Anyone who’s ever towed a trailer knows the anxiety that comes with it, especially when it comes to stopping. I remember my first few towing experiences years ago; every time I hit the brakes in my truck, I felt that disconcerting push from the trailer behind me. It felt unstable and unsafe, like the trailer had a mind of its own during deceleration. This lack of synchronized braking was a real problem that needed solving immediately to ensure safety for myself and others on the road.
- PROPORTIONAL ELECTRIC BRAKE CONTROLLER: Provides automatic braking based on the intensity and rate at which you apply your tow vehicle’s brakes, giving you smooth braking thanks to an internal...
- EASILY INSTALL AND STOW, THANKS TO PLUG & PLAY: The Primus IQ trailer brake controller has a snap-in dash mounting clip, Plug & Play port for two plug adapters, and removeable electrical connector so...
- EASY-TO-READ LED DISPLAY: Digital LED display shows settings, real-time diagnostics, and alerts.
What to Think About Before Getting a Brake Controller
Before you dive into purchasing a brake controller, it’s crucial to understand what these devices do and if you truly need one. A brake controller is essential equipment for anyone towing a trailer equipped with electric brakes. It synchronizes your vehicle’s braking with the trailer’s brakes, ensuring smooth, controlled deceleration and stopping. Without one, your tow vehicle takes on the full braking load, leading to longer stopping distances, excessive wear on your vehicle’s brakes, and potentially dangerous instability. The ideal customer for a brake controller is anyone regularly towing a trailer, whether it’s a small utility trailer, a large travel trailer, a boat trailer, or an equipment trailer. If your trailer has electric brakes and weighs more than a few hundred pounds (always check manufacturer specs), you absolutely need a brake controller. Who doesn’t need one? Those only towing very light trailers without electric brakes (like small utility trailers or jet ski trailers that rely solely on the tow vehicle’s brakes or surge brakes) or trailers with hydraulic surge brakes which are self-contained. If you fall into the category of needing one, consider factors like the type of controller (proportional vs. time-based), the number of axles your trailer has, ease of installation, display type, and any extra features like boost settings or diagnostic capabilities.
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Meeting the Tekonsha Primus IQ
Having dealt with inadequate trailer braking before, finding a reliable solution was paramount. The Tekonsha 90160 Primus IQ promised proportional braking performance for trailers with 1 to 3 axles, aiming to deliver smooth, predictable stops. What you typically get with the purchase is the Primus IQ controller unit itself, a snap-in dash mounting clip, a traditional mounting bracket, and the necessary hardware. It stands in the middle of Tekonsha’s proportional lineup, offering more advanced features than a basic time-based controller but sitting below the more feature-rich Prodigy P2, P3, or the high-end Prodigy iD. This specific product is ideal for the average tower who needs reliable, proportional braking without overly complex settings or displays, handling trailers up to 3 axles effectively. It might not be the best fit for those with electric-over-hydraulic brakes or heavier trailers requiring 4+ axles, where controllers like the Prodigy P3 would be more appropriate.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons:
Pros:
* Provides smooth, proportional braking action.
* Works proportionally even when backing up.
* Self-leveling technology simplifies setup and use.
* Digital LED readout is clear and provides diagnostics.
* Boost feature allows for more aggressive initial braking when needed.
* Includes two mounting options for versatility.
Cons:
* Requires a separate vehicle-specific wiring harness (T-connector) for true Plug-N-Play installation.
* The traditional mounting bracket requires drilling/tapping holes in the controller itself, which can be tricky.
* Only supports trailers up to 3 axles.
* No electric-over-hydraulic brake support.
Getting Down to Details: Features and How They Help
Spending extensive time with the Tekonsha 90160 Primus IQ has really highlighted its core strengths and how its features translate into practical benefits on the road. It’s not just a box that hooks up your trailer brakes; it’s a system designed to make towing safer and more comfortable.
Proportional Braking Performance
The fundamental advantage of the Primus IQ is its proportional braking. Unlike older time-based controllers that apply a fixed amount of trailer braking power whenever you press the brake pedal (regardless of how hard you’re braking your vehicle), a proportional controller like this uses an internal inertia sensor. This sensor measures how quickly your tow vehicle is slowing down and applies a corresponding amount of braking force to the trailer. The harder you brake your vehicle, the harder the brake controller tells the trailer brakes to apply. This mirrors your vehicle’s deceleration, resulting in significantly smoother, more controlled stops. The trailer doesn’t push you, nor does it brake too aggressively and lock up. It feels like the trailer is stopping *with* your vehicle, not *against* it. This smooth synchronization is critical for safety, especially in unexpected situations or when navigating varying road conditions. It reduces wear and tear on both your vehicle’s brakes and the trailer’s braking system compared to the harsh application of a time-based controller.
Proportional Braking in Reverse
A standout feature often overlooked until you need it is the Tekonsha 90160 Primus IQ’s ability to apply proportional braking even when you’re backing up. Many proportional controllers revert to a less effective time-based mode when in reverse, or require manual intervention. Backing up a trailer, especially a large one, often requires precise, controlled braking. The fact that the Primus IQ maintains proportional control means you get smooth, predictable braking based on your deceleration, preventing those sudden jolts that can happen with non-proportional reverse braking. This makes maneuvering the trailer into tight spots much easier and less stressful.
Digital LED Readout and Self-Diagnostics
The digital LED readout on the Primus IQ is simple yet effective. It provides clear, real-time information at a glance, showing the power output percentage being sent to the trailer brakes when you apply them, the chosen boost level, and indicating when the trailer is connected. More importantly, it incorporates self-diagnostics. If there’s an issue with the trailer’s electrical connection or the brake system wiring, the LED will illuminate an error code or warning. This immediate feedback is invaluable. Instead of wondering why your trailer brakes aren’t working correctly, the system can alert you to common problems like a disconnected trailer, a short circuit, or an overload. Identifying issues quickly can save you frustration and, more importantly, prevent you from towing with a compromised braking system, enhancing overall safety.
Manual Override Lever
While the automatic proportional braking handles most situations seamlessly, there are times you might need to apply the trailer brakes independently or with more force than the vehicle’s deceleration alone would provide. The Tekonsha Primus IQ features a manual override lever for this purpose. Unlike a simple push button or knob found on some controllers, this is a sliding lever. The advantage of a sliding lever is that it allows for variable application of the trailer brakes; you can slide it a little for a gentle nudge or fully for maximum braking power. This granular control is useful for slowing the trailer down slightly on a downgrade without touching your vehicle brakes, testing the trailer brakes, or dealing with sway. It puts direct control into your hands when needed, providing an extra layer of safety and utility.
Integrated Boost Feature
Towing heavy loads, especially in hilly terrain or stop-and-go traffic, sometimes requires the trailer brakes to engage slightly more aggressively initially than the tow vehicle’s deceleration alone might command. The Primus IQ includes a Boost feature with multiple settings (typically represented as B0, B1, B2, B3). Selecting a higher boost level increases the sensitivity of the internal inertia sensor, causing the trailer brakes to apply a bit more power at the beginning of a braking event. This can be incredibly helpful when you need that extra initial bite from the trailer to manage a heavy load or maintain control on steep grades. It’s not about locking up the brakes, but about getting them involved more actively and sooner to help slow the combined weight of the vehicle and trailer efficiently and smoothly. You can adjust this setting based on your trailer’s weight and the terrain, fine-tuning the braking performance for optimal safety and comfort.
Self-Leveling Technology
One often-cited benefit of proportional controllers is their reliance on an inertia sensor, which traditionally requires the unit to be mounted relatively level for accurate readings. The Tekonsha Primus IQ features self-leveling technology. This means you don’t have to spend time fiddling with the mounting angle to ensure the internal sensor is perfectly horizontal. The unit automatically detects its orientation and compensates, providing accurate proportional braking regardless of whether you mount it flat on the dash or angled down under the steering column (within its 180-degree mounting range). This significantly simplifies installation and means you don’t have to worry about performance degradation when driving up or down steep hills or traversing uneven terrain. It’s a “set it and forget it” convenience that enhances the user experience.
Installation and Mounting Options
Installation of the Primus IQ is designed to be relatively straightforward, especially if your vehicle is equipped with a factory tow package connector or you purchase a vehicle-specific Plug-N-Play wiring harness (T-connector), which is sold separately. The unit features a Plug-N-Play port that mates directly with these harnesses, allowing you to connect the controller to your vehicle’s wiring without splicing. This significantly speeds up installation. However, it’s crucial to understand that the vehicle-specific harness is *required* for this easy connection; the controller itself doesn’t come with wires long enough to hardwire without it.
The controller comes with two mounting options: a traditional bracket that allows for angle adjustment and a simpler snap-in clip. The snap-in clip is very easy to use; you attach the clip to the dash and the controller snaps securely into it, allowing quick removal when not towing. This is a convenient option. The traditional bracket, while offering more flexibility in angle, does present a minor challenge mentioned by users – it requires self-tapping screws to attach the bracket to the controller body itself, into pre-marked divots but not pre-tapped holes. This can be a bit awkward to do without a stable work surface or jig. Despite this minor hurdle with one mounting method, the overall installation process, when using the correct wiring harness, is designed for ease and speed.
What Others Are Saying: Real User Experiences
Looking around online, the general sentiment from people using the Primus IQ seems largely positive. Many users report that it performs exactly as expected, providing smooth and effective trailer braking that syncs well with their vehicle’s stopping. They appreciate the digital display for its clarity and the boost feature for helping manage heavier loads. While some found the traditional mounting bracket a bit fiddly to attach to the controller, the snap-in option proved to be a quick and convenient alternative. Several reviewers highlighted the ease of installation when using the correct vehicle-specific wiring harness, noting the simple plug-and-play process. Overall, people seem happy with the performance and value the brake controller offers, finding it a dependable solution for their towing needs.
Final Thoughts: Is the Primus IQ Right for You?
Towing a trailer without proper braking is not just uncomfortable; it’s genuinely hazardous. The lack of coordinated stopping significantly increases your stopping distance and risks losing control, especially in emergencies. The Tekonsha Primus IQ is a solid choice to address this problem effectively. Its proportional technology ensures smooth, predictable braking that matches your vehicle’s deceleration, providing confidence and control. The self-leveling feature means you don’t have to worry about tricky setup angles, and the digital readout keeps you informed about its operation. If you’re towing a trailer with 1 to 3 axles and need reliable, proportional braking without breaking the bank, the Primus IQ is definitely worth considering. To check it out for yourself, Click here.
Last update on 2025-08-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API