Last updated on July 11th, 2023 at 06:35 pm
Finding the right and best electric brake controller units for your car be a little confusing considering that there are lots of option out there in the market. But we will make it easy in this guide where we show you some of the best proportional electric brake controllers for trailer or vehicle.
What is a brake controller
A brake controller is a necessary component when it comes to tolling vehicles. A brake controller is a device that regulates the brake system, it adds extra force/pressure. Usually, brake controllers are used for heavy vehicles such as trailers and trucks.
It is mounted at the driver’s side, the dashboard area, thereby engaging the entire electrical braking system. Brake controllers come in original from the manufacturers but, it can be replaced when it is no longer functioning.
With the brake controller mounted at the tow of the driver’s seat, it performs the following functions, it helps the driver to activate and monitor brake activity from the dashboard such as braking information and buttons to control the output and manual activation process.
There are different types of brake controllers. They come in air-actuated electric brake controller, proportional brake controller, hydraulic actuated electric controller, time-delayed brake controller.
Some of these brake controllers functions either manually or through electric connection. In this article, our focus is on electric brake controllers.
Electric brake controller is done by activating electromagnetic brake drums to create wear down, which automatically, slows down the heavy-duty vehicle.
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Deciding on the Best Electric Brake Controller Units to settle for
When going for an electric brake controller, you should have an idea of the type of brake controller and the effectiveness too. The essence of a brake controller is for control and activation.
Usually, with the brake controller, you will be able to control things but, without a brake controller, you will struggle when you try to slow down or halt the vehicle, when this issue occurs, your vehicle and life may be in danger.
There are different types of electric brake controllers; when getting one, you should consider which one will be compatible for your vehicle, durability and also the price.
If you need an electric brake controller, in this article, we shall provide you with lists of best electric brake controllers with amazing reviews.
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proportional brake controller installation
11 BEST ELECTRIC BRAKE CONTROLLER UNITS REVIEW 2023
#1. Tekonsha 90195 P3 Electronic Brake Controller
This Electronic brake controller is one of the trusted electric brake controllers. It has a 5-star rating with over 1,900 satisfied customer reviews, that is to show you how good it is.
The Tekonsha P3 is an advanced electric brake controller which features a larger LED readout display with the option to configurable or change the colours.
The display screen normally showcases the current of the system together with the battery, brake and output voltage. This is one of the best proportional electric brake controllers to get.
Also, this works for the trailer, so if you are looking for the best trailer brake controller.
Features and details
- It was as easy- to- read LED display with multiple screen colour options. The display comes in French, English and Spanish.
- A compact, dash- hugging design with an electric trailer brake control for up to 4 braking axles
- Has diagnostics displays showing output voltage, output current, battery, brake and warning signs.
- Has an integrated plug-N- Play port for 2- plug adapters and snap-in mounting clip that allows users to remove and store the control when you are not using it.
- Boost features allow different levels of customized braking, select electric over hydraulic or electric brake mode
- The item weight is 1.45 pounds
#2. Hopkins 47284 Reliance Plug-in Simple Brake Control
The next best proportional electric brake controller is this Hopkins 47284 Reliance Plug-in Simple Brake Control. If you want something simple but, with an advanced proportional technology system, this will serve you. It has a spontaneous, vertical manual slide that matches the way a driver reaches for the control
Hopkins reliance plug brake controller is a great brake controller with over 470 satisfied customer review and rated 4.4-star rating. The installation process is easy and you can watch the video above for the basic installation steps.
This is our second best electric brake controller units choose from. You won’t regret your purchase if this meets your specification and need.
Features and details
- The item weight is 10.4 ounces
- The device can be mounted at any spot. It is designed for use on any volt negative ground system
- It has a plug-in simple connection that allows quick installation and removal without cutting/splicing
- Time- based, with fully digital settings, which displays the percentage of braking power in a digital LED display system.
- Short proof protected with a 4 brake capacity
#3. Draw-Tite 20191 I-Stop IQ Electronic Brake Control
This is one of the best electric brake controllers with great reviews too. Draw –Tite I- Stop brake controller is a self- levelling device and that will need no level adjustment. It is rated 4.6 stars with over 153 satisfied customer reviews and this is portable too.
So if you are looking for a portable electric brake controller reviews, then this is like the third choice when you talk of the best electric brake controller unit we recommend you checkout.
Draw-Tite 20191 I-Stop IQ Electronic Brake Control
Features and details
- It has a boost feature that allows users to apply more initial truck or trailer braking when towing heavier vehicles
- A self- diagnostics features with a LCD readout whenever an issue occurs
- An I-STOP IQ Proportional electronic brake control; for 1-3 Axle trailers
- A snap-in mounting clip that allow users to remove and store the control toy are not using
- Utilizes ‘’Plug-N-Play’’ port for 2-plug adapters.
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#4. CURT51110 Venturer Electric Brake controller
This electric brake controller is affordable amongst the best and it one of the cheapest and top rated trailer brake controller. This proportional brake controller unit is priced for $39.8 and rated 4.2-star rating with over 330 satisfied customer reviews.
This is one of the best proportional electric brake controller unit in the market. The installation process for this portable electric brake controller is easy (See Video above for brake controller or even the proportional brake controller installation).
You might have to check out this brake controller, if you need or are looking for a portable electric brake controller reviews to acquire
Features and details
- It has an easy-read display
- The controller is a time-based model
- An intuitive and the ability to tweak the gain that gives you the opportunity to change braking levels.
- The installation process is one of the easiest
- It can be mounted anywhere but can’t be removed easily
#5. Hopkins 47297 INSIGHT Brake Control
The next highly rated portable electric brake controller review brand is this Hopkins 47297 INSIGHT Simple Brake Controller. This is rated 4.4 stars by over 470 happy customers and it listed for $45 on Amazon as at the writing of this review.
Hopkins insight electric brake controller is different from the other electric brake controller units and it one you definitely want to check out. The control can be mounted on the dashboard. With this, you do not need to bend to check if everything is right. You can easily view that as it is before you.
Installation is easy just follow the proportional brake controller installation tutorials above for hint.
Features and details
- It has a separate control device
- this has up 4 axles proportional style system
- It is easy to mount, it requires no tools for installing it
- Has digital power and 7 sensitivity settings for advanced braking control
- It works fine on trailers with electric or hydraulic brakes
#6. Reese Towpower 8507111 Brakeman IV Compact Brake Control
This is the next best proportional electric brake controller unit on this list. This is rated 4.6 star with over 280 customer reviews and it is listed for 45USD as at the writing of this article. Reese Towpower compact brake controller is popular and one of the best electric brake controllers. It is a time-based model that operate on a low voltage brake system.
The device features an advanced internal circuit protection to help prevent damage and is for use on 12-volt negative ground systems.
So If you are still not satisfied with any of the portable electric brake controller above then try this.
Features and details
- You can mount it anywhere
- Can handle a trailer with up to 4 axles
- The monitor can inform you of a brake overload or a short connection
- The installation process is easy. It has a solid-state electronic with a small compact design that requires no levelling
- It has a digital display indicating the output setting, sync setting, brake overload or a short connection
#7. Tekonsha 90160 Primus IQ Electronic Brake controller
Next best electric brake controller units on our list here is this Tekonsha 90160 Primus IQ Electronic Brake controller. Rated 4.7 –star with about 930 customer reviews. This is also affordable considering that it is listed for 70usd as at the writing of this article.
Tekonsha 90160 primus might not be in the class of Tekonsha 90195 P3 but, it is still one of the best electric brake controllers with great reviews. It has a boost feature that gives users the ability to apply more initial trailer braking when towing heavier vehicles. One of the top rated trailer brake controller.
Features and details
- It is self-levelling
- It includes Snap- in dash clip and hardware
- Utilizes Plug- N- Play port for 2- plug adapter
- Its self-diagnostics features will illuminate LED readout whenever an issue occurs
#8. Hayes 81760 Engage Digital Time Based Brake Controller
Hayes 81760 Engage trailer brakes works well based on how much you depress the brake pedal. This device has good quality and from the reviews. It cannot miss out as one of the best electric brake controllers. The device is time-based and very highly rated. It is in fact one of the top rated car electronic brake controller unit for buy, listed for less than 100 dollars.
Features and details
- It works better when you press deeper, then the harder the brakes will be applied
- It has a quick-connection feature
- It displays reads current, voltage, percent of power
- Full 12-volt output provided with manual lesser activation
- It has an adjustable voltage power
- Digital time-based circuitry
- You can mount in any position
- Has superior responsiveness
- It can handle up to 3 axles
- It is compact and lightweight- 9.6 ounces
#9. CURT 51140 TriFlex Electric Trailer Brake Controller, Proportional
If you are looking for an electric brake controller that is user friendly, then Curt TriFlex is a better choice. It is one of the best electric brake controllers that can control up to 4 axles with an accelerometer that constantly adjusts the brakes with the running speed of the heavy vehicle-trailer or truck.
Features and details
- Very easy to install
- Has a versatile brake control
- -Plug and play
- Proportional braking system
- Controls 4 axles and 8 brakes
- Comes with a set up kit
#10. Draw-Tite 5504 Activator IV Electronic Brake Control
This device indeed is an ‘’activator’’. It activates the trailer brakes accurately. The activator has all the necessary requirements of a brake controller. Draw- Tite Activator is one of the affordable electric brake controllers and still one of the very best. It lasts longer than some others.
Features and details
- It is very affordable
- Controls 4 axles
- -Plug and play
- Comes with manual for easy installation
- Compact design with up- front push buttons
#11. TEKONSHA P2 PRODIGY BRAKE CONTROL
Tekonsha 90195 P3 Electronic Brake controller controls 4 axles and it has a large LCD display that shows you error, and how you sync the brakes. Interesting enough, it can work as an electric and as a hydraulic brake system.
Features and details
- It can monitor various aspects of brake settings
- Boost feature
- Checks irregularities in the trailer’s brake pads
- Shows diagnostics such as deceleration rate, voltage output
- Has a synchronized braking system
Conclusion on best electric brake controller units in Market
There are good brands of Electric brake controllers in the market, it is important you know the specifications which usually come with 1-2, 1-3, 1-4 axles. The compatibility matters a lot. It will keep you and the car safe. In some persons before buying a particular brake controller, they may consider the display options of the brake controller. It is good to check as some comes in LCD, while some are in LED. You should know the difference. Although, users are of the view that brake devices with an LCD display is better and it lasts longer.
When buying a brake controller, check the setting guild. The setting or mounting is another factor you should consider. Some brake controllers are user-friendly; you don’t have to be a techy person before you know how to mount it.
So here you have it our complete listed of portable electric brake controller reviews. I hope this guide was helpful to you? If this has helped pleas share and be sure to bookmark page for future reference.
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Hi dear, my name is Jeffery Ekweghi, and I am a certified mechanic and autobody parts technician. I created this site to share my expertise and experience with car lovers looking to resolve their car-related issues. I am certified in private cars and heavy-duty commercial vehicles. I have worked as a mechanic since 2015 and have experience in vehicle brands like Subaru, Jeep, Toyota, TATA, BMW, Mazda, Honda, Nissan, Kia, TVs, and Others; however, I primarily specialize in Toyota vehicles.
