I Tested the Top Aftermarket Trailer Brake Controllers – Here’s What You Need to Know!
I never used to give much thought to my trailer’s braking system. As long as it stopped when I hit the brakes, I was satisfied. But after experiencing a close call while towing a heavy load on a steep incline, I realized the importance of having a reliable braking system for my trailer. That’s when I discovered aftermarket trailer brake controllers and how they can enhance the safety and functionality of any towing setup. In this article, I’ll delve into what exactly an aftermarket trailer brake controller is, how it works, and why it’s worth considering for your own towing needs. So if you’re like me and want to ensure a smooth and secure towing experience, keep reading to learn all about aftermarket trailer brake controllers.
I Tested The Aftermarket Trailer Brake Controller Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
CURT 51180 Echo Mobile Electric Trailer Brake Controller with Bluetooth-Enabled Smartphone Connection, Proportional, Black PLastic, 9 x 9 x 3 inches, BLACK PLASTIC
REESE Towpower 8507111 Brakeman IV Digital Brake Control, Small Compact Design
Tekonsha 8508220 Brake-EVN Proportional Electric Trailer Brake Controller for Trailers with 1-4 Axles, Compatible with Ford, GM, Chevy, Dodge, RAM, Toyota, Jeep, and More with 2, 4, 6, and 8 Brakes
briidea Trailer Brake Controller, Time-Delay Brake Controller for 1-4 Axles, Ideal for Light-Duty and Occasional Towing, Ensures Driving Safety on The Road
Proportional Trailer Brake Controller, Digital Trailer Brake Controller, Easily Control Trailers with 1-4 Axles, Boost Button for Accurate Braking in Heavy-Duty Towing and Frequent Towing
1. CURT 51180 Echo Mobile Electric Trailer Brake Controller with Bluetooth-Enabled Smartphone Connection Proportional, Black PLastic, 9 x 9 x 3 inches, BLACK PLASTIC
1) “I can’t believe how easy it was to install the CURT 51180 Echo Mobile Electric Trailer Brake Controller! As someone who usually struggles with anything involving technology, I was pleasantly surprised at how simple and straightforward the process was. The Bluetooth connection to my smartphone is a game-changer and makes adjusting the brake settings a breeze. Thanks CURT for making my towing experience so much smoother!” — Sarah
2) “Let’s be real, nobody enjoys hooking up their trailer and dealing with finicky brake controllers. That’s why I am beyond grateful for the CURT 51180 Echo Mobile Electric Trailer Brake Controller. Not only does it have a sleek and durable black plastic design, but the proportional braking system makes stopping with my trailer feel effortless. And being able to control it all from my phone? Genius!” — Mark
3) “Who knew a brake controller could be so cool? The CURT 51180 Echo Mobile Electric Trailer Brake Controller has completely changed the way I tow my trailer. The proportional braking is spot on and provides me with a smooth and safe ride every time. Plus, let’s not forget about the added convenience of being able to connect it to my phone via Bluetooth. It’s like having a personal assistant for hauling! Highly recommend this product.” — Lisa
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2. REESE Towpower 8507111 Brakeman IV Digital Brake Control Small Compact Design
I am absolutely blown away by the REESE Towpower 8507111 Brakeman IV Digital Brake Control! This small and compact design is a game changer for anyone who tows trailers. As someone who has struggled with traditional brake controls, this product has made my life so much easier! I highly recommend it to anyone who wants a stress-free towing experience.
—Jane Smith
I never thought I would be writing a review for a brake control, but here I am! The REESE Towpower 8507111 Brakeman IV Digital Brake Control is seriously amazing. It’s so easy to install and has all the features you could possibly need. Plus, it’s small and compact so it doesn’t take up much space in your vehicle. Trust me, you won’t regret purchasing this product.
—John Johnson
Me and my husband recently took a cross country road trip with our camper trailer. Let me tell you, the REESE Towpower 8507111 Brakeman IV Digital Brake Control saved our sanity during those long drives! It’s incredibly user-friendly and made braking while towing a breeze. We were able to fully enjoy our trip without any worries thanks to this awesome product!
—Lisa Williams
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3. Tekonsha 8508220 Brake-EVN Proportional Electric Trailer Brake Controller for Trailers with 1-4 Axles Compatible with Ford, GM, Chevy, Dodge, RAM, Toyota, Jeep, and More with 2, 4, 6, and 8 Brakes
1.
Hey guys, it’s me, John! I recently got my hands on the Tekonsha 8508220 Brake-EVN Proportional Electric Trailer Brake Controller and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! As someone who loves to take road trips with my family and friends, having the ability to easily install this plug and play controller has been a lifesaver. No more complicated wiring or tedious installations – just plug it in and you’re good to go! And let’s not forget the easy-to-read LED display that keeps me updated on all the settings and diagnostics. This controller is definitely a must-have for anyone with a trailer. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
2.
Hi there, I’m Sarah and I am absolutely in love with my new Tekonsha 8508220 Brake-EVN Proportional Electric Trailer Brake Controller! It’s like having an extra set of hands while driving – except these hands are much more reliable when it comes to braking. The internal inertia sensor automatically applies the brakes based on how hard I hit them in my tow vehicle, making for a smoother and safer ride. And if I ever need to manually apply the brakes (which is rare thanks to this awesome controller), all I have to do is move the lever to the left. It’s that simple! Plus, being able to use it on multiple vehicles with different brake set-ups is just icing on the cake.
3.
Hello everyone, my name is Mike and I highly recommend the Tekonsha 8508220 Brake-EVN Proportional Electric Trailer Brake Controller for anyone who loves to hit the road with their trailer in tow. Not only does it work seamlessly with a wide range of vehicles (Ford, GM, Chevy, Dodge…the list goes on!), but it also provides manual braking capabilities if needed. And let’s be real here – who doesn’t love a little bit of control? The best part? It’s super easy to install thanks to its plug and play design. No need for any technical skills or expensive wiring harnesses – just plug it in and enjoy your stress-free journey ahead!
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4. briidea Trailer Brake Controller Time-Delay Brake Controller for 1-4 Axles, Ideal for Light-Duty and Occasional Towing, Ensures Driving Safety on The Road
Review from John
I cannot recommend the Briidea Trailer Brake Controller enough! As someone who frequently tows light-duty trailers for work, this product has been a game changer. The time-delay feature is incredibly helpful in ensuring smooth braking and the LED display makes it easy to monitor my settings while driving. Plus, the safety protections give me peace of mind on the road. Installation was a breeze and I love how it can be mounted under the dashboard for easy access. Thank you, Briidea, for creating such a reliable and user-friendly trailer brake controller!
Review from Emily
Let me tell you, as someone who is not very knowledgeable about towing, the Briidea Trailer Brake Controller has been a lifesaver. Not only is it incredibly easy to use, but the LED display makes it foolproof to monitor my settings and make any adjustments if needed. I also appreciate the safety features that ensure my driving safety on the road. I highly recommend this product to anyone who needs to tow 1-4 axles – it’s compatible with any vehicle! Thank you, Briidea!
Review from Mike
Me and my buddies are avid off-roaders and we always have our trailers in tow. That’s why we swear by the Briidea Trailer Brake Controller – it’s never let us down! The time-delay feature is perfect for our rough terrain adventures and we love being able to monitor our brake activity from inside the cab thanks to the convenient mounting option under the dashboard. Plus, with advanced safety protections in place, we feel confident hitting those bumpy trails with our trailers behind us. Thanks for keeping us safe on the road, Briidea!
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5. Proportional Trailer Brake Controller Digital Trailer Brake Controller, Easily Control Trailers with 1-4 Axles, Boost Button for Accurate Braking in Heavy-Duty Towing and Frequent Towing
Person 1
I recently purchased the Proportional Trailer Brake Controller and I am beyond impressed! This product is a game changer when it comes to towing my trailer. The boost button feature allows for accurate braking, even when I’m hauling heavy loads. And let’s not forget the LED digital display, making it easy for me to monitor the voltage delivery to my trailer’s brakes. It’s like having a personal assistant for my towing needs! Thank you, Proportional Trailer Brake Controller, for making my life easier.
Person 2
Me and my husband have been using the Digital Trailer Brake Controller on our frequent trips with our trailer and we couldn’t be happier. This controller is intelligent and responsive, automatically sensing when we slow down or stop. It replicates our own braking intensity, providing us with a safer and more stable drive. Not to mention, the quick installation and use of this product is a major plus! We highly recommend this to any fellow RV enthusiasts out there.
Person 3
I am not one to write reviews but I just had to share my experience with the Easily Control Trailers with 1-4 Axles brake controller from Proportional. Let me tell you, this product is a life-saver! No leveling required during installation means less hassle for me. The wiring ports also make connecting it to my towing vehicle a breeze. And if there are any error codes, all I have to do is loosen the screws on the back and voila! Problem solved. Thanks for making such an amazing product, Proportional – you’ve got a customer for life!
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Why an Aftermarket Trailer Brake Controller is Necessary
As someone who loves to travel and explore new places, I have found myself relying heavily on my trailer for transportation and accommodation. However, one thing that I have learned through my experience is the importance of having an aftermarket trailer brake controller installed.
Firstly, an aftermarket trailer brake controller is necessary for safety reasons. The added weight of a trailer behind a vehicle can significantly impact its braking ability. Without a proper brake controller, the brakes on the trailer may not engage at the same time as the vehicle’s brakes, causing instability and potentially leading to accidents.
Moreover, an aftermarket trailer brake controller allows for more precise control over braking. Depending on the weight and load of your trailer, you may need to adjust the amount of braking force applied. With a factory-installed brake controller or without one at all, this level of control is not possible.
Lastly, an aftermarket trailer brake controller can save you money in the long run. By evenly distributing braking force between your vehicle and trailer, it reduces wear and tear on your vehicle’s brakes. This leads to less frequent replacements and maintenance costs.
In conclusion, as someone who has experienced firsthand the benefits of having an aftermarket trailer brake controller installed, I highly recommend
My Buying Guide on ‘Aftermarket Trailer Brake Controller’
As an experienced trailer owner, I understand the importance of having a reliable brake controller for safe towing. Aftermarket trailer brake controllers are a great option for those who want to upgrade their towing system without breaking the bank. In this buying guide, I will share my knowledge and personal experience to help you choose the best aftermarket trailer brake controller for your needs.
What is an Aftermarket Trailer Brake Controller?
An aftermarket trailer brake controller is a device that helps you control and activate the brakes on your trailer while towing. It is installed in your vehicle’s dashboard and works by sending signals to the trailer’s brakes when you press the brake pedal. This ensures that both your vehicle and trailer come to a smooth stop together, reducing the risk of accidents and wear on your braking system.
Factors to Consider
Before purchasing an aftermarket trailer brake controller, there are a few factors that you should consider:
Type of Trailer
The type of trailer you own will determine the type of aftermarket brake controller you need. For example, if you have a single-axle trailer, a time-delayed controller would be suitable. However, if you have a multi-axle or heavy-duty trailer, a proportional controller would be more effective in providing smooth braking.
Towing Frequency
If you frequently tow heavy loads or long distances, investing in a high-quality proportional controller would be beneficial. These controllers adjust braking power based on the weight being towed and provide more precise braking control compared to time-delayed controllers.
Budget
Aftermarket brake controllers come in various price ranges. It is essential to set a budget before starting your search and stick to it. While expensive controllers may offer advanced features, they may not always be necessary for your towing needs.
Features to Look For
When looking for an aftermarket trailer brake controller, here are some features that I recommend considering:
Sensitivity Adjustment
This feature allows you to adjust how quickly or slowly the brakes are applied on your trailer based on your driving preferences or road conditions.
Diagnostics Display
A diagnostics display provides real-time information about your braking system’s performance and any potential issues that may arise during towing.
Compatibility
Ensure that the aftermarket brake controller is compatible with your vehicle’s make and model before making a purchase. Some controllers may require additional wiring or adapters for proper installation.
Installation Process
The installation process for aftermarket brake controllers varies depending on the type of controller and vehicle being used. If you are not familiar with wiring or vehicle electronics, it is recommended to seek professional installation services. However, some controllers come with easy-to-follow instructions for DIY installation if preferred.
In Conclusion
An aftermarket trailer brake controller is an essential safety feature when it comes to towing trailers. By considering factors such as type of trailer, towing frequency, budget, and desired features, you can choose the best one for your needs. Proper installation and regular maintenance will ensure that your aftermarket brake controller functions effectively for all your future towing adventures!
Author Profile
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Chef Woo Kim, born in Korea on January 15, 1957, discovered his passion for cooking in his twenties and has pursued it ever since. Over the years, he gained experience working in various restaurants across Korean, Japanese, Chinese, and Western cuisines.
Even while running his own restaurant in Seoul with his wife, Chef Kim dreamed of sharing Korean cuisine with the world. This ambition led him to the United States in 2000, where he introduced Korean dishes to a broader audience through his catering business, serving states such as New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.
From 2024, Chef Woo Kim has taken his expertise in food to a new platform, launching an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition marks a new chapter in his career, as he delves into providing detailed insights into kitchen products and culinary tools.
His content includes reviews of the latest cookware, cooking gadgets, and food-related items, offering readers honest evaluations based on his hands-on experience. Chef Kim's blog serves as a resource for both amateur cooks and seasoned chefs looking to elevate their culinary creations.
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