Heavy trailer loads put additional stresses on your tow vehicles brakes. This added stress can, over time, lead to breakdown or failure. If you’re towing heavy or awkward loads, like an RV or tiny house, trailer brakes are highly recommended.
There is nothing more unnerving than trying to stop a heavy load while approaching a busy intersection full of traffic, and having your trailer pushing you forward from behind as your brakes struggle or fail to slow you down quickly enough. Trailer brakes help you avoid these stressful and extremely dangerous situations.
WE had our team test and review the best trailer brake controller models to keep you safe on the road. Here’s a quick look with our detailed reviews below.
Snapshot: The 5 Best Trailer Brake Controller Models – Short Reviews
Whenever you want to buy trailer brake controllers it’s important to check the reviews to help you in deciding which one to go for. Here are my top 5 picks of best trailer controller brakes:
| Product Name | Quality | Price | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tekonsha Model 8507120 Brakeman IV | A | ||
| Tekonsha 90195 P3 Electronic | A+ | ||
| Tekonsha 90885 Prodigy P2 | A+ | ||
| Tekonsha 90250 Prodigy RF | A | ||
| Tekonsha 90160 Primus IQ | A+ |
| Product | Type | Display | Number of Axles | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tekonsha Model 8507120 Brakeman IV | Timed | LED | 1-4 | Limited lifetime |
| Tekonsha 90195 P3 | Proportional | LCD | 1-4 | Limited lifetime |
| Tekonsha 90885 Prodigy P2 | Proportional | LED | 1-4 | Limited lifetime |
| Tekonsha 90250 Prodigy RF | Proportional | LED | 1-3 | 15-year limited warranty |
| Tekonsha 90160 Primus IQ | Proportional | LED | 1-3 | 15-year labor warranty |
Two Main Types of Brake Controllers
Trailer brake controllers come in different types. They differ in several aspects such as appearance and even in their functionality. All these types of trailer brake controllers can be classified into two broad categories i.e. Proportional and time delayed brake controllers.
Time-Delayed Brake Controllers
Time delay brake controllers allow the driver to select how much braking force they want on the trailer. That force is generally arrived at by estimating how much the tow load is, and then setting the controller to compensate via the “Sync” function.
Because the force applied will be a static (the same amount of force each time the brakes are used), it’s important to set a time-delayed brake controller carefully. If set too low the tow vehicle will still take the brunt of the braking load. If set too high you put a lot of stress on the trailer wheels.
Proportional Brake Controllers
Proportional brake controllers are linked in to the pressure applied to your brake pedal, and apply a relative force to the trailer brakes. If you step lightly on the brakes, you get a light braking response from the trailer. A heavy foot gets a heavy response. This controller essentially allows the trailer brakes to operate as dynamically as car or truck brakes. There is less guesswork, it’s easy to use, and is considered the safer of the two types.
The Best Brake Controllers
Tekonsha Model 8507120 Brakeman IV
It can handle up to four braking axles and eight braking systems. It comes with separate push buttons that are meant for adjusting controls whether it may be weight or speed inclined to depend on the situation.
Pros of the product
- It has a small compact design
- Operates up to an 8-braking system
- This type of a brake control comes with a mounting hardware
- It has a lifetime limited warranty
- Finally, you can mount this module in any direction and no require leveling