If you frequently tow a trailer, a brake controller is a necessary piece of equipment. It regulates the trailer's brakes so they activate at the same time and with the same intensity as the brakes in your vehicle. This helps to prevent accidents by ensuring that both the trailer and the vehicle stop at the same time.
Yes, you can install your own brake controller. You will need to purchase the brake controller and have it professionally installed.
Yes, you can tow a trailer with electric brakes without a brake controller, but you will need to use a brake controller bypass module. This module will allow the trailer's brakes to be controlled by the tow vehicle's brakes.
Yes, trailer brakes typically have a self-adjusting feature. This is designed to keep the brakes in proper alignment and working correctly. If you notice that your trailer brakes are not working as well as they should, check the self-adjusting feature to see if it needs to be adjusted.
4.8/5
Compact, dash-hugging design. Electric trailer brake control for up to 4 braking axles.
Integrated Plug-N-Play port for 2-plug adapters and Snap-in mounting clip allows user to remove and store the control when not in use
A distinct, easy-to-read LCD display with multiple screen color options, displays in English, French or Spanish
Diagnostics show output current, battery, brake, and output voltage and warning system alerts to No Trailer Brake situations
Boost feature allows for different levels of customized braking, select Electric over Hydraulic or Electric trailer brake mode
$234
RAM 1500 Hemi Lonestar Crew Cab as the towing vehicleTekonsha P3 Proportional Brake Controller from Amazon was used as a part.Purchased from Amazon is a Tekonsha 3024P RAM Brake Control Wiring Adapter (used to plug into factory installed wiring under dash)$151.45 in total expenses.The integrated brake controller was not included with my 2016 Ram 1500 Hemi Lonestar. After researching Amazon ratings and all RAM forums, I chose the Tekonsha P3 controller rather than paying the $440.00 my local dealership quoted me for the OEM installation. There is presently one YouTube video that demonstrates how to remove the entire center console and install the OEM controller, but even then, the computer still needs to be flashed by the dealer so that everything runs as intended and is displayed on the screen above the steering wheel. Although some people are fine with this, I chose the Tekonsha route.I gave how to snug it up to my center console a little thought because I knew I wanted a clean, least invasive installation. You need room to tighten the screws on either side in order to mount the controller. Instead, I used two leftover, extremely thin toggle bolts to attach the wings from underneath the dash. I threaded the tiny bolts through the controller bracket with washers, secured the controller to the bracket, and then pushed the thin bolts through the holes I had already drilled. Although that may not be the best approach, I had amazing success with it. I can only advise using and developing this concept.I should note that I looked for the two factory-installed connectors that were wrapped in foam tape under the dash before I started my job. They are literally easy to find and just hanging there. This made it as simple as plugging in a controller and mounting it. I was diligent during the installation, which took me only approximately 30 minutes in total.I realized there is no on/off switch after installing. I returned to the forums and reviews. It turns out that there is debate over whether or not this enters a sleep mode. My screen was black when I examined it 20 minutes later, as seen in the picture. The truck can be woken up by pushing a button or by starting it. According to certain claims from other people, the controller continues to operate. In either case, the device's power consumption is so low that a person's battery wouldn't run out for months.It's really simple to set up the controller for your trailer. I'll be using it with our 7,600-pound travel trailer next weekend as far as functionality is concerned. You should be fine as long as you simply follow the instructions.I hope this is helpful. Good luck towing!* UPDATED *There isn't a single thing I would criticize about this controller. Everything is easily modifiable and functions as it should as a whole. I've included a photo of the travel trailer that we snapped while stopping for a bathroom break on the way down to Galveston. One must adore Bucees!I initially set the boost to level 3, then I reduced it to b2. With the gain set where it is optimum for us right now, it gives the trailer brakes plenty of power.
4.8/5
Compact, dash-hugging design. Electric trailer brake control for up to 4 braking axles.
Integrated Plug-N-Play port for 2-plug adapters and Snap-in mounting clip allows user to remove and store the control when not in use
A distinct, easy-to-read LCD display with multiple screen color options, displays in English, French or Spanish
Diagnostics show output current, battery, brake, and output voltage and warning system alerts to No Trailer Brake situations
Boost feature allows for different levels of customized braking, select Electric over Hydraulic or Electric trailer brake mode
$234
The chassis of my 2005 Fleetwood-Southwind RV is a Ford F53. I thought I might be able to help someone locate the connector beneath the dash because I had a pretty difficult time doing it. I dug for two hours and pointlessly took apart the dash.All Ford F53 chassis from 1999 to the present have a connector on the left side of the steering column, but it is hidden by an air conditioning duct tube and sandwiched between three trunks of the main harness. The cable exiting the trunk harness is taped with black electrical tape after being doubled back on. The white connector exits the harness going downward, but after being doubled back, it now points upward. You must locate the one wire pack that is doubled back on itself because it is wedged snugly between the other harnesses. You can feel the connector if you stick your fingers up there, but you can't see it.Pull the connector out of its tiny hiding place after cutting the electrical tape holding the wires that have been bent back on themselves with care.Only Ford would act in such a manner.
4.7/5
Self-diagnostics features will illuminate LED readout when issues occur
Snap-in dash mounting clip and hardware included
Works proportionally in reverse
Utilizes Plug-N-Play port for 2-plug adapters
Includes a Boost feature
$234
With a factory 7 pin connection, this installation in my 2000 Ford F250 Super Duty was quite simple. It already had wiring installed underneath the dash, so I just plugged the 3035-P harness into either side and completed the installation inside the truck by fastening the mounting bracket with the included screws. I had to keep looking because the trailer brake didn't illuminate. I discovered that the fact that these trucks lacked the fuses and relays necessary to correctly operate the 7-pin plug was a widespread problem. I discovered that I had to put in a 30 amp "maxi fuse" behind the hood. The circuit that controlled the trailer brakes was powered by fuse number 28. Activate maxi fuse #16 (30 amp) for the circuit that powers the trailer. Additionally, two relays must be added. When I opened a small black box that was close to the master cylinder to look inside, there were no relays to be found. I think they are for the circuits for the backup lighting and charging. Hope someone can use this.
4.7/5
For brake controls with wiring port built into back of unit
Plug the brake control end of wiring harness into back of brake control and vehicle end into vehicle's port
Vehicle specific brake control wiring harness
Brake controls with 2-plug style of wiring harness are identified with Plug and Play logo
$234
The plug-in is located behind the driver's kick panel in the 2014 Tundra. In the lower right corner of the steering column, where it was mounted in my 2002 Tundra, I wanted to mount my Prodigy II. The controller fit well in the same location on the original generation Tundras thanks to an indentation. I'm making a mount using a new panel I ordered to replace the existing one. Both panels have three switch holes, but the new one has a rectangular cubby below it that I will adapt to fit the Prodigy II.However, the length of the cables is inadequate. This wiring harness fits the Tundra plug and will hook into the back of the Prodigy without a problem (about 10"). To lengthen the harness, I utilized the same gauge wires (there are four wires
4.7/5
Plug the brake control end of wiring harness into back of brake control and vehicle end into vehicle's port
Vehicle specific brake control wiring harness
For brake controls with wiring port built into back of unit
Brake controls with 2-plug style of wiring harness are identified with Plug and Play logo
$234
With the Draw-tite 20191 I-stop, this worked perfectly (a re-branded tekonsha). It is in my 2015 F-150 XLT; I installed it. The hardest part of installation was figuring out just where to connect it in.This is how it is wired on a 2015 F-150 XLT.There is a little container that appears to fit a small Ipod to the right of the steering wheel. There is a fake plug on the back of this container. The wire plug that you require will be plugged into the dummy plug just behind it (behind the dash). Simply remove it from the plastic, then connect your wiring adaptor to it. Without taking the dash off, I was able to reach back there and do this. Once I realized that this was the wire/plug I needed, it only took me around 10 minutes.
4.6/5
Reverse battery protection
1-4 Axle capacity
No leveling required
Boost feature gives ability to apply more initial trailer braking
Diagnostics features incorporated in easy to read LED display
$234
After 40 years of using various brake controllers, I decided to test a "Proportional" version that I had heard excellent things about. I originally saw this one for sale at my neighborhood Home Depot for $75, but I later discovered it on Amazon for roughly 50% less. It's interesting that Reese's website only showed "Timed" versions of this device, thus I was unable to locate it there (Dec2016). Not sure if that indicates that the product has been discontinued. Whatever the case, this deal was by far the most reasonably priced one I could discover and was worthwhile to try. Installation went smoothly. If installed within the attitude parameters specified on the instructions, the device's internal gimbal or accelerometers will automatically level or center themselves internally. (Easily inside my usual/traditional mounting positions). As I use it on several trucks, I mounted mine without a bracket using Velcro. My GM and Ford truck adaptors were both less than $20 apiece here on Amazon, which is where Reese suggests and sells Tekonsha adaptor harnesses for the majority of desired automobiles. Within a block or so of my parking spot, initial setup only took a few minutes, and on-the-spot fine-tuning and rapid changes to accommodate for shifting traffic and road conditions are both simple to accomplish. So far, I'm really happy with the gadget. Since then, I have successfully used my Bobcat to haul my 16-foot trailer on both clear highways and inclement weather with heavy traffic. I like how much faster the rapid stop response is than on my older "Timed" gadgets. I'll place an order for a second one to keep on hand as a backup.
4.6/5
Complete system includes box, battery, charger, 7" switch, and hardware
Activates trailer brakes upon separation from tow vehicle
Features built-in battery charger that charges battery while it’s plugged into the vehicle
LEDs indicate when battery is fully charged, when it needs to be re-charged, or while it is charging
Built-in battery meter with LED test lights
$234
This fantastic product lives up to its promises. An outstanding 5 stars. But as a senior electronics technician with more than 30 years of experience working on testing and evaluating the most recent military fixed wing fighter/attack aircraft, I changed their subpar nickel-plated mounting hardware with about $20 worth of grade 8 bolts, washers, and self locking nuts; stainless steel machine screws, washers, and self locking nuts; and a few tubes of non-corrosive gasket maker to seal everything before mounting to prevent moisture from getting trapped between plastics (which could cause rusting). NON-CORROSIVE SEALERS won't smell like vinegar. After mounting, have a pail of soapy water (similar to what you would mix for washing dishes) and a rag ready to wipe off any extra sealer. To give the edge a professional appearance, you may use the same soapy water to smooth it out with your finger. Just be sure to keep your fingers moist. The sealer should readily come off if you wipe your hands with a clean, dry cloth right away. Finally, just wash your hands to complete.The control panel, which is made of some form of vinyl and will undoubtedly deteriorate with time in the sun to the point where it becomes heavily obscured and opaque, would have been better off being covered by a door.
4.5/5
DIGITAL DISPLAY: Bright and prominent digital display clearly indicates the output setting, sync setting, brake overload or short connection.
INSTALLS QUICKLY: This 100% solid-state electronic with a small compact design mounts in any direction, no leveling required. Pre-wired plug-and-play feature allows for quick and easy connection to 2-, 4-, 6- and 8- brake systems.
SAFE & SECURE: This device includes advanced internal circuit protection to help prevent damage and is for use on 12-volt negative ground systems only. Includes a limited lifetime warranty.
ADJUSTS EASILY: Two separate easy push-button adjustment controls (output and sync) allow for not only different trailer weights (output) but also the speed of activation (sync) depending on your driving style.
$234
The product lived up to expectations and operated flawlessly. For use with this item, I also acquired a wire harness adaptor for GM/GMC vehicles, but sadly, my 2001 GMC Jimmy turned out to not be "Plug and Play" compatible. I was unable to just plug this unit into a distribution/fuse panel, to put it another way. However, after conducting lengthy research to determine precisely which cables I needed to connect to in order to get this unit working properly, it functioned flawlessly once everything was placed and wired. This device works well when I'm towing a 20-foot heavy equipment trailer with dual axles and brakes on each axel. I'm thrilled with this purchase. If your car already has the factory-installed, "Plug and Play" system, you can install and start using this brake controller in less than an hour.This is the second of these devices I've bought, and they both function flawlessly! Very responsive and flexible. I'm thrilled with this offering from Reese. This one works perfectly after being placed in my 1990 Chevy C1500 pickup truck.
4.4/5
T-Slot Mounting Kit; For P3;
$234
I purchased a brake controller, but I unintentionally misplaced the bracket needed to mount it to the car. I located this replacement and placed my order. This kit would make a great second vehicle mount because it comes with everything you need to mount the bracket inside your car (unless like me you lost your original that comes with the controller). Overall, it fulfills its purpose, safely retains the brake controller in the car, and permits swivel.
4.3/5
Advanced brake technology that mirrors the braking of the tow vehicle for safe, smooth stops
Simple installation with separate components that mount wherever you want them and no tools or drilling required
Works on trailers with electric or hydraulic brakes
Short proof protection for up to 8 trailer brakes
Digital power and 7 sensitivity settings with intuitive vertical manual slide
$234
Before writing a review, I wanted to wait until I got the opportunity to utilize this controller while pulling a large load. This past weekend, I had that opportunity.I used my 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee's Eco Diesel to pull a 7000-pound cargo for a roughly 6-hour excursion. The controller and trailer brakes were faultless. The controller performed extremely properly and was simple to set up. The application of the brakes was fairly linear.That does not imply that everything is faultless. I am quite satisfied operationally. The actual installation wasn't that bad either. The remote display and remote manual brake control device are the only things that bother me. Both are bigger than I would have wanted, and the manual brake control is especially enormous. Their stature made it difficult to find room for the two of them. They are large enough that it is challenging to conceal them when installed and not in use, rather than being so large that they won't fit in locations.Once the rubber bezel and pivoting mount are taken off the LCD, things are much better. Despite having far less depth, it would have been nice. to the point of being able to stick the unit's back—the side facing the driver—to a flat surface. Since it is so deep, mounting it somewhere on top of the dash is really the only option. In the end, I positioned it atop the dashboard, directly in front of the A pillar. It is slightly more obvious while not in use than I'd prefer, but it's not too bad. Additionally, because it is only Velcroed to the top of the dash without the ball mount, it is not exactly aimed toward the driver. You may angle it anyway you like with the ball mount, but I found the ball mount to be just too thick. It ultimately succeeds.Since the manual brake control is much bulkier, it is more difficult to locate a discreet location for it. In the end, I mounted it as low and outside of the driver's compartment as I could to the knee bolster. It is fairly sizable. It should have been at least half as big, in my opinion.The three components of this configuration are distinct rather than being a single unit to allow for flexible and "custom" installation. A true lay bespoke or integrated look becomes very challenging when you consider their bulkiness and then add in some fairly big wires.I am still giving this product five stars despite these issues, albeit barely. The rationale is that although having less bulk than a typical brake controller, it nonetheless performs admirably. Just be aware that it will be difficult to achieve a truly integrated look and be ready to take some time to get it installed how you want.
If you have never adjusted your trailer brakes, you will need to adjust them before they will work properly. After that, they should self-adjust as needed.
Yes, a 7 pin connector can be used to control brakes. There are typically two wires connected to the brakes, one for the front and one for the rear. When the brakes are applied, the current flows through the wires and activates the brakes.
There are a few ways to tell if your trailer brake controller is working. One way is to look at the brake lights on your trailer. If they are working, then the controller is likely working as well. Another way is to test the brakes by lightly pressing the brake pedal while the trailer is connected. If the trailer brakes engage, then the controller is working.
To reset your brake controller, first disconnect the power. Then, press and hold the reset button for five seconds. After that, reconnect the power and press the brake pedal. The controller should now be reset.
When you press the brake pedal in your vehicle, the master cylinder sends brake fluid to the calipers. The calipers then squeeze the brake pads against the rotors, slowing down the wheels. Trailer brakes work in a similar fashion, but they are usually activated by the tow vehicle's brake light switch. When the tow vehicle's brakes are applied, the switch sends a signal to the trailer's brakes, telling them to engage. Most trailer brakes are self-adjusting, which means that they will automatically adjust the amount of pressure that is applied to the brakes based
If you're towing a trailer without trailer brakes, you're limited to 2,000 pounds or less. This is because trailers over 2,000 pounds must have brakes according to federal law. However, some states have additional requirements. For example, California requires trailer brakes on trailers weighing over 3,000 pounds.
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