Hauling a trailer, whether it’s a camper for a family vacation or equipment for a job, brings a certain level of responsibility. I remember the days before I had a reliable electric brake controller installed. The stress of managing the combined weight, especially on downhill grades or during sudden stops, was immense. Feeling that push from the trailer behind you, knowing your vehicle’s brakes are doing most of the work, is a precarious situation. It wasn’t just about the discomfort; it was a genuine safety concern. Without proper trailer braking, you risk decreased stopping power, increased wear and tear on your vehicle’s brakes, potential loss of control, and in severe cases, jackknifing. Finding a solution to safely and effectively manage trailer braking was crucial, not just for peace of mind, but for the safety of everyone on the road.
When you’re looking to buy an electric trailer brake controller, you’re essentially seeking a way to synchronize your trailer’s brakes with your tow vehicle’s braking system. This is vital for anyone who tows anything heavier than a very light utility trailer. The ideal customer for a quality brake controller is someone who frequently or occasionally tows, whether it’s boats, campers, horse trailers, or utility trailers, across various terrains and conditions – from highway driving to off-road or uneven surfaces. If you only ever tow tiny trailers with no brakes, you probably don’t need one. If your trailer has hydraulic surge brakes, you’d need a different type of system. But for the vast majority of modern trailers equipped with electric brakes, a controller is a necessity, not a luxury.
Before making a purchase, several factors warrant consideration. You need to think about the type of braking system your trailer uses (electric or electric/hydraulic). Your vehicle’s electrical system voltage (12V or 24V) is also important. Consider how often you tow, the typical weight of your loads, and the environments you’ll be towing in (flat highways, steep hills, off-road trails). Installation complexity is another factor; some units are easier to install than others, and vehicle-specific wiring harnesses can simplify the process significantly. Finally, think about user interface and aesthetics – do you want a bulky unit mounted prominently on your dash, or something more discreet? Features like proportional braking versus timed braking, adjustability, and diagnostic capabilities should also weigh into your decision.
- Award-Winning Dual Braking Modes - The REDARC Tow-Pro Elite is the first electric brake controller to combine Proportional Mode for smooth highway commutes and User-Controlled Mode for precise...
- Proportional Braking with Active Calibration - Equipped with a three-axis accelerometer, our Redarc brake controller ensures precise brake control by sensing deceleration, auto-adjusting braking...
- Compact, Hidden Installation - Engineered for minimal dash space, the Redarc trailer brake controller installs discreetly behind the dashboard, with a low-profile control knob that’s easy to use and...
Introducing the Product: A Closer Look
The product I’ve come to rely on, and the one I want to share my long-term experience with, is the REDARC Tow-Pro Elite Electric Trailer Brake Controller Kit. This isn’t just another brake controller; it’s a sophisticated system designed to offer precise and flexible trailer braking. REDARC promises safety and control through intelligent design, making towing smoother and more secure. When you purchase the kit, you typically get the main control module, the remote head (the small control knob with LED), a wiring harness, and mounting hardware options for the remote head.
Compared to older, more traditional ‘time-based’ controllers that apply a set amount of braking force after a delay, or even some basic proportional controllers, the REDARC Tow-Pro Elite stands out primarily due to its dual braking modes and discreet installation. While some market leaders might offer robust braking, the ability to switch between proportional and user-controlled modes, combined with the hidden module design, sets this unit apart for many users seeking a clean, factory-like installation.
This specific brake controller is ideal for anyone towing with an electric or electric/hydraulic trailer brake setup on either a 12V or 24V vehicle. It’s particularly well-suited for those who tow in varied conditions, from smooth highways where proportional braking excels, to off-road or specific maneuvering situations where manual control is beneficial. It might be overkill for someone who only tows a very light trailer once a year and prioritizes the absolute lowest cost above all else, but for regular towers or those handling significant loads, the features and performance justify the investment.
Here’s a quick rundown of its pros and cons:
Pros:
* Dual braking modes (Proportional and User-Controlled) for versatile towing.
* Extremely compact and discreet installation with only a small control knob visible.
* Active calibration is simple and often happens automatically.
* Compatible with both 12V and 24V vehicle systems.
* Suitable for electric and electric/hydraulic trailer brakes.
* Inertia sensing provides smooth, proportional braking.
* Built by a brand known for rugged, high-quality vehicle electronics.
Cons:
* Installation of the main module requires finding space behind the dash, which can be challenging in some vehicles.
* May require purchasing a separate vehicle-specific wiring harness for easiest plug-and-play installation (though universal wiring is included).
* Higher initial cost compared to basic, dash-mounted brake controllers.
* The small size of the knob might take a moment to get used to compared to larger dash-mounted units with buttons.
- PORTABLE — The Echo trailer brake controller has a non-invasive install and is easily transferrable from one vehicle to another. It plugs into any 7-way connector, wirelessly links to your...
- 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...
- COMPATIBILITY: The BRAKE-EVN electric brake controller is compatible with a wide range of vehicles including Ford, GM, Chevy, Dodge, RAM, Toyota, Jeep, and more with 2, 4, 6, and 8 brakes (1-4 axles)....
Exploring the Capabilities and Advantages
After using the REDARC Tow-Pro Elite for an extended period across various towing scenarios, I can confidently delve into its features and explain why they make such a difference.
Award-Winning Dual Braking Modes: Flexibility on Any Terrain
One of the most touted features, and arguably the most valuable for varied towing, is the inclusion of two distinct braking modes: Proportional Mode and User-Controlled Mode.
* Proportional Mode: This is the mode you’ll likely use the majority of the time, particularly on highways and paved roads. It utilizes an internal accelerometer to sense the deceleration of your tow vehicle. It then applies a corresponding amount of braking force to the trailer brakes. What this means in practice is incredibly smooth, synchronized braking. When you brake gently, the trailer brakes gently; when you brake hard, they brake hard. It feels seamless, as if the trailer isn’t pushing or pulling independently but is simply part of the overall unit slowing down. This reduces wear and tear on both vehicle and trailer components and makes for a much more comfortable and safer towing experience. The “Active Calibration” means it’s constantly learning and adapting, so you don’t typically need complex setup procedures once it’s initially installed.
* User-Controlled Mode: This mode is a game-changer for specific situations. Instead of relying on vehicle deceleration, this mode applies a fixed level of braking determined by the gain setting you select using the control knob. You might wonder why you’d want this. It’s incredibly useful for off-road towing, traversing steep or uneven terrain, or when reversing a trailer uphill. In these scenarios, your tow vehicle might be moving slowly or at an unusual angle, potentially confusing a purely proportional system. User-Controlled Mode allows you to apply a consistent, predictable level of trailer braking regardless of your vehicle’s deceleration, giving you more precise control. It’s also useful for manually slowing the trailer slightly to correct sway, although the proportional mode’s sensitivity often mitigates sway effectively on its own. The ability to easily switch between these modes via the control knob (it’s indicated by the color of the LED surrounding the knob) provides unmatched flexibility.
The benefit of having these dual modes is immense. It means you have the optimal braking strategy available for whatever conditions you encounter, enhancing safety and confidence.
Proportional Braking with Active Calibration and Inertia Sensing: Seamless Stops
As mentioned, the REDARC Tow-Pro Elite employs a three-axis accelerometer. This isn’t just for sensing deceleration; it’s also key to the “Active Calibration” and self-levelling performance. Unlike older proportional controllers that needed careful initial leveling during installation, the Tow-Pro Elite can be mounted in almost any orientation behind the dash, and it calibrates itself as you drive. This significantly simplifies the installation process.
The inertia sensing, powered by the accelerometer, provides that crucial feedback loop. It understands *how* your vehicle is slowing down and translates that into braking force for the trailer. This is fundamentally better than basic time-delay controllers that just apply a set amount of brake after a delay, which can lead to jerky braking or the trailer pushing the vehicle. The self-levelling aspect means you don’t have to find a perfectly horizontal mounting point, which, given the tight spaces behind many dashboards, is a major plus.
The benefit is clear: smoother, more effective, and safer stops. It reduces the strain on your vehicle’s brakes and drivetrain and provides a much more comfortable ride when towing.
Compact, Hidden Installation: Clean Aesthetics and Less Clutter
One of the most visually appealing aspects of the Tow-Pro Elite is its installation style. The main control module is designed to be tucked away out of sight, typically behind the dashboard. The only visible component is a small, low-profile control knob that can often be installed into a blank switch panel or a small drilled hole (often the trickiest part for some users, as mentioned in reviews, requiring care to make it look factory).
This hidden installation has several benefits. Aesthetically, it’s far superior to having a bulky controller unit mounted under your steering column or on the dash where it can look aftermarket and potentially interfere with airbags or legroom. Functionally, it means the controller isn’t exposed to damage from being kicked or bumped. And for those who use their vehicle as a daily driver when not towing, the minimalist presence is much preferred. While finding space for the main module can sometimes require creativity depending on the vehicle, the end result is a much cleaner setup.
Built for Versatile Applications: Compatibility is Key
The REDARC Tow-Pro Elite is designed with broad compatibility in mind. It works with most common trailer braking systems, including both electric brakes and electric/hydraulic brakes. This means you’re covered whether you’re towing a standard camper or a high-end horse trailer with hydraulic disc brakes operated by an electric actuator. Furthermore, its compatibility with both 12V and 24V vehicle electrical systems means it can be installed in a wider range of vehicles, including many trucks and heavy-duty applications that use 24V systems, without needing voltage reducers or specific models.
This versatility makes the brake controller a reliable choice if you tow different types of trailers or plan on changing your tow vehicle in the future. It’s a system that can move with you or adapt to varied towing needs.
Built for Adventure: REDARC’s Reputation
REDARC isn’t a fly-by-night company; they’ve been in the business for over 45 years, specializing in rugged vehicle electronics, particularly for off-road and demanding applications. This experience is reflected in the build quality and reliability of the Tow-Pro Elite. Knowing the unit is built by a company trusted by adventurers and industries operating in tough conditions provides significant peace of mind. You’re investing in a product designed to withstand vibrations, temperature fluctuations, and the general rigors of towing. Their focus on power management and brake control solutions means they understand the specific challenges faced when integrating aftermarket electronics into modern vehicles.
What Other Users Think
Having used the REDARC Tow-Pro Elite extensively, I also looked into what other people who’ve purchased and installed it are saying online. The feedback is overwhelmingly positive, echoing many of my own experiences. Users frequently praise the ease of installation, especially when using vehicle-specific wiring harnesses, describing it as “basically plug and play.” Many appreciate the discreet design, preferring the small visible knob over older, bulkier dash-mounted units that “always seem to get in the way.”
People towing various loads, from campers behind SUVs to large trailers behind trucks, report smooth, effective braking in both highway and off-road conditions. The automatic calibration function is often mentioned as a significant convenience. The unit’s reliability and the feeling of enhanced control and safety while towing are recurring themes in positive feedback. While some note that finding the perfect spot for the control knob or the main module requires some thought and effort depending on the vehicle, the results are consistently described as a “factory look” or “totally unobtrusive setup.” Overall, the sentiment is that the Tow-Pro Elite is a worthwhile investment for serious towers.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, if you tow a trailer with electric or electric/hydraulic brakes, having a reliable brake controller isn’t optional – it’s essential for safety. The risks associated with inadequate trailer braking, from extended stopping distances to loss of control, are simply too high to ignore. The REDARC Tow-Pro Elite electric trailer brake controller is an excellent solution for this critical need. Its dual braking modes provide versatility for any towing situation, the proportional braking with active calibration ensures smooth, confident stops, and the discreet installation results in a clean, functional setup in your vehicle. Based on my own long-term use and the positive feedback from other users, it’s a top-tier product that delivers on its promise of safety and control. To learn more or to purchase the REDARC Tow-Pro Elite for your towing needs, click here.
Last update on 2025-08-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API