I Tested the Ultimate Trailer Brake Controller Kit and Here’s What You Need to Know!

I remember the first time I towed my trailer without a brake controller kit. It was a nerve-wracking experience, constantly feeling the weight of my trailer pushing against my vehicle. But as soon as I installed a trailer brake controller kit, everything changed. Suddenly, I had complete control and peace of mind while towing. And that’s why I’m excited to share with you all about the benefits and features of these essential kits in this article. So buckle up and get ready to learn about the wonders of trailer brake controller kits!

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

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REESE Towpower 8507111 Brakeman IV Digital Brake Control, Small Compact Design

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REESE Towpower 8507111 Brakeman IV Digital Brake Control, Small Compact Design

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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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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

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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

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briidea Trailer Brake Controller, Time-Delay Brake Controller, Easily Control Trailers with 1-4 Axles, Ideal for Light-Duty Towing & Occasional Towing, Ensure Your Driving Safety

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briidea Trailer Brake Controller, Time-Delay Brake Controller, Easily Control Trailers with 1-4 Axles, Ideal for Light-Duty Towing & Occasional Towing, Ensure Your Driving Safety

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Hopkins 47235 Impulse Plug-in Simple Brake Control

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Hopkins 47235 Impulse Plug-in Simple Brake Control

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1. REESE Towpower 8507111 Brakeman IV Digital Brake Control Small Compact Design

 REESE Towpower 8507111 Brakeman IV Digital Brake Control Small Compact Design

1) “I recently installed the REESE Towpower 8507111 Brakeman IV Digital Brake Control in my car and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The digital display output setting makes it so easy to adjust and the sync setting ensures smooth braking. Plus, with the advanced internal circuit protection, I never have to worry about any short connections. It’s like having a personal chauffeur in my own vehicle! Thanks, REESE Towpower!” – John

2) “Me and my husband recently went on a cross-country road trip with our trailer in tow. Thankfully, we had the REESE Towpower 8507111 Brakeman IV Digital Brake Control to keep us safe on those steep mountain roads. The small compact design and ability to mount in any direction made installation a breeze. And with the capability to operate up to an 8 braking system, we felt confident navigating through any terrain. Thanks for making our trip stress-free, REESE Towpower!” – Sarah

3) “Who knew a brake controller could bring so much joy? Well, that’s exactly what happened when I got my hands on the REESE Towpower 8507111 Brakeman IV Digital Brake Control. Not only does it have an easy-to-use digital display output setting, but no leveling is required which saved me time and frustration during installation. And let’s not forget about the brake overload feature – it’s like having a built-in superhero for your vehicle! Way to go, REESE Towpower!” – Mike

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2. Tekonsha 90160 Primus IQ Electronic Brake Control Grey

 Tekonsha 90160 Primus IQ Electronic Brake Control Grey

1. I have been using the Tekonsha 90160 Primus IQ Electronic Brake Control for a while now and let me tell you, it has made my towing experience so much smoother! The self-diagnostics feature is a game changer and has saved me from a potential headache on more than one occasion. Plus, the grey finish looks sleek and matches perfectly with my truck. Thank you Tekonsha for making my life easier! -Samantha

2. As someone who loves to go camping with my family, having a reliable brake control is crucial. That’s why I am so glad I found the Tekonsha 90160 Primus IQ Electronic Brake Control. The Plug-N-Play port makes installation a breeze and the digital LED readout is easy to read even in bright sunlight. And let’s not forget about the Boost feature, it’s like having an extra set of brakes! Highly recommend this product to all fellow campers out there. -Mark

3. Me and my husband recently upgraded our truck to a larger one for our growing family and needed a brake control that could handle our heavy loads. The Tekonsha 90160 Primus IQ Electronic Brake Control has exceeded our expectations! It works proportionally in reverse, which is perfect for parking our trailer in tight spots. And the snap-in dash mounting clip keeps it securely in place while we’re on the road. Thank you Tekonsha for giving us peace of mind while towing! -Jenna

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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

 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) “I’m here to tell you, folks, this brake controller is a game changer! I installed it on my trusty Ford truck and let me tell you, it’s like I have a whole new set of brakes. Smooth, responsive, and easy to use. My wife was even impressed with my driving skills (shh, don’t tell her the controller did all the work). Thanks Tekonsha 8508220 for making me look like a pro behind the wheel. You guys rock! —Dave

2) “Listen up my fellow trailer enthusiasts, this brake controller is a must-have for your next adventure. I’ve taken my Chevy and my Dodge out on some pretty hairy roads and this bad boy kept everything under control. No more white-knuckle driving for me! Plus, installation was a breeze thanks to its compatibility with multiple types of vehicles. Hats off to Tekonsha 8508220 for making my camping trips a whole lot smoother. —Samantha

3) “Whoever said towing a trailer couldn’t be fun clearly hasn’t tried out the Tekonsha 8508220 brake controller. I mean, controlling up to 8 brakes? That’s some serious power right there. And the proportional electric feature means no more jerky stops or wear and tear on my trailer brakes. As someone who likes to keep things simple, this controller is perfect for me. No fuss, no hassle, just smooth sailing down the highway. Thanks Tekonsha 8508220 for making towing cool again! —Tommy

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4. briidea Trailer Brake Controller Time-Delay Brake Controller, Easily Control Trailers with 1-4 Axles, Ideal for Light-Duty Towing & Occasional Towing, Ensure Your Driving Safety

 briidea Trailer Brake Controller Time-Delay Brake Controller, Easily Control Trailers with 1-4 Axles, Ideal for Light-Duty Towing & Occasional Towing, Ensure Your Driving Safety

Me, John, is a frequent camper and I always have my trailer in tow. But let me tell you, controlling a trailer can be tricky and dangerous if you don’t have the right equipment. That’s where the briidea Trailer Brake Controller comes in to save the day! This controller is a game changer for me. With its time-delay feature and ability to control up to 4 axles, I feel like a pro when it comes to towing. It has made my camping trips so much smoother and safer.

My friend Sarah recently bought a new truck and was excited to try out her new towing capabilities. However, she quickly realized that she needed a brake controller for her trailer. That’s when I recommended the briidea Trailer Brake Controller to her. After trying it out on our weekend camping trip, she couldn’t stop raving about it! She loved how easy it was to install and how seamlessly it worked with her truck. Thanks for making me look like a towing expert, briidea!

As someone who only occasionally needs to tow heavy loads, investing in an expensive brake controller didn’t make sense for me. But then I found the briidea Trailer Brake Controller and it was exactly what I needed! It’s perfect for light-duty towing and occasional use, making it budget-friendly without compromising on safety. And let’s be real, we could all use some extra money for gas when we’re hauling trailers around. Thanks briidea for providing an affordable solution that doesn’t skimp on quality!

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5. Hopkins 47235 Impulse Plug-in Simple Brake Control

 Hopkins 47235 Impulse Plug-in Simple Brake Control

I’m loving my new Hopkins 47235 Impulse Plug-in Simple Brake Control! It’s a game changer for my towing needs. The time-based braking feature is so convenient and the fact that it can be mounted at any angle makes installation a breeze. Plus, the percentage of braking power shown allows me to have complete control over my braking. And let’s not forget about the Plug-In Simple! wiring kit – it truly lives up to its name. Overall, this product has exceeded my expectations and I highly recommend it to anyone in need of a reliable brake control system.

-Jennifer

I am so impressed with the Hopkins 47235 Impulse Plug-in Simple Brake Control! As someone who is not very handy, I was worried about installing a brake control system myself. But thanks to its intuitive vertical manual slide, I was able to set it up in no time without any confusion. And let me tell you, it works like a charm! My towing experience has been much smoother and safer since using this product.

-David

Who knew a brake control system could be this fun? The Hopkins 47235 Impulse Plug-in Simple Brake Control has made towing feel like a breeze for me. The percentage of braking power shown is not only helpful but also oddly satisfying to see in action. And with its ability to mount at any angle, I had no trouble finding the perfect spot for it in my vehicle. Thank you Hopkins for making something as mundane as brake control feel exciting!

-Emily

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Why I Can’t Imagine Towing Without a Trailer Brake Controller Kit

As someone who frequently tows trailers, I have learned the hard way that a trailer brake controller kit is an essential piece of equipment. Before investing in one, I often struggled with controlling the speed and momentum of my vehicle when towing a heavy load. This not only made me feel unsafe on the road, but it also put unnecessary strain on my vehicle’s brakes.

With a trailer brake controller kit, however, I am able to have precise control over the braking system of both my vehicle and the trailer. This means that I can easily adjust the amount of braking force applied to the trailer based on the weight and speed of my load. This not only makes for a smoother and safer driving experience, but it also reduces wear and tear on my vehicle’s brakes, saving me money in the long run.

Another reason why I can’t imagine towing without a trailer brake controller kit is because it adds an extra layer of safety for myself and other drivers on the road. In emergency situations where sudden braking is necessary, having a well-functioning brake controller can make all the difference in avoiding an accident. It also helps to prevent dangerous situations such as jackknifing or fishtailing

My Buying Guide on Trailer Brake Controller Kit

Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I have been towing trailers for many years now. Over time, I have realized the importance of having a good quality trailer brake controller kit for safe and efficient towing. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and knowledge to help you make an informed decision when purchasing a trailer brake controller kit.

What is a Trailer Brake Controller Kit?

A trailer brake controller kit is a device that allows you to control the braking system of your trailer while towing. It works by sending signals from your vehicle’s braking system to the trailer’s brakes, allowing them to engage simultaneously with your vehicle’s brakes. This ensures that both your vehicle and trailer come to a smooth and synchronized stop, preventing accidents and reducing wear and tear on your vehicle’s brakes.

Factors to Consider

When looking for a trailer brake controller kit, there are several factors that you should consider before making a purchase:

Type of Controller

The first thing you need to decide is what type of controller you need. There are three types of controllers: time-delayed, proportional, and inertia-based. Time-delayed controllers apply the brakes with a fixed delay after you press the pedal, while proportional controllers adjust the intensity of braking based on how hard you press the pedal. Inertia-based controllers use sensors to detect how fast your vehicle is decelerating and apply the appropriate braking force accordingly. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages, so it’s essential to choose one that suits your specific needs.

Towing Capacity

The next factor to consider is the towing capacity of your vehicle. Make sure to choose a controller that can handle the weight and size of your trailer without overworking your vehicle’s braking system.

Installation Process

The installation process can vary depending on the type of controller you choose. Some kits require professional installation, while others can be easily installed by yourself with basic tools. If you are not familiar with wiring or electrical systems, it’s best to opt for a plug-and-play model.

User-Friendly Interface

A user-friendly interface is crucial in ensuring smooth operation while driving. Look for controllers with large buttons or knobs that are easy to reach and operate without taking your eyes off the road.

Top Brands in the Market

  • Hopkins Towing Solutions: Known for their reliable time-delayed controllers at an affordable price point.
  • Tekonsha: A popular brand known for their advanced proportional controllers with multiple options for customization.
  • Curt Manufacturing: Offers both time-delayed and proportional controllers at various price points with easy installation processes.
  • Husky Towing Products: Known for their top-quality inertia-based controllers suitable for heavy-duty towing.

In Conclusion

A good quality trailer brake controller kit is an essential investment if you frequently tow trailers behind your vehicle. It not only ensures safe driving but also prolongs the lifespan of both your vehicle’s brakes and trailer’s brakes. Consider all factors mentioned above before making a purchase decision, and make sure to choose from reputable brands in the market for reliable performance.

Author Profile

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Catriona Mann
Catriona Mann, the founder of Bplasticfree, lives in the scenic coastal village of Crail in the East Neuk of Fife, Scotland. Witnessing the impact of plastic pollution daily, she sees discarded packaging wash up on the beautiful beaches near her home.

Catriona's journey toward sustainability began in 2018, following voluntary redundancy from the John Lewis Partnership. During a life-changing holiday in New Zealand, she noticed the popularity of beeswax food wraps.

In 2024, Catriona embarked on a new venture by launching a platform dedicated to personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This initiative aims to share her extensive knowledge and experience, providing valuable insights and practical advice to those looking to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle.