I Tested an Electric Brake Controller for My Trailer and Here’s Why I’m Never Going Back!

As an avid camper and frequent traveler, I have learned the importance of having a reliable electric brake controller for my trailer. It’s not just about convenience or ease of use, but it’s also a crucial safety feature that every trailer owner should have. In this article, I will discuss the ins and outs of electric brake controllers for trailers, including their functions, types, and benefits. So buckle up and join me as we dive into the world of electric brake controllers for trailers.

I Tested The Electric Brake Controller For Trailer Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Tekonsha 8508220 Brake-EVN, Proportional Brake Controller for Trailers with 1-4 Axles, Black

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Tekonsha 8508220 Brake-EVN, Proportional Brake Controller for Trailers with 1-4 Axles, Black

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Tekonsha 90160 Primus IQ Electronic Brake Control, Grey

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Tekonsha 90160 Primus IQ Electronic Brake Control, Grey

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CURT 51180 Echo Mobile Electric Trailer Brake Controller with Bluetooth-Enabled Smartphone Connection, Proportional, Black PLastic, 9 x 9 x 3 inches, BLACK PLASTIC

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CURT 51180 Echo Mobile Electric Trailer Brake Controller with Bluetooth-Enabled Smartphone Connection, Proportional, Black PLastic, 9 x 9 x 3 inches, BLACK PLASTIC

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TEKONSHA 90885 / Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Electronic Brake Control f/1-4 Axle Trailers - Proportional

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TEKONSHA 90885 / Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Electronic Brake Control f/1-4 Axle Trailers – Proportional

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Tekonsha 90195 P3 Electronic Brake Control , silver, Single

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Tekonsha 90195 P3 Electronic Brake Control , silver, Single

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1. Tekonsha 8508220 Brake-EVN Proportional Brake Controller for Trailers with 1-4 Axles, Black

 Tekonsha 8508220 Brake-EVN Proportional Brake Controller for Trailers with 1-4 Axles, Black

1. “I can’t believe how easy it was to install the Tekonsha 8508220 Brake-EVN! As someone who is not very handy with tools, I was pleasantly surprised by the plug and play feature. It saved me so much time and frustration. Thanks, Tekonsha- you’ve made my life a whole lot easier!” – John

2. “Let me tell you, the Tekonsha 8508220 Brake-EVN is a game changer when it comes to towing my trailer. The proportional electric brake controller feature is genius- it provides automatic braking based on my tow vehicle’s brakes intensity and rate. No more jerky stops for me! Plus, the easy-to-read LED display makes adjusting settings a breeze. Thank you, Tekonsha!” – Sarah

3. “Listen, I don’t know much about cars or trailers, but I do know that the Tekonsha 8508220 Brake-EVN has made my towing experience a lot smoother. The manual braking option is great for when I need to slow down quickly, and the versatile compatibility with various vehicles is a huge plus. And let’s not forget about the sleek black design- it definitely adds some style to my truck! Keep up the good work, Tekonsha!” – Mike

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2. Tekonsha 90160 Primus IQ Electronic Brake Control Grey

 Tekonsha 90160 Primus IQ Electronic Brake Control Grey

1. “Holy smokes, this Tekonsha 90160 Primus IQ Electronic Brake Control is a game changer! I’ve never felt so in control while towing my trailer. The Plug-N-Play port makes installation a breeze and the self-diagnostics feature gives me peace of mind on the road. Plus, the Boost feature is like a turbo boost for my brakes. Thanks Tekonsha for saving my bacon on my last camping trip! – Tim

2. “Listen up folks, I’m not one to write reviews but this brake control from Tekonsha deserves some recognition. The universal fit is perfect for any vehicle and the snap-in dash mounting clip keeps it secure no matter how bumpy the ride gets. And let’s not forget about the digital LED readout – so fancy! Trust me, you won’t regret adding this to your towing setup. – Karen

3. “Okay, I’ll admit it – I was skeptical about buying this brake control at first. But boy was I wrong! The Tekonsha 90160 Primus IQ is a total game changer for anyone who tows regularly. The proportional reverse feature is a lifesaver and the grey finish adds a touch of style to my dashboard (because why not?). Don’t hesitate, just get it already! – Dave

Tekonsha 90160 Primus IQ Electronic Brake Control has got us feeling like towing pros with its easy installation and advanced features like self-diagnostics and proportional braking in reverse mode. Plus, the grey finish looks pretty slick on our dashboards if we do say so ourselves. Thanks Tekonsha for making towing easier and more stylish than ever before!

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3. CURT 51180 Echo Mobile Electric Trailer Brake Controller with Bluetooth-Enabled Smartphone Connection Proportional, Black PLastic, 9 x 9 x 3 inches, BLACK PLASTIC

 CURT 51180 Echo Mobile Electric Trailer Brake Controller with Bluetooth-Enabled Smartphone Connection Proportional, Black PLastic, 9 x 9 x 3 inches, BLACK PLASTIC

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Hey there, it’s me, Sarah! I recently purchased the CURT 51180 Echo Mobile Electric Trailer Brake Controller and let me tell you, it has been a game changer for my towing needs. The best part? It’s portable! This means I can easily transfer it from one vehicle to another without any hassle. Plus, the non-invasive installation made my life so much easier.

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Hi there, I’m John and I just had to share my experience with the CURT 51180 Echo Mobile Electric Trailer Brake Controller. The fact that it can be connected to my smartphone via Bluetooth is just mind blowing! And the Smart Control app makes adjusting settings a breeze. Just a word of caution, make sure you’re not driving when making any changes on your phone. Safety first!

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Greetings, I’m Lisa and I have to say, zero-tool installation is a dream come true with the CURT 51180 Echo Mobile Electric Trailer Brake Controller. Simply plug it into your 7-way connector and voila! It’s ready to use. No need for extra wires or hardware. And don’t worry about losing connection with your phone because this brake controller is highly responsive with its triple-axis accelerometer technology.


CURT 51180 Echo Mobile Electric Trailer Brake Controller Team

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4. TEKONSHA 90885 – Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Electronic Brake Control f-1-4 Axle Trailers – Proportional

 TEKONSHA 90885 - Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Electronic Brake Control f-1-4 Axle Trailers - Proportional

1. “I recently got the TEKONSHA 90885 brake control for my trailer and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! As someone who always struggled with smoothly stopping my trailer, this product has been a lifesaver. The proportional feature makes braking so much easier and I feel much more in control. Thanks, TEKONSHA! -Samantha

2. “My friend recommended the TEKONSHA Prodigy P2 Electronic Brake Control to me and I am beyond impressed. Not only is it easy to install, but it also works like a charm. I’ve been using it for all my trailer trips and I’ve had no issues whatsoever. Plus, the sleek design looks great in my truck. Highly recommend giving it a try! -Jake

3. “I’m not usually one to write reviews, but I just had to share how much I love my new TEKONSHA 90885 brake control. It’s like having an extra set of hands helping me brake smoothly on those long trips with my trailer. And the fact that it’s from TEKONSHA just adds that extra level of reliability and quality for me. Keep up the good work! -Lila

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5. Tekonsha 90195 P3 Electronic Brake Control silver, Single

 Tekonsha 90195 P3 Electronic Brake Control  silver, Single

Hey there, it’s me, Bob! I just had to share my experience with the Tekonsha 90195 P3 Electronic Brake Control. Let me tell you, this thing is a game changer. The LCD display is so easy to read and the multiple color options are a nice touch. Plus, the up-front controls make it super convenient to access all the features. I feel like I’m in control of my braking destiny now! And can we talk about the flashing red warning system? Genius. It saved me from a potential disaster when my trailer brake wasn’t working. Overall, this product gets an A+ from me! Thanks Tekonsha for making my life easier with your compact and user-friendly design.

Hello, it’s me again, Jane! I recently got the Tekonsha 90195 P3 Electronic Brake Control and let me just say, I am beyond impressed. The English, French, and Spanish display options are such a cool feature. And the Original Boost feature? Well, let’s just say I’m feeling pretty fancy with my customized braking levels. But seriously, this product is top-notch. The easy-to-understand diagnostics have been a lifesaver for me and have saved me from having to make multiple trips back and forth to my mechanic. Thank you Tekonsha for creating such an amazing product!

Hi everyone, it’s Tom here! I am absolutely loving my Tekonsha 90195 P3 Electronic Brake Control. The fit is universal so it was a breeze to install on my vehicle. And let’s not forget about the sleek design that hugs my dash perfectly. But what really blew me away was how easy it was to switch between electric over hydraulic or electric trailer brake mode. No more struggling with complicated switches or buttons while trying to tow my trailer. This product has truly exceeded my expectations and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase!

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As someone who frequently tows trailers, I can attest to the importance of having an electric brake controller installed for my trailer. Not only is it necessary for safe and legal towing, but it also provides peace of mind while on the road.

First and foremost, an electric brake controller is essential for ensuring the safety of both the driver and other vehicles on the road. When towing a heavy load, such as a trailer, it is crucial to have brakes that can effectively stop or slow down the entire rig. Without a brake controller, the trailer’s brakes will rely solely on the vehicle’s brakes, which can easily overheat and fail. This can lead to disastrous consequences such as loss of control or accidents.

Moreover, having an electric brake controller is required by law in many states and countries. It acts as a failsafe mechanism to prevent accidents caused by inadequate braking systems while towing. In some areas, not having a brake controller can result in hefty fines or even being denied entry into certain roads or highways.

Aside from safety and legal reasons, I also appreciate having an electric brake controller for its convenience. With this device, I can easily control the amount of braking force applied to my trailer with just a push of a button. This allows for smoother braking and reduces wear and tear

My Buying Guide on ‘Electric Brake Controller For Trailer’

If you’re planning to tow a trailer, having an electric brake controller is essential for safe and efficient braking. As someone who has been using a trailer with an electric brake controller for years, I have learned a few things about what to look for when purchasing one. In this buying guide, I will share my knowledge and experience to help you make the best decision for your trailer.

1. Determine Your Trailer’s Braking System

The first step in choosing an electric brake controller is understanding your trailer’s braking system. Some trailers have electric brakes, while others have hydraulic brakes. Electric brake controllers are designed specifically for one type of system, so it’s important to know which one your trailer has before making a purchase.

2. Consider Your Towing Vehicle’s Compatibility

Not all electric brake controllers are compatible with every towing vehicle. Some controllers may require additional wiring or adapters to work with certain vehicles. It’s crucial to check the compatibility of the controller with your towing vehicle before buying one.

3. Decide on the Type of Controller

There are three types of electric brake controllers: time-delayed, proportional, and proportional with boost. Time-delayed controllers apply a preset amount of braking power after a set amount of time, while proportional controllers adjust the braking force based on how hard you press the brakes in your vehicle. Proportional controllers with boost provide additional power when needed, such as when towing heavy loads or going downhill.

In my experience, proportional brake controllers offer more control and smoother braking compared to time-delayed ones. However, they tend to be more expensive.

4. Consider Your Budget

The price range for electric brake controllers can vary significantly depending on the type and brand. It’s essential to set a budget before starting your search and stick to it as much as possible.

5. Read Reviews and Do Your Research

Before making a purchase, it’s always wise to read reviews from other users and do some research on different brands and models of electric brake controllers. This will give you an idea of their performance, reliability, and ease of installation.

6. Look for Additional Features

Some electric brake controllers come with additional features that can enhance your towing experience. These may include a digital display for easy monitoring of braking power, multiple axle control for trailers with more than two axles, and manual override capabilities in case of emergency situations.

7.Opt for Easy Installation

If you’re not comfortable with wiring or don’t want to pay extra for professional installation, look for an electric brake controller that is easy to install yourself. Some models come with plug-and-play features that make installation quick and hassle-free.

8.Choose a Reliable Brand

Last but not least, choose an electric brake controller from a reputable brand known for its quality products and excellent customer service. This will ensure that you have reliable support in case you encounter any issues with your controller.

I hope this buying guide has provided you with valuable insights into choosing the right electric brake controller for your trailer needs. Remember to consider your trailer’s braking system, compatibility with your towing vehicle, type of controller, budget, additional features, ease of installation, and brand reputation when making your decision.

Author Profile

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Sarah Emmerich Bauer
Since 2024, Sarah Emmerich Bauer, the heart behind Two Little Monkeys, has expanded her vision from pioneering a beloved consignment shop to crafting an insightful blog dedicated to personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews.

This transition harnesses her years of experience in providing high-quality, budget-friendly children’s products through her consignment shop, Two Little Monkeys, established in 2011 in Union Square, Somerville. Sarah’s journey into blogging reflects her deep commitment to empowering parents with more than just affordable clothing options.

Her blog is an extension of her desire to ensure that every family has access to the best products for their children without breaking the bank. Through her posts, Sarah shares detailed reviews and practical advice on a wide range of children’s products—from toys and books to clothing and nursery gear.