10 Best Trailer Brake Controllers of 2020
Photo: Tekonsha
If you own a trailer then you probably know how difficult it is to maneuver on the road, especially when applying the brakes.
This is because your vehicle brakes need to press harder because of the additional weight of the trailer added to that of the towing vehicle. Therefore, it can be dangerous especially if your trailer exceeds 1000 lbs of weight.
In order to solve this problem, you can install a trailer brake controller. In short, the trailer brake controller is a small piece of electronics that connects to your brake paddle switch and trailer connector.
What this device will do is offer a smoother braking response to your trailer on any stop you make by automatically controlling the trailer brakes.
It has a sensing technology inside that calculates in real time the towing vehicles speed and rate of deceleration. It then automatically applies the brake for you for a smoother braking experience.
In order to help you get a quality model, we have handpicked and reviewed some of the best trailer brake controllers on the market. Let’s see which model is right for you!
You may also like to read other product reviews of brake rotor, brake pad, brake fluid, brade bleeder kit.
10 Best Trailer Brake Controllers – Review
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Tekonsha 90195 (Easy to Install & Shows Detailed Brake Information) | ||
 | 2. Tekonsha 90160 (Excellent Build Construction) | ||
 | 3. Tekonsha 90885 (Large LCD Display) | ||
 | 4. Curt 51140 (Easy to Install by Beginners) | ||
 | 5. Hopkins 47297 (Mini Automatic Design) | ||
 | 6. Curt 51110 (Affordable & Value for Money) | ||
 | 7. Draw-Tite 5504 (Easy to Install with Plug-and-Play Port) | ||
 | 8. Draw-Tite 20191 (Easy to Install & Easy to Use) | ||
 | 9. Reese Towpower 74642 (Easy to Install & Easy to Use) | ||
 | 10. Hopkins 47284 (Automatically Controls Up to 8 Trailer Brakes) |
PRODUCT |
|---|
1. Tekonsha 90195 (Easy to Install & Shows Detailed Brake Information) |
2. Tekonsha 90160 (Excellent Build Construction) |
3. Tekonsha 90885 (Large LCD Display) |
4. Curt 51140 (Easy to Install by Beginners) |
5. Hopkins 47297 (Mini Automatic Design) |
6. Curt 51110 (Affordable & Value for Money) |
7. Draw-Tite 5504 (Easy to Install with Plug-and-Play Port) |
8. Draw-Tite 20191 (Easy to Install & Easy to Use) |
9. Reese Towpower 74642 (Easy to Install & Easy to Use) |
10. Hopkins 47284 (Automatically Controls Up to 8 Trailer Brakes) |
1. Tekonsha 90195 – Easy to Install and Shows Detailed Brake Information
Photo: Tekonsha
- Type: Proportional
- Number of Axles: 1 - 4
- Display: LCD
The Tekonsha 90195 is a popular proportional trailer brake controller that is easy to install and will provide you with a lot of information concerning your braking system. You also have the possibility to control the brakes of to 8 wheels in your trailer as this is a 4 axle controller.
Moreover, this model has a LED display that will show you a wide range of information, from diagnostics of your brakes to the voltage that your battery is running at.
You can quickly and easily change between those different diagnostics with the push of a button as it has an up and down arrow on the dashboard controller.
The only caveat we have with this model is that it is a little bit on the expensive side. However, it has an exceptional build construction that is very durable and long-lasting.
Moreover, its small and compact form factor means that you will be able to install it anywhere on your dashboard without it getting in the way.
All in all, if you need a quality trailer brake controller that displays a wide range of information and very easy to install, then this model from Tekonsha is definitely one of the best trailer brake controllers on the market. Despite its fairly expensive pricing and the buttons are a little hard to press.
Pros:
Cons:
2. Tekonsha 90160 – Excellent Build Construction
Photo: Tekonsha
- Type: Proportional
- Number of Axles: 1 - 3
- Display: LED
When compared to the Tekonsha model above, the Tekonsha 90160 Primus is a little bit more modest in terms of features. This model is able to control only 3 axes and has a smaller LED display.
However, it still has the same quality build construction as well as a small and compact form factor which will allow you to install it on your vehicle dashboard without it consuming a lot of space. Moreover, you can make multiple brake adjustments with this unit as it has a knob that allows you to do so.
Installation is plug-and-play as it has a 2 plug adapter ports at the back and it comes with all wires for an easy installation process. Out of the box, it comes with all mounting clips and hardware necessary for installation.
Best of all, this proportional trailer brake controller has a self-diagnostic feature which will automatically verify if the brakes are working properly whenever you switch the device on.
Furthermore, it has a boost feature which with the push of a button will increase the amount of force applied on the brake pads for a more fierce braking power.
Definitely one of the best purchases in this trailer brake controller review even if the LED is small and the mounting brackets could have been better built.
Pros:
Cons:
3. Tekonsha 90885 – Large LCD Display
Photo: Tekonsha
- Type: Proportional
- Number of Axles: 1 - 4
- Display: LCD
The Tekonsha 90885 Prodigy is an upgraded version that is able to control 4 braking axles with ease. This unit has a large LCD display that will display a wide range of diagnostics of your vehicle, from the voltage to the deceleration rate.
In addition, there is a knob on this controller that will allow you to switch between different pre-calibrated settings set by the manufacturer.
One of the best things about this controller is that it is able to work with both an electric as well as a hydraulic brake system in your trailer. It is quite versatile.
When it comes to installation, it also has multiple mounting points at the bottom that will allow you to quickly and easily install it on your dashboard with ease.
If you want more performance out of this good trailer brake controller, it has a boost feature that will apply more force to your brakes with the push of a button.
But one of the best things about this trailer brake controller is definitely its ability to continuously monitor the braking pads of your trailer and will immediately report any problems detected. This is an excellent security feature.
The only caveat we note with this brake controller is its steep price when compared to the rest of the competition. But if money is not an issue, it is an excellent purchase.
Pros:
Cons:
4. Curt 51140 – Easy to Install by Beginners
Photo: Curt
- Type: Time-delayed
- Number of Axles: 1 - 4
- Display: Digital
The Curt 51140 is a simple and yet versatile trailer brake controller that is extremely easy to install with its plug-and-play port. If you are an absolute beginner, this model comes with a detailed manual that will show you exactly how to install it.
Moreover, this unit is able to control up to 4 axles and has a built-in accelerometer that will continually calculate the speed that your trailer is moving and make proportional adjustments to the braking system.
The digital display is also a nice addition as it is easy to read both during the day as well as at night.
In order to switch between the different settings of this device, you have a handy knob located at the top.
Best of all, it comes with multiple mounting clips that will allow you to quickly and easily install it on your dashboard.
All in all, this top-rated trailer brake controller is easy to use, easy to install as well as has a lot of features that will make the braking system of your trailer much safer and smoother.
Sure,since this is not a time delayed controller, its price could have been a little bit better because when compared to other models, it is quite expensive.
Pros:
Cons:
5. Hopkins 47297 – Mini Automatic Brake Controller
Photo: Hopkins
- Type: Proportional
- Number of Axles: 1- 4
- Display: Digital
The Hopkins 47297 is a mini trailer brake controller that is extremely easy to install and use. This device does is mimic proportionally your towing vehicle’s brakes and automatically apply it to your trailer brakes.
Since it is able to control for axles, it will have no problem controlling up to 8 trailer brakes at once. One of the best things about this model is that it comes with 7 pre-calibrated settings that you can apply on the fly with the push of a button.
If you do not have a lot of space on the dashboard but needs a quality model, then this Hopkins unit is definitely one of the best electric trailer brake controllers on the market because of its small size and ease-of-use.
We can safely recommend it even if it has limited features when compared to other models and the LED display is small.
Pros:
Cons:
6. Curt 51110 – Affordable and Value for Money
Photo: Curt
- Type: Time-delayed
- Number of Axles: 1 - 3
- Display: LED
The Curt 51110 adult a unique design with its LED display. This model uses 5 green lines that incrementally increases the more you press on the brake. This will give you a visual indication of the amount of power applied to the trailer brakes.
Moreover, this model can control up to 6 trailer brakes as it is a 3 axle unit. Out of the box, you get all accessories that will allow you to quickly and easily install this trailer brake controller.
It also has a mounting clip that is fully adjustable and you can control its position on your dashboard.
Moreover, the plug-and-play port will allow you to easily connect this trailer controller to your vehicle. But one of the best things that we like about this model is definitely its affordable price.
Indeed, when compared to other top-rated trailer brake controllers with almost similar features, this unit is extremely cost-effective. Even if this is a time delayed model with more basic features when compared to the competition.
Pros:
Cons:
7. Draw-Tite 5504 – Easy to Install with Plug-and-Play Port
Photo: Draw-Tite
- Type: Time-delayed
- Number of Axles: 1 - 4
- Display: LED
The Draw-Tite 5504 is a time-delayed trailer brake controller that has a large LED as well as a small and compact form factor.
This model is very easy to install with its plug-and-play port at the back and is able to control up to 4 axles. Therefore, you will have no problem controlling 8 trailer brakes with this unit.
Moreover, there are pre-calibrated settings in this trailer brake controller so that you can apply different types of force on your trailer brake pads.
Since this is a time-delayed model, it is more cost-effective and cheaper than a proportional trailer brake controller.
If you have never owned a controller before then this model is definitely one of the best aftermarket trailer brake controllers in terms of price and feature set.
Just make sure that your vehicle has the necessary mounting holes as this model is not universally compatible with every vehicle. Also, this model is more fragile so you need to be careful when operating it.
Pros:
Cons:
8. Draw-Tite 20191 – Easy to Install and Easy to Use
Photo: Draw-Tite
- Type: Proportional
- Number of Axles: 1 - 3
- Display: LED
For those who have never owned a trailer brake controller before, the Draw-Tite 20191 is an excellent model to consider. Indeed, this top-rated trailer brake controller is very easy to install and comes as a kit with all installation accessories, including screws and mounting clips.
Since this is a proportional controller, it will constantly calculate your speed at which your trailer is moving and proportionally adjust the braking force for you. It has a boost feature which will also prove to be handy when backing up with a heavy trailer.
Moreover, this unit is able to control up to 3 axles, therefore allowing you to automatically control 6 wheel brakes with ease. Best of all, the LED display is also quite visible both during the day as well as at night since it is very bright.
All those features make the Draw-Tite one of the best proportional trailer brake controller that you can purchase even if you cannot mount this model sideways.
Pros:
Cons:
9. Reese Towpower 74642 – Affordable and Value for Money
Photo: Reese
- Type: Time-delayed
- Number of Axles: 1 - 2
- Display: Indicator light
One of the best things about the Reese Towpower is its simplicity and extremely affordable price. In fact, this model is regarded as one of the best trailer brake controllers for the money when it comes to price as you do get a lot of features that makes it value for money.
Since it is a simple design, it does not come with a digital or LED display. However, it has a red indicator light that will show you the various settings applied by the controller. This model is able to control up to 4 trailer brakes since it is a 2 axle system.
The slide adjustment will also allow you to shift between multiple pre-calibrated settings by the manufacturer with ease.
Best of all, this model is compatible with all electric trailer brakes as well as hydraulic types of brakes so it is quite versatile and one of the best trailer brake controller for the money.
The only caveat we note with this controller is that the red indicator is a little bit basic and you have limited adjustments when compared to other Controllers in this review.
Pros:
Cons:
10. Hopkins 47284 – Automatically Controls Up to 8 Trailer Brakes
Photo: Hopkins
- Type: Time-delayed
- Number of Axles: 1 - 4
- Display: LED
The Hopkins 47284 is a simple and yet highly effective trailer brake controller that uses a time-delayed system to automatically control up to 8 trailer brakes for you.
This model has a small LED display that will show you a wide range of brake settings as well as car settings like voltages on the fly.
But one thing that makes this unit one of the best aftermarket trailer brake controllers is definitely its ability for the LED to show the amount of braking force exerted on the brakes. Moreover, you can easily adjust the braking force with the push of a button.
If you have never installed a trailer brake controller before, the plugging connector makes it extremely easy for even beginners to do so.
Pros:
Cons:
Types of Trailer Brake Controller
1. Proportional
Photo: youtube.com
The proportional trailer brake controller is the most popular type of controller on the market.
When the trailer is in motion and at a certain speed, the proportional trailer brake controller will automatically make adjustments such that it delivers the right amount of force on the brake pads of the trailer.
This type of trailer brake controller has a fairly complex internal design that is more advanced when compared to a time-delayed model.
Indeed, it has a small CPU pretty much like a computer that constantly makes calculations about the speed it is moving and how much force needs to be applied to the trailer brakes.
Advantages:
- Since it makes real-time calculations, braking is much faster and almost real-time
- The proportional trailer brake controller is known for its smooth and linear braking
Disadvantages:
- A little bit more expensive than in time delayed brake controller
- The installation is a little bit more difficult since it has more wires and a more complex internal design
If you don’t want to be bothered with complex adjustments, the proportional trailer brake controller is an easy to use controller type. Simply install it and it will do all the braking automatically for you.
Additionally, if you value comfort when braking, this is the type of trailer brake controller to go with as the braking is incredibly smooth.
2. Time-delayed
Photo: knowhow.napaonline.com
The time-delayed trailer brake controller is the oldest type of controller on the market. This type of controller sends a signal to your trailer brake pads based on the settings and adjustments that you tell it to do.
Unlike the proportional trailer brake controller that makes those calculations automatically, you will have to tell the time-delayed trailer brake controller the amount of force it needs to apply at the brakes.
Therefore, this type of brake controller can be imagined to be a “manual” trailer brake controller when compared to the proportional type.
Advantages:
- Cheaper than the proportional trailer brake controller
- Due to a simpler design, it is more easy to install
- It has more adjustments and offers more customization options
Disadvantages:
- Since the braking is more severe, it causes more wear-and-tear to the trailer brake pads
For those on a small budget or like to tweak the braking system to the way they like, the time-delayed trailer brake controller is an excellent choice. It offers tons of customization, is easy to install and very affordable.
How to Buy the Best Trailer Brake Controller
Photo: youtube.com
1. Electric or Hydraulic
There are basically 2 types of trailer brakes on the market. The electric and hydraulic trailer brake. The electric trailer brakes are the most common type of brake that you will find an is literally an industry standard in trailers.
This is because this type of brake is cheaper to make as well as has a good response time.
On the other hand, the hydraulic brake is mostly found in vehicles like cars and is a more modern and performing type of brake. However, it is also more expensive.
When choosing between the electric and hydraulic brake, noting that it makes little difference to the trailer brake controller as this controller is able to control both types of brakes with equal ease.
Therefore, even if your trailer is equipped with a hydraulic brake, you will be able to find a good trailer brake controller to work with it.
2. Voltage
When it comes to voltage, the trailer brake controller works with either a 12 V power supply or a 24 V. Some traders are able to output only 12 V DC while others will provide you a range of voltages from 12 V to 24 V.
If you use the wrong type of voltage on your trailer brake controller, obviously it will damage the device so you need to ensure the right type of voltage first.
3. Number of Axles
Basically, the number of axles in a trailer brake controller will dictate how many wheels it can control. The more axles it can connect to; the more wheels it will be able to control.
In general, trailer brake controllers are able to control 1 - 2 axles, 1 - 3 axles or 1 - 4 axles for controlling up to 8 wheels at a time.
You will need to choose the right type of axle based on your trailer type. If your trailer has 4 axles, then going with a 2 axle trailer brake controller is not a good idea as it will make it underperform.
4. Display
The display is where you get a visual idea about what is going on in the wheels of your trailer. Most high-quality trailer brake controllers will display a diagnostic of the battery, output current, and brake pad force applied in real-time.
In general, led monitors are very reliable, durable and long-lasting. They are also easy to see at night as well as during the day with no glare.
Moreover, the amount of details displayed in the display of your trailer brake controller is another important factor to consider. Evidently, the more details you get the better since this will provide you with more information.
5. Setting options
The setting option will allow you to make different adjustments to your trailer brake controller. If you need to control the force exerted on the brake pads of your trailer with the trailer brake controller, then you need to go with a model that offers you this type of setting. It is usually called a “boost feature”.
Additionally, you may want to switch between a hydraulic and electric trailer brake mode on the fly as these offer you two different types of braking experiences.
Some models of trailer brake controllers allow you to do that with the push of a button in all safety.
6. Easy to install
You do not want a trailer brake controller that is overly complex to install.
Basically, all you will have to do is splice the wires of the trailer brake controller and connect it to the trailer connector as well as to the brake paddle switch for it to have complete control over your trailer brakes.
7. Size
The size of the trailer brake controller is especially important when you want to install it in your dashboard. You do not want it to be too big if you have a small dashboard, for example.
Additionally, the controller needs to be installed in a strategic position such that it is easy to reach and make adjustments to when necessary.
8. Warranty
For peace of mind, you want a trailer brake controller that comes with a warranty that is at least 1 year.
This device is almost impossible for the average person to repair so you may want to factor in that extra level of reassurance with a warranty period from the manufacturer.
How to Install a Trailer Brake Controller
Photo: canadianleisurerv.com
Step 1 – Make a wire harness
The first step when installing a trailer brake controller is to install your wires. This is called a wire harness.
Some vehicles already make provisions for brake controller wires and will label is something like “electric brake controller”. But if you do not have your wiring harness already installed, you will need to make the pre-wiring by splicing wires and connecting them.
Luckily, most manufacturers of trailer brake controllers already ship their units with wires so that you can easily install them.
The wires in the trailer brake controller have different colors that will show you which wire connects to what. Your installation manual will prove to be handy in this situation.
Step 2 - Install the controller
Now that you have made the wire harness, you will need to install your trailer brake controller in an accessible position. This is because you will sometimes need to make adjustments to your controller system. In general, people install the trailer brake controller on their dashboard for easy accessibility.
Step 3 - Calibrate the controller
You will find that your trailer brake controller comes with multiple settings. This will allow you to adjust your trailer brake controller based on the type of vehicle you have as well as the weight of your trailer.
Moreover, you may need to refer to your user manual to see which setting is made for your trailer.
Conclusion
At this point, it should be clear that you need a trailer brake controller if you have a trailer that exceeds 1000 lbs of weight. It is for your own security as well as for the security of others because it will allow you to maneuver your trailer better when applying the brakes.
Moreover, one of the best things about the brake controller is its price. It is highly affordable and when compared to other trailer accessories, it costs almost nothing.
Finally, if you have read our trailer brake controller review above and still not found a decent controller model, we recommend you read it again because you may have missed something.
Sources
- Let's Talk about Brake Controllers - eTrailer.com
- Types of Brake Controller - HowStuffWorks
- How to Install a Brake Controller - Curt
- 10 Best Trailer Brake Controllers – Review
- 1. Tekonsha 90195 – Easy to Install and Shows Detailed Brake Information
- 2. Tekonsha 90160 – Excellent Build Construction
- 3. Tekonsha 90885 – Large LCD Display
- 4. Curt 51140 – Easy to Install by Beginners
- 5. Hopkins 47297 – Mini Automatic Brake Controller
- 6. Curt 51110 – Affordable and Value for Money
- 7. Draw-Tite 5504 – Easy to Install with Plug-and-Play Port
- 8. Draw-Tite 20191 – Easy to Install and Easy to Use
- 9. Reese Towpower 74642 – Affordable and Value for Money
- 10. Hopkins 47284 – Automatically Controls Up to 8 Trailer Brakes
- Types of Trailer Brake Controller
- How to Buy the Best Trailer Brake Controller
- How to Install a Trailer Brake Controller
- Conclusion
