just wanted to know what would be the best brake controller (Price and ease of operation). we have been recommended a hayman resse one but as this is our first caravan we are not really sure . any advice would be great.
Happy Camper said
01:04 PM Jun 5, 2014
Hi Loulybelle
I have two vehicles, one fitted with a electronic braking controller and the other with a Hayman Reese.
The Hayman Reese ticks all the boxes for me and is my preference.
Cheers - John
Dougwe said
01:38 PM Jun 5, 2014
I'm getting a Red Arc fitted to the new Colorado tomorrow by TJM. All you see is a little knob and red light. The rest is hidded away.
This is all being done before I take delivery of tug.
Plendo said
01:40 PM Jun 5, 2014
Hi Loulybelle,
some of the brake controllers on the market are proportional, as in the harder you brake the harder they apply the caravan brakes, there are still some that are non proportional as in they turn the caravan brakes on with a certain amount of force as soon as you touch the brakes (they all used to be like this). Especially with heavier vans the proportional controllers are significantly better, and make for a safer and easier driving experience.
I would recommend making sure that what you buy is proportional.
I fitted a Tekonsha P3, it does what I want, and it fits well with our dash.
Trevor law said
03:54 PM Jun 5, 2014
We have a crusader caravan and a 200 series cruiser .Originally we we're recommend a red arc brake controller which was very neat on the dash because all that was visible was the light and the rheostat .But we found that going down some large inclines the brakes on the van were either grabbing or very little force on them i found the red arc is either on or off, So now we have gone for a Teckonsha 3 which is proportional force .The only thing I don't like now is the unit stuck on the dash but personally I like the proportional braking force
ozjohn said
04:50 PM Jun 5, 2014
Having used just about every brand on the market over many years I would now only ever use a quality Proportional Controller. That rules out driver controlled units such as the early HR controllers as well as the early Redarc's that are simply crap and down right dangerous. It also rules out Pendulum Controllers like the Tekonsha Voyager and Hayes Lemmerz
Proportional Controllers readily available: Tekonsha P2 and P3 are both excellent with the P3 have a few extra diagnostic features. Their Primus IQ is also good for the budget conscious.
Hayman Reese rebranded Tekonsha controllers the Guardian IQ (Tekonsha Primus IQ) and the Vintour (Tekonsha Prodigy P2).
Redarc have just release their ALL NEW 'TOW- PRO' Remote Proportional Controller. These may prove to be a good choice. Just need a few reviews once they're out and about. Do not confuse this NEW model with the earlier Remote non proportional model as many dealers will still be holding stock of the old model non proportional model. Stipulate the TOW PRO model.
The choice is yours, Ozjohn.
-- Edited by ozjohn on Friday 6th of June 2014 09:19:37 AM
Daryl620 said
05:50 PM Jun 5, 2014
Something else to consider if fitting AL-KO ESC..............
Q.Is my brake controller compatible with AL-KO ESC ?
A. AL-KO strongly recommends the use of motion sensing electric brake controllers on all vehicles. The tow vehicle should be fitted with an AL-KO approved electric brake controller, listed below:
Tekonsha Prodigy P2
Tekonsha Primus IQ
Hayes Energiser III
Tekonsha P3
Tekonsha Prodigy
Hayman Reese Guardian IQ
Hayman Reese "Vintour"
Redarc EBRH
Redark EB
Redark EBTM
Hayes Lemmerz Synchroniser
Predator DX2
The folowing electric brake controllers are not currently approved for use with AL-KO ESC:
"Compact" remote mount brake control - Not Currently Approved
"Sentinel" electric trailer brake control - Not Currently Approved
"GSL Electronics" EBC-12 - Not Currently Approved
"GSL Electronics" RBC-12 Remote - Not Currently Approved
Legendts said
07:26 PM Jun 5, 2014
Another vote for the Tekonsha P3. Brilliant unit in my book.
Froggos said
07:48 PM Jun 5, 2014
Hi loulybelle,
cannot go wrong with the Tekonsha P3.
God bless, froggo
KevinC said
08:10 PM Jun 5, 2014
For what it's worth, I have a particular whinge about the Redarc. I can accept the need to adjust it to suit varying speeds and conditions, but I find the little knob very hard to adjust accurately. When it has to go up just a tad more, the knob is so easy to move, it frequently goes further than required. Just a brush with the hand or knee changes the position. The old Hayman Reece didn't have that problem, its controls having a degree of resistance that made adjusting easier.
So here's another vote for the P3.
landy said
09:26 PM Jun 5, 2014
We use a Tekonsha P3 and have been realy happy with it.
Tim thetruckie said
10:50 PM Jun 5, 2014
Reckon Id go with the Go Tow from Redarc , remote mounted .
loulybelle, I have a Tekonsha Voyager was fitted to my 80 series, there was a problem with it working on the 80 series and they sent me a different unit, they did not want the old one back again I'm pleased to say, did not have to post back to the US, this one is sitting here doing nothing, if you want it you can have it, just PM me an address to post to.
Olley46 said
11:24 AM Jun 6, 2014
I have the p2 Tekonsha for about eight years no problems ,wouldn't use anything else.
Lance C
loulybelle said
06:02 PM Jun 8, 2014
thank you to every one for their comments. I think that we are going to try the new redarc tow pro. will let you know how it goes.
scooner said
09:58 PM Jun 8, 2014
i have a prodigy had it fitted to the ranger with the heritage no worries ,
PeterD said
11:36 PM Jun 9, 2014
KevinC wrote:
For what it's worth, I have a particular whinge about the Redarc.
Which model? The new or old one?
KevinC said
06:41 AM Jun 10, 2014
My Redarc was fitted by the dealer in Sept. 2012. It's the one with the little red knob and LED, and was chosen by the dealer because it was small enough not to interfere with the low air bags. I have no idea what the model number is.
The theory of just pushing the knob in for manual braking is excellent, the efficiency is the same as any other non-proportional system. But I believe the knob is too loose in its operation.
hotqld said
05:41 PM Jun 13, 2014
I use to tow a 2000kg boat and trailer full of macadamia nuts with no brake controller on a xr6 handled fine. Any recommendation I feel needs to include: ATM of caravan, Tug and ball weight to be of any help to others.
We have a Jeep fully loaded @ 2900kg and Caravan about the same 2900kg ball weight between 280 -350kg. We had a P2 mounted by my left knee and was not comfortable taking my eyes off the road to adjust it. Moved it to the top of the dash right hand side. This made me happier.
After 12,000 klm I was still not happy with the P2 to get my required level of braking at highway speed so it felt as the caravan was slowing tug, not the caravan pushing the tug when braking. But with that level of caravan braking at high speed the down side was brakes grabbing and locking up when coming to stop or slowing down. So I would lower the braking in the towns both intensity and going from P2 to P1 and various combinations over a couple years.
Then I would forget to adjust the brake controller back up to highway settings.
I was not happy going downhill coming to a corner and not feeling the caravan slowing the tug when brakes were applied.
After reading about 20 pages on the USA Airstream forums great reports where coming from actual users of the P3 who upgraded to Tuson / Direclink brake controller. www.airforums.com/forums/f439/direclink-brake-controller-86877.html $500.00 by the time you get here, justified I reckon if you are towing over 2500kg. Under 2500kg the extra expense is probably not warranted and the P3 or Redarc will do the job.
The Tuson / Direclink does everything the P3 or Redarc does plus: You can set brakes at highway speed so I can feel the caravan slowing the tug and it also has a low speed setting so you can wind the braking back with no grabbing. A true set and forget for all conditions. It plugs into the tugs computer and your tug and caravans brakes behave as one, true proportional braking. A remote mobile handpiece ...that enables you keep both hands on the steering wheel eyes on the road and operate the caravans brakes independently.
It works on the WH Jeep, but not on the Toyota 200 series 2008...tried it on one those last week...
a more sophisticated electronic sway control being released by Melbourne Trailer and brakes to be released very shortly here www.youtube.com/watch
-- Edited by hotqld on Friday 13th of June 2014 05:47:33 PM
GerryP said
09:50 AM Jul 20, 2014
We just recently replaced our old P2 with the new Redarc Tow Pro in preparation for a 3 - 4 month trip with our 3 tonne caravan.
I must say that I am very impressed! I am also impressed with the dual mode capability - automatic (fully proportional) or manual. We run in auto mode on the highway and everything works as expected. Once you find the right setting for your rig, it's totally set and forget.
We actually have used the manual mode as well, which is particularly handy off-road. I used this mode when towing the van down a steep, dirt track so that when you touch the brakes, the van brakes come onto the level set by the dial. Thus, the van does most of the braking, effectively keeping it nicely in line behind you. It worked really well.
The other thing I like is the small, unobtrusive remote control knob. No more fumbling around near your knees! It's now on my dash in an easy to see and reach location. If I need to hit the emergency over ride, it's right there in front of me.
As you can probably tell, I'm very happy with this unit.
03_troopy said
06:15 PM Jul 21, 2014
Thanks for the write up Gerry. I'm thinking of replacing the standard remote head Redarc in my Troopy with the Towpro.
Peter Rose said
04:44 PM Mar 19, 2017
Hi I am hoping for some guidance regarding electric brake controllers please
I have Tekonsha model unknown and cant read the model without taking it out of the car
It has 2 adjustment wheels one either side and a slide which you can use to apply brakes on trailer.
The problem is I cant seem to get the adjustments right so I am either having the brakes on the trailer come on with a bang when my foot goes anywhere near the brake pedal . I dont feel safe with this the way it is.
Withe the newer Tekonsha P2 and P 3 which some of you mention is it simpler than the one I have described ?
dazzarap said
09:02 PM Apr 24, 2017
Hi, All. I've got a primus IQ controller, and I'm struggling to get the adjustment right when I use it on my single axle Jayco 17.
I have used it for a few years on a horse trailer. That trailer has 2 axles but only one axle has brakes. I am used to setting it according to the instructions: you know: drive slowly, push the brakes fully on, etc etc. That's been fine with the horse float, and the reading has been around 6.5 depending on how many horses are in the float, or empty, etc. But when I do it with the Jayco single axle, I come up with a reading of say 11. That's sort of fine, but when I am moving slowly, when I touch the footbrake the trailer brakes come on hard and jerky. If I back off the controller to a reading of say 8, it all feels fine. But it's not as per the instructions, and I suspect that I'll only get about 2/3rds of the optimum braking in a crash stop.
hi all
just wanted to know what would be the best brake controller (Price and ease of operation). we have been recommended a hayman resse one but as this is our first caravan we are not really sure . any advice would be great.
I have two vehicles, one fitted with a electronic braking controller and the other with a Hayman Reese.
The Hayman Reese ticks all the boxes for me and is my preference.
Cheers - John
This is all being done before I take delivery of tug.
Hi Loulybelle,
some of the brake controllers on the market are proportional, as in the harder you brake the harder they apply the caravan brakes, there are still some that are non proportional as in they turn the caravan brakes on with a certain amount of force as soon as you touch the brakes (they all used to be like this). Especially with heavier vans the proportional controllers are significantly better, and make for a safer and easier driving experience.
I would recommend making sure that what you buy is proportional.
I fitted a Tekonsha P3, it does what I want, and it fits well with our dash.
We have a crusader caravan and a 200 series cruiser .Originally we we're recommend a red arc brake controller which was very neat on the dash because all that was visible was the light and the rheostat .But we found that going down some large inclines the brakes on the van were either grabbing or very little force on them i found the red arc is either on or off, So now we have gone for a Teckonsha 3 which is proportional force .The only thing I don't like now is the unit stuck on the dash but personally I like the proportional braking force
Having used just about every brand on the market over many years I would now only ever use a quality Proportional Controller.
That rules out driver controlled units such as the early HR controllers as well as the early Redarc's that are simply crap and down right dangerous.
It also rules out Pendulum Controllers like the Tekonsha Voyager and Hayes Lemmerz
Proportional Controllers readily available:
Tekonsha P2 and P3 are both excellent with the P3 have a few extra diagnostic features. Their Primus IQ is also good for the budget conscious.
Hayman Reese rebranded Tekonsha controllers the Guardian IQ (Tekonsha Primus IQ) and the Vintour (Tekonsha Prodigy P2).
Redarc have just release their ALL NEW 'TOW- PRO' Remote Proportional Controller.
These may prove to be a good choice. Just need a few reviews once they're out and about.
Do not confuse this NEW model with the earlier Remote non proportional model as many dealers will still be holding stock of the old model non proportional model. Stipulate the TOW PRO model.
The choice is yours,
Ozjohn.
-- Edited by ozjohn on Friday 6th of June 2014 09:19:37 AM
Something else to consider if fitting AL-KO ESC..............
Q.Is my brake controller compatible with AL-KO ESC ?
A. AL-KO strongly recommends the use of motion sensing electric brake controllers on all vehicles.
The tow vehicle should be fitted with an AL-KO approved electric brake controller, listed below:
The folowing electric brake controllers are not currently approved for use with AL-KO ESC:
Hi loulybelle,
cannot go wrong with the Tekonsha P3.
God bless, froggo
So here's another vote for the P3.
Reckon Id go with the Go Tow from Redarc , remote mounted .
http://www.redarc.com.au/products/product/tow-pro/
loulybelle, I have a Tekonsha Voyager was fitted to my 80 series, there was a problem with it working on the 80 series and they sent me a different unit, they did not want the old one back again I'm pleased to say, did not have to post back to the US, this one is sitting here doing nothing, if you want it you can have it, just PM me an address to post to.
I have the p2 Tekonsha for about eight years no problems ,wouldn't use anything else.
Lance C
Which model? The new or old one?
My Redarc was fitted by the dealer in Sept. 2012. It's the one with the little red knob and LED, and was chosen by the dealer because it was small enough not to interfere with the low air bags. I have no idea what the model number is.
The theory of just pushing the knob in for manual braking is excellent, the efficiency is the same as any other non-proportional system. But I believe the knob is too loose in its operation.
I use to tow a 2000kg boat and trailer full of macadamia nuts with no brake controller on a xr6 handled fine.
Any recommendation I feel needs to include:
ATM of caravan, Tug and ball weight to be of any help to others.
We have a Jeep fully loaded @ 2900kg and Caravan about the same 2900kg ball weight between 280 -350kg.
We had a P2 mounted by my left knee and was not comfortable taking my eyes off the road to adjust it.
Moved it to the top of the dash right hand side.
This made me happier.
After 12,000 klm I was still not happy with the P2 to get my required level of braking at highway speed so it felt as the caravan
was slowing tug, not the caravan pushing the tug when braking.
But with that level of caravan braking at high speed the down side was brakes grabbing and locking up when coming to stop or slowing down.
So I would lower the braking in the towns both intensity and going from P2 to P1 and various combinations over a couple years.
Then I would forget to adjust the brake controller back up to highway settings.
I was not happy going downhill coming to a corner and not feeling the caravan slowing the tug when brakes were applied.
After reading about 20 pages on the USA Airstream forums great reports where coming from actual users of the P3 who upgraded to Tuson / Direclink brake controller.
www.airforums.com/forums/f439/direclink-brake-controller-86877.html
$500.00 by the time you get here, justified I reckon if you are towing over 2500kg. Under 2500kg the extra expense is probably not warranted and the P3 or Redarc will do the job.
The Tuson / Direclink does everything the P3 or Redarc does plus:
You can set brakes at highway speed so I can feel the caravan slowing the tug and it also has a low speed setting so you can wind the braking back with no grabbing.
A true set and forget for all conditions.
It plugs into the tugs computer and your tug and caravans brakes behave as one, true proportional braking.
A remote mobile handpiece ...that enables you keep both hands on the steering wheel eyes on the road and operate the caravans brakes independently.
It works on the WH Jeep, but not on the Toyota 200 series 2008...tried it on one those last week...
There is something heaps better out there:
www.youtube.com/watch
a more sophisticated electronic sway control being released by Melbourne Trailer and brakes to be released very shortly here
www.youtube.com/watch
-- Edited by hotqld on Friday 13th of June 2014 05:47:33 PM
We just recently replaced our old P2 with the new Redarc Tow Pro in preparation for a 3 - 4 month trip with our 3 tonne caravan.
I must say that I am very impressed! I am also impressed with the dual mode capability - automatic (fully proportional) or manual. We run in auto mode on the highway and everything works as expected. Once you find the right setting for your rig, it's totally set and forget.
We actually have used the manual mode as well, which is particularly handy off-road. I used this mode when towing the van down a steep, dirt track so that when you touch the brakes, the van brakes come onto the level set by the dial. Thus, the van does most of the braking, effectively keeping it nicely in line behind you. It worked really well.
The other thing I like is the small, unobtrusive remote control knob. No more fumbling around near your knees! It's now on my dash in an easy to see and reach location. If I need to hit the emergency over ride, it's right there in front of me.
As you can probably tell, I'm very happy with this unit.
I have Tekonsha model unknown and cant read the model without taking it out of the car
It has 2 adjustment wheels one either side and a slide which you can use to apply brakes on trailer.
The problem is I cant seem to get the adjustments right so I am either having the brakes on the trailer come on with a bang when my foot goes anywhere near the brake pedal . I dont feel safe with this the way it is.
Withe the newer Tekonsha P2 and P 3 which some of you mention is it simpler than the one I have described ?
I have used it for a few years on a horse trailer. That trailer has 2 axles but only one axle has brakes. I am used to setting it according to the instructions: you know: drive slowly, push the brakes fully on, etc etc. That's been fine with the horse float, and the reading has been around 6.5 depending on how many horses are in the float, or empty, etc. But when I do it with the Jayco single axle, I come up with a reading of say 11. That's sort of fine, but when I am moving slowly, when I touch the footbrake the trailer brakes come on hard and jerky. If I back off the controller to a reading of say 8, it all feels fine. But it's not as per the instructions, and I suspect that I'll only get about 2/3rds of the optimum braking in a crash stop.
any suggestions?
Daz