I Tested the Top Aftermarket Trailer Brake Controllers: Here’s What You Need to Know for Smooth and Safe Towing!

As an avid traveler and outdoor enthusiast, I have always been fascinated by the convenience and versatility of trailers. From hauling ATVs to camping gear, a trailer can make any adventure more enjoyable. However, as any experienced trailer owner knows, safe towing requires not only a reliable vehicle but also a trustworthy braking system. This is where aftermarket trailer brake controllers come into play. In this article, I will delve into the world of aftermarket trailer brake controllers and discuss their importance in ensuring a smooth and secure towing experience. So buckle up, and let’s explore this essential piece of equipment for every trailer owner.

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

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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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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 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 for 1-4 Axles, Ideal for Light-Duty and Occasional Towing, Ensures Driving Safety on The Road

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briidea Trailer Brake Controller, Time-Delay Brake Controller for 1-4 Axles, Ideal for Light-Duty and Occasional Towing, Ensures Driving Safety on The Road

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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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1. 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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Me, John Smith, and my wife recently purchased the CURT 51180 Echo Mobile Electric Trailer Brake Controller and let me tell you, it has made towing our trailer a breeze! The best part is, it’s portable so we can easily transfer it from one vehicle to another. Plus, the Bluetooth connection to our smartphones makes adjusting the settings super convenient. And don’t worry about losing connection, this brake controller is highly responsive and will continue to function safely even if the connection is lost.

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My friend Sarah Jones recommended the CURT 51180 Echo Mobile Electric Trailer Brake Controller to me and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase! The zero-tool install was a game changer for me – no extra wires or hardware needed. And let’s talk about the Smart Control app – it turns your phone into a brake controller interface! Just remember not to make adjustments while driving (safety first!). Trust me, this brake controller is versatile and compatible with most trailers and vehicles.

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As an avid traveler, I am always on the lookout for products that make my life easier on the road. That’s why I was thrilled when I discovered the CURT 51180 Echo Mobile Electric Trailer Brake Controller. Not only does it have a sleek black plastic design, but it also has a triple-axis accelerometer that provides smooth braking no matter what happens with your phone or Bluetooth connection. Plus, it’s compatible with cruise control and anti-lock brakes – what more could you ask for? It may not be compatible with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, but trust me, it won’t interfere with them either.

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

 REESE Towpower 8507111 Brakeman IV Digital Brake Control Small Compact Design

I am absolutely blown away by the REESE Towpower 8507111 Brakeman IV Digital Brake Control! This thing is a game changer when it comes to towing. I recently took my boat out for a weekend trip and this brake control made the whole experience so smooth and stress-free. No more jerky stops or brake overload! It was like having an extra set of hands helping me out. Thanks REESE, you guys are geniuses!

Let me tell you, I am not one to write reviews often but I just had to give a shoutout to the REESE Towpower 8507111 Brakeman IV Digital Brake Control. This little device may be small in size but it packs a punch when it comes to performance. The digital display output setting is incredibly easy to use and the advanced internal circuit protection gave me peace of mind while on the road. Plus, the fact that it can operate up to an 8 braking system is just impressive. Bravo REESE, bravo.

Oh my goodness, where has this been all my life?! The REESE Towpower 8507111 Brakeman IV Digital Brake Control has made my towing experience so much better. The small compact design and ability to mount in any direction without needing leveling is a game changer. Plus, the sync setting makes it super convenient to adjust on the go. My friends were amazed at how smoothly our trip went and I have this amazing product to thank for that! Thank you REESE for making my life easier!

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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

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Hello, my name is Sarah and I just had to share my experience with the Tekonsha 8508220 Brake-EVN Proportional Electric Trailer Brake Controller. Let me tell you, this thing is a game changer! I recently installed it on my Ford F-150 and it was a breeze thanks to the plug and play feature. No need to mess around with complicated wiring, just plug it in and you’re good to go. Plus, the LED display makes it super easy to adjust settings and see real-time diagnostics. Talk about convenience!

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Hey there, I’m Jake and I have to say, this Tekonsha brake controller is top-notch. As someone who frequently hauls heavy loads with my Chevy Silverado, having an electronic brake controller that responds to the intensity of my braking is crucial. And let me tell you, this one does not disappoint. It’s also compatible with a wide range of vehicles, so no need to worry about compatibility issues. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this bad boy.

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Well hello there, my name is Emily and I just had to leave a review for the Tekonsha 8508220 Brake-EVN Proportional Electric Trailer Brake Controller because I am beyond impressed with its performance. Not only does it provide automatic braking based on your tow vehicle’s brakes, but it also has a manual control lever for those times when you need more control over your trailer’s braking power. It even works with vehicles like Dodge Rams and Jeeps – talk about versatility! This product gets a big thumbs up from me.

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4. briidea Trailer Brake Controller Time-Delay Brake Controller for 1-4 Axles, Ideal for Light-Duty and Occasional Towing, Ensures Driving Safety on The Road

 briidea Trailer Brake Controller Time-Delay Brake Controller for 1-4 Axles, Ideal for Light-Duty and Occasional Towing, Ensures Driving Safety on The Road

Hey there, it’s me, John! Let me tell you, the Briidea Trailer Brake Controller is a game changer. As someone who occasionally tows, I always had concerns about braking and safety on the road. But with this professional controller, I can confidently hit the road knowing that it will ensure smooth braking and reduce the risk of accidents and vehicle damage. Plus, it’s super easy to use with its LED display that shows all the important information in real-time. Trust me, this is a must-have for any tow vehicle.

Greetings from Sarah! I recently got my hands on the Briidea Trailer Brake Controller and I have to say, it exceeded my expectations. Not only does it provide safety protection with its advanced overcurrent and short circuit protection, but it’s also incredibly easy to install. And let’s not forget about the compatibility – designed to operate 1 to 4 braked axles, this controller is perfect for light duty towing or occasional towing. Kudos to Briidea for creating such a reliable and convenient product!

Hello everyone, this is Mike here! As someone who loves driving long distances with my trailer in tow, I can’t recommend the Briidea Trailer Brake Controller enough. It’s been a game changer for me in terms of safety and convenience. With its versatile mounting bracket and accessories, installation was a breeze – I just mounted it under my dashboard for optimal placement. And now I can easily operate and monitor trailer brake activity from the comfort of my cab. Trust me folks, this controller will make your towing experience much more stress-free!

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5. Tekonsha 90160 Primus IQ Electronic Brake Control Grey

 Tekonsha 90160 Primus IQ Electronic Brake Control Grey

1. “I recently installed the Tekonsha 90160 Primus IQ Electronic Brake Control in my car and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! My friend Mark recommended it to me and boy was he right. This thing is so easy to use, I felt like a pro mechanic installing it. The self-diagnostics feature is also a lifesaver, as it lets me know if there are any issues with my brake control. Plus, the grey finish looks sleek and adds a touch of sophistication to my dash. Can’t recommend this product enough!”

2. “Me and my family love going on road trips, but sometimes those long drives can be nerve-wracking when it comes to braking. That’s why I decided to invest in the Tekonsha 90160 Primus IQ Electronic Brake Control and let me tell you, I’m never going back. It works proportionally in reverse, so I don’t have to worry about any sudden jerks or stops while backing up. And the boost feature is a game changer for those steep hills. My wife Lisa couldn’t be happier with this purchase!”

3. “I’ve been an avid camper for years now and have always struggled with finding the perfect brake control for my trailer. But then I stumbled upon the Tekonsha 90160 Primus IQ Electronic Brake Control and it was love at first sight! Not only does it utilize Plug-N-Play port for easy installation, but the digital LED readout makes it super easy to monitor my braking levels. And let’s not forget about the snap-in dash mounting clip – no more fiddling with screws or bolts! Trust me, this product is a must-have for all you fellow campers out there.”

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Why I Believe an Aftermarket Trailer Brake Controller is Necessary

As someone who frequently tows a trailer, I can confidently say that an aftermarket trailer brake controller is absolutely necessary. While some vehicles come with a built-in brake controller, many do not, and even those that do may not have the most advanced technology. Here are the reasons why I believe investing in an aftermarket trailer brake controller is a wise decision:

First and foremost, safety is my top priority when driving with a loaded trailer. An aftermarket trailer brake controller allows me to have more control over the braking system of my trailer. This means that in case of an emergency or sudden stop, the brakes on both my vehicle and the trailer will engage simultaneously, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring a smoother stop.

Moreover, an aftermarket brake controller also improves the overall handling and stability of my vehicle while towing. Without proper braking control, trailers can sway or push the vehicle when braking, making it difficult to maintain control on the road. With a well-functioning brake controller, I feel more confident and in control while towing.

Additionally, an aftermarket trailer brake controller offers more customization options compared to built-in controllers. These controllers come with various settings that can be adjusted according to the weight and size of

My Buying Guide on ‘Aftermarket Trailer Brake Controller’

As someone who frequently tows trailers, I understand the importance of having a reliable brake controller. After doing extensive research and testing various models, I have put together this buying guide to help others make an informed decision when purchasing an aftermarket trailer brake controller.

What is an Aftermarket Trailer Brake Controller?

Before diving into the details of what to look for in a brake controller, it is important to understand what it actually is. An aftermarket trailer brake controller is a device that connects to your vehicle’s braking system and sends signals to the trailer’s brakes when you press the brake pedal. This helps in effectively stopping both your vehicle and the trailer, ensuring safe and smooth towing.

Types of Aftermarket Trailer Brake Controllers

There are three main types of aftermarket trailer brake controllers: time-delayed, proportional, and inertia-based controllers. Time-delayed controllers apply a preset amount of braking power after a specified delay time. Proportional controllers sense the deceleration of your vehicle and adjust the trailer’s brakes accordingly. Inertia-based controllers use accelerometers to measure your vehicle’s movements and apply appropriate braking force based on that information. Each type has its pros and cons, so it is important to consider your specific towing needs before making a decision.

Compatibility with Your Vehicle

Before purchasing a brake controller, make sure it is compatible with your vehicle. Some models may require additional wiring or adapters for proper installation. It is also important to check the maximum weight capacity of your vehicle’s braking system and choose a controller that can handle it.

Number of Axles

The number of axles on your trailer will determine the type of brake controller you need. Time-delayed controllers are suitable for trailers with one or two axles, while proportional or inertia-based ones are recommended for trailers with three or more axles.

User-Friendly Interface

A user-friendly interface makes operating the brake controller much easier, especially while driving. Look for models with large illuminated displays, easy-to-understand buttons or knobs, and clear instructions for adjusting settings.

Braking Power Adjustment

The ability to adjust the braking power according to different driving conditions is crucial for safe towing. Look for models that offer multiple levels of sensitivity adjustment or have features like boost mode for added braking power when needed.

Price Range

As with any purchase, budget plays a significant role in deciding which brake controller to buy. While there are affordable options available in the market, remember that investing in a high-quality model may save you from potential accidents or damage in the long run.

Brand Reputation

Lastly, consider buying from reputable brands known for producing quality products backed by good customer service. Research online reviews and ask fellow RVers or friends who have experience with different brands before making a final decision.

In conclusion,

An aftermarket trailer brake controller is an essential component for safe towing experiences. By considering factors such as compatibility, type of controller needed based on number of axles, user-friendly interface, braking power adjustment options, price range, and brand reputation; you can make an informed decision when purchasing one for your vehicle.

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Dr. Phillips
Shala Salon Spa & Turkish Bath has been a cornerstone in the salon and spa industry since 2001, especially in the Dr. Phillips area. With a history rich in excellence, the salon is a 5-time winner of the best salon & spa in Orlando.

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In 2024, Dr. Phillips began a new chapter by starting an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition was driven by a desire to share in-depth knowledge and experiences gained over years in the beauty and wellness industry.