Brakeman IV brake controller ideal for basic, light-duty towing needs
- EASILY INSTALL: The Brakeman IV trailer brake controller has a Plug & Play port for easy installation. As a time-based controller with a compact design, the unit can be installed above or below the dash, in any direction, as it is within reach of the driver
- EASY-TO-READ INDICATOR: Digital display shows settings, real-time comprehensive diagnostics, and short circuit protection. 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 Brakeman IV will apply power to your trailer’s brakes up to the amount of power previously set
- VERSATILE: The Brakeman IV digital 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
- Fits for: 2014-2018 GMC Sierra 1500; 2015-2019 GMC Sierra 2500HD 3500HD / Chevy Silverado 1500 2500 3500; 2016-2020 Chevy Suburban Tahoe GMC / Yukon Yukon XL; 2016-2021 Chevy Colorado / GMC Canyon; 2019-2020 Chevy Silverado 4500 HD 5500 HD 6500 HD
- Replace Part Number: 84108373 23145874 601226
- Why you need to replace: Malfunctioning brake, Inconsistent braking, Warning light, Physical damage, Electrical Issue
- High quality: Ex-factory test, quality control, A+ performance, perfect Match, Plug and play, DIY Friendly
- Tech Support: Quick Response, Professional experienced team
- FACTORY LOOK. The Spectrum trailer brake controller is designed to mount onto the dash of your vehicle and integrate with the other controls like a factory brake controller; It allows you to control and monitor all brake settings using a simple knob. Compatible with low-volt, PWM, ABS, cruise control and electric over hydraulic
- HIDDEN MAIN MODULE; To maintain powerful trailer brake operation without obstructing your vehicle dash, the computer module of this brake controller is separate from the control knob and can be mounted out of sight
- INTELLIGENT BRAKING; This trailer brake controller operates with an integrated circuit called a triple-axis accelerometer; This circuit detects motion on three planes and provides braking power accordingly, up or down a hill
- EASY ADJUSTMENT; The Spectrum electric brake controller is highly adjustable to accommodate different vehicles, trailers and loads; The push-button knob offers easily accessible manual override whenever needed
- Time-based braking
- Mounts at any angle
- Percentage of braking power shown
- Plug-In Simple! with vehicle specific wiring kit
- Intuitive vertical manual slide
- Proportional Braking & Automatic Leveling: Kohree Proportional electronic trailer brake controller provides proportional braking, which can apply the trailer brakes proportionately to the towing vehicle's braking. It features an auto-leveling, eliminating the need for time-consuming setup procedures
- Upgraded Split Design: The split trailer brake controller kit includes a display and a brake controller. The screen can be placed on the windshield and easy to read. The brake controller can be installed in the rear interior panel of the vehicle at any angle and equipped with a plug-in wiring harness to simplify the installation process
- Four Chips, Greater Security: The display and brake controller each have 2 built-in 32-bit processor chips. Each independently controls the program for processing and validation, delivering a linear, comfortable braking experience
- 9 Levels of Boost: The electric trailer brake controller offers 9 levels of boost, with each incremental boost setting increasing the sensitivity of the sensors, so you can tailor the brake response to the weight and braking characteristics of the trailer
- Widely Used: Package Include 1 x LCD Display, 1 x Brake Controller,1 x Wiring Connections, 1 x Type-C Data cable, 1 x Product Manual. The electric brake controller kit ideal for most 1-4 axle vehicle and trailer combinations
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Best Trailer Brake Controls Buying Guide
Before choosing the best trailer brake controls you should consider following options:
1. Electric Brake Controls: Electric brake controls are designed to provide a smooth and consistent feel to the driver and reduce wear and tear on the brakes.
Electric controls are typically powered by a 12-volt battery and can be installed with or without a proportional system.
A proportional control uses the vehicle’s existing ABS system, which allows the driver to modulate brake pressure for a smooth braking feel. An non-proportional control uses a manual switch to enable the trailer brakes.
2. Air Brake Systems: Air brakes systems typically consist of dual-tired wheels and an air-brake actuator that uses air pressure to activate the brakes.
Air brakes are typically used for large trailers, such as heavy-haul or travel trailers, and are considered the most powerful type of braking system.
The main advantage of air brakes is that they provide a smooth and consistent feel to the driver and reduce wear and tear on the brakes. The main disadvantage of air brakes is that they require a constant supply of pressurized air, which is often supplied by a separate onboard generator or pump.
3. Electric Hydro Brake Systems: Electric hydro systems are similar to electric brake controls, but use hydraulic fluid instead of air to activate the brakes.
Hydro systems are typically used for smaller trailers, such as car haulers, travel trailers, and utility trailers, and are easier to install than air brakes. The main advantage of hydro brakes is that they provide a smooth and consistent feel to the driver and reduce wear and tear on the brakes. The main disadvantage of hydro brakes is that they require a constant supply of fluid, which is often supplied by a separate onboard pump.
4. Electric Mechanical Brake Systems: Electric mechanical systems are typically used for travel trailers and camping trailers and consist of an electric or manual actuator that is connected to the trailer’s existing trailer brakes.
The main advantage of mechanical brake controls is that they are easy to install and are typically less expensive than electric or air brakes. The main disadvantage of mechanical brakes is that they typically provide a jerky feel to the driver.
5. Manual Mechanical Brake Systems: Manual mechanical systems consist of a manual actuator that is connected to the trailer’s existing trailer brakes.
The main advantage of manual brakes is that they provide a smooth feel to the driver. The main disadvantage of manual brakes is that they are typically more expensive than electric or air brakes.
6. Electric Draw-Tight Brake Controls: Electric draw-tight controls are typically used for car haulers and utility trailers and consist of an electric actuator that is connected to the trailer’s existing trailer brakes.
The main advantage of draw-tight controls is that they provide a smooth feel to the driver. The main disadvantage of draw-tight controls is that they require a constant supply of electricity.
7. Air-over-Hydraulic Brake Controls: Air-over-hydraulic systems are typically used for travel trailers and heavy-haul trailers and consist of dual-tired wheels with an air-brake actuator and a hydraulic brake actuator.
The main advantage of air-over-hydraulic brakes is that they provide a smooth feel to the driver. The main disadvantage of air-over-hydraulic systems is that they require a constant supply of pressurized air and pressurized hydraulic fluid.
8. Air-over-Electric Brake Controls: Air-over-electric systems are typically used for heavy-haul trailers and consist
What else you should know about trailer brake controls
1. What are trailer brake controls?
Trailer brake controls are devices that help to regulate the braking system of a trailer. They are often used in conjunction with an electronic stability control system to ensure that the trailer brakes are applied evenly and correctly in order to avoid skidding or accidents.
2. How do trailer brake controls work?
Most trailer brake controls work by using a lever to apply pressure to a hydraulic system that then applies the brakes on the trailer.
3. What are the benefits of trailer brake controls?
Some benefits of trailer brake controls are that they can give the driver more control over the trailer, they can help to prevent trailer sway, and they can help to make braking smoother and more consistent.
4. Are trailer brake controls required by law?
There is no federal law that requires trailer brakes, but some states have laws that require them on certain types of trailers.
5. How do I choose the right trailer brake controller for my vehicle?
The best way to choose the right trailer brake controller for your vehicle is to consult with a professional. They will be able to help you select the right model for your specific vehicle and needs.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best trailer brake controls. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best trailer brake controls will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.