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Mount the control knob of this proportional brake controller on your dash for a factory look, and install the main unit out of sight. The Elite's unique user-controlled mode gives you direct control of your braking for any weather or terrain.
Features:
Specs:
The dash-mounted knob puts control of your trailer's brakes at your fingertips. In addition to offering fast, simple power adjustment and an easily accessible manual override, it has colored LED signals that let you know what the brake controller is doing at a glance.
When you are calibrating the brake controller for the first time, the LED lights will signal your progress. To finish setting up the device, you will need to drive your Lexus IS 250 in a low-traffic area and brake 20 times or so to let the unit learn its orientation and the direction of travel. If your trailer is connected, the LED light will flash green/blue as it processes the information. If there is no trailer connected, the unit will still calibrate, just without the knob lighting up. The knob will stay blue longer as the calibration process gets closer to being done. When the display turns solid blue, initial calibration is complete. The unit will remain calibrated for the next time that you tow. If recalibration is required, it will happen automatically and without LED indication.
Once the brake controller is activated, you can use the knob to set the maximum amount of power that will be applied to your trailer's brakes. Typically, this power is only readjusted when you experience changing road conditions or if you switch over from a heavy, loaded trailer to a much lighter, empty trailer, or vice versa. To get more power to your brakes, rotate the knob clockwise toward 10. To decrease the power output, rotate it counterclockwise toward 0.
When you apply the tow Lexus IS 250's brakes, the knob will change from blue to red to signal that the trailer brakes are being activated. The higher the braking power output, the deeper the red that you will see.
The Tow-Pro Elite keeps the manual override within easy reach, great for stopping sway or controlling your trailer's momentum in emergencies. To engage the manual override, just press the control knob. This will activate the trailer's brakes and brake lights without you having to apply the brakes on your tow Lexus IS 250, perfect for limiting trailer movement while you're cruising.
The Redarc Tow-Pro Elite comes with a unique feature that lets you respond to any terrain or weather you meet while on the road. The user-controlled mode gives you direct control over your trailer's braking so you can have exactly the level of power output you need for any situation - perfect for off-roading or adverse weather conditions. In this mode, the Tow-Pro Elite will apply your trailer's brakes with the same preset amount of power each time you activate the brakes in your Lexus IS 250. Set the power low if you're towing through sand or mud so that the trailer doesn't stop with too much force and act as an anchor. When on a steep descent, set the power to a higher level to ensure that the trailer's momentum doesn't cause it to push against the tow Lexus IS 250.
To turn on the user-controlled braking mode, rotate the knob counterclockwise and apply your Lexus IS 250's brakes. Push down on the remote knob twice (2 times within 1 second) and release the brakes. The knob will turn green to let you know that the mode has been activated.
Unlike most proportional controllers on the market, the Tow-Pro Elite has almost no mounting restrictions. It comes in 2 pieces - the main unit and the control knob. Because the only part that you need to be able to access is the control knob, the main unit can be mounted out of sight and out of the way. You don't have to worry about dinging your knee on a bulky brake controller or having something in your cab that can interfere with your Lexus IS 250's lower airbags.
The dash-mounted control knob can be installed in any convenient spot that's easy for you to see and access. This can be a blank switch panel, an open spot on your center console, or wherever there's space on your dashboard. A universal mounting panel is included to ensure a clean, from-the-factory look. Custom-fit panels are available for certain Lexus IS 250s as well. Before you do any drilling, be sure there's room behind the dash for the entire knob to install, including the part you don't see!
Once you've decided where you want to put the control knob, you'll need to find a good place to install the main unit. Your only restriction is the 3' plug-in cable that has to be able to reach between both the main unit and the control knob. Securely mount the box using screws, double-sided tape, or zip-ties (not included). A mounting kit (RE67FR - sold separately) is also available for the Tow-Pro Elite. Do not zip-tie the box to wiring or cables that can shift as you drive.
A Lexus IS 250-specific wiring harness is available for most newer trucks and SUVs. One end of the custom adapter plugs into your Lexus IS 250, and the other end will either plug directly into the controller or will splice into the included wiring harness - no need to hardwire to your Lexus IS 250. If a custom brake control wiring adapter is not available for your Lexus IS 250, you will need a universal wiring harness (RED69FR - sold separately). A 30-amp circuit breaker kit (331-CBK30-EB - sold separately) may also be required for installation.
For assistance in properly wiring the Tow-Pro Elite, please refer to the diagrams below:
See etrailer.com's exclusive 7- and 4-way brake-control installation kit (ETBC7 - sold separately) if you don't already have a 7-way plug at the back of your Lexus IS 250.
The Redarc Tow-Pro Elite brake controller comes equipped with proportional braking to give you the best towing experience. Proportional braking means that your trailer brakes mimic your tow Lexus IS 250's brakes. If you slam on the brakes in your Lexus IS 250, your trailer brakes will activate with the same intensity; if you brake lightly, your trailer brakes lightly too. The trailer's braking is in proportion to your Lexus IS 250's braking. This saves wear and tear on the tires and the brakes on both your Lexus IS 250 and trailer.
The Tow-Pro Elite uses an internal 3-axis accelerometer to sense how your Lexus IS 250 is braking so it can send the right amount of braking power to your trailer. It measures the inertia of your tow Lexus IS 250 and activates the trailer's brakes to slow at the same rate. The result is uniform braking across your towing setup. No push-pull action - just smooth, proportional braking every time.
Average Customer Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (1521 Customer Reviews)
Mount the control knob of this proportional brake controller on your dash for a factory look, and install the main unit out of sight. The Elite's unique user-controlled mode gives you direct control of your braking for any weather or terrain.This thing is awesome! I lucked out and the etrailer demo install video was on the same type of tow vehicle I have, so I was able to mostly just follow along for the install. It went in with minimal effort. I tow a 20 ft TT that weighs about 3500 lbs with a Chevy Colorado.
I finally pulled our trailer from storage and had a chance to try out the controller. It is fantastic! My previous controller used bluetooth. With it I had problems with over braking at low speeds. I was constantly adjusting it between town and highway, and I found the adjustment clumsy because my phone locks after a couple minutes of not being used.
The redarc fixed all of that and more! After dialing in the right setting, braking is like the trailer is not even there. It's that good! There is little to none jerking when I stop at low speed. And adjusting it is simple as it is one knob on the dash. This is how a brake controller is supposed to work! I towed 10,000 miles with my "other" controller, and I can't wait to try this out on our cross country trip this year!
And as always, the etrailer folks are great to work with and full of wisdom that they share so I don't have to learn the hard way!
I saw the great online reviews of this controller and took the plunge. I bought my 2002 Chevy Silverado K1500 extended cab short bed truck new in 2001. It came with the HD Towing package which include a factory plug in trailer brake wiring loom. I took my time over a 2 day period to carefully install and triple check my install. The Chevy and Redarc wiring wiring descriptions made it easy to join the two harnesses. I used HD crimped plug in connectors further protected with shrank tubing. All wiring was bundled with zip ties after encasing in HD harness protective cover. Zip ties held in place behind the removable panel beneath the steering wheel. The control button is installed on the right side of the steering column within easy reach. Nice install. I read that the light would not go on until a trailer was hooking up. I was elated when we picked up our new cargo trailer and the controller knob light lit up upon hitching up. the first mile of travel allowed easy testing of the system and fine tuning came a few miles further down the road. GREAT PRODUCT!
Mark
6/21/2023
Pulled my enclosed cargo trailer 4800 miles this past year moving to Texas. Trailer brake still functions perfectly. Im sure it will work with other trailers in the future as I will now sell my 20cargo trailer.
It truly amazes me that Ford touts the towing capacity of my Ranger, yet not one dealership I called could offer a solution for a trailer brake controller to be able to pull my little camper. I finally turned to etrailer since they had helped me meet my towing needs in the past with a different vehicle. etrailer's Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Trailer Brake Controller was a perfect solution! They also supplied a terrific video explaining in great detail how to install it in my truck. I preferred the in-dash location using one of the extra twelve volt ports using the optional round adapter insert and found it to be very convenient after a summer of towing. Highly recommend both Redarc Tow-Pro Elite and etrailer!
Happy G.
4/8/2023
Its been great! No problems encountered with the unit.
Love the self-calibration and hidden controller. Great space saver and works as described. I did find the knob location in your video not very good; I could not see it through the steering wheel when driving. As you can see from the picture it is now visible from the driver's seat and easy to adjust when needed. Also, in this location the only hole I had to drill was 3/16" behind the knob and not visible or damaging. I was able to use the knob bracket that came in the kit and just push it into place, very stable.
Ron
4/16/2023
Still working perfectly. I tell people about it every chance I get.
So far it is anazing! I installed it splicing with the gm wiring harness, and put the box under my console, with the knob in one of the accessory port holes using the knob adapter. The controller calibrated quickly, and works great once you get the gain set correctly. The ONLY thing I don't care for is that the unit stays powered up, so the led stay lit while a trailer is hooked up. I guess it doesn't drain battery much, but I don't care for anything draining my battery, no matter how small.
Hardwick
1/8/2024
Still works amazing. Does its job when needed, stays out of the way when not needed. I love that the only thing can see on this controller is the knob, as the rest is neatly mounted under my console.
Easy to install and works great. Love the stealth mounting. I get compliments on just the one knob being visible.
James
8/29/2023
Product has worked very well without problems. The only thing I would do differently is where I mounted the control knob. It is at a point where my knee can rub it. Which has a couple times changed the setting from my normal 3 or 4 to 7+ and activated the brakes at to high a pressure locking them up as I came to a stop. Again, not a product problem. Just my placement.
I installed this on my 2009 Dodge RAM 1500. It replaced the other one I had. This was a challenge to install because of where I had to mount it under the dash. But it was also wired a little different. The former controller had the positive (red) and negative (black) wires reversed from this Redarc controller. When I installed the Redarc the way the other controller was wired the brake lights wouldn't work. Once I got them put right for the Redarc it is working right.
Great quality trailer brake controller, seats very nice, flush in the not use ash tray of my silverado. Lot of configuration options, ensure to read the instructions and watch the installation video, be advised it has no power until you plug a trailer, this had me going for a while :-). Thanks etrailer.
Super easy install, save even more time with the plug and play harness. Lean install- only thing you see is the adjustment know- no bulky box in the way.
I have not used it yet. But i did want to know if i could use it on a small open motorcycle trailer. If i have it on for the lights, will it still effect the braking if i turn the dial to "0" on the dash? Thank you! But I can tell you, very easy to install.
Jenny N.
3/15/2024
Most of the time the smaller motorcycle trailers do not have brakes. Does your trailer have brakes? If they do and you do not want to use them then you can just disconnect the controller harness that connects under the dash. Otherwise, if it does not have brakes then you do not have to work about the controller.
Works very well and easy to install. I put it in my 2019 Ford Ranger and it works very well. I rarely tow so didn't need the model with more involved installation. I just shut off vehicle auto braking and cruise following which I don't ever use anyway.
Factory wiring harness is right up under the dash and this plugged right in easily.
The install was straight forward. Being my second time I was able to install the controller easily and without much complication. I have both a Nissa Pathfinder and Armada, which made the installation easier since both models are similar. The product responds well, still trying to dial in the perfect breaking level.
Superb controller and outstanding service from both etrailer and Redarc. I had some questions concerning the controller interfering with the advanced braking/collision avoidance in my Tacoma, as I had read about. I emailed Redarc in Australia and they promptly answered and even scheduled a phone call! I had a good conversation with them and it turns that that issue does not apply to my vehicle. So I give Redarc 5 stars at least for service. The controller itself is easy to install after watching the video. I would definitely buy the vehicle specific wiring to avoiding splicing. The bracket also made it very easy. I just used it on a long drive pulling a travel trailer. Works great. Some trial and error is all that’s needed to adjust the amount of braking.
I installed it in the center console so it would be easy to reach in case of sway. It also looks like it came from the Toyota factory this way. No ugly box hanging below to hit your knee.
Overall absolutely great device.
I highly recommend both the Redarc Elite and etrailer.
The Redark trailer brake controller installed easily. In my 2020 Toyota 4Runner. It looks like it came installed from the factory. It’s small and easy to reach when driving. It came with a plastic install panel. This is designed for installing in a hole that you drill in your dash. It will not fit in a knock out space in your dash. There is one that fits the dash perfectly that you can buy from etrailer.
etrailer automatically bundled the Redark trailer brake controller with the correct plug and play wiring harness for my vehicle. It was nice not to have to search for the wire harness. Everything installed perfectly.
I haven’t tested the function of the brake controller yet. I’ll hook up to a trailer this week.
The items arrived in less than a week and the package was in good condition. The order tracking worked great. The tech videos on the etrailer website were really helpful. I’ll purchase from hem again.
Denise
3/30/2022
The trailer brake controller still looks great. It works perfectly, although I don’t tow on a regular basis. When I do tow, the controller is easy to use.
Received this order sooner than expected and in rural area! All the parts are in the box which will be installed in a 2020 Ford Ranger for braking a 2009 Casita which is especially important in a hilly area. Have not gotten it installed yet but I plan too! Thank you etrailer.com!
Nina M.
2/14/2024
Working out perfectly! Used it on several camping trips. Great product!
Easy installation and good instructions. I am extremely pleased with this product. It works very well and have had no issues. I am pulling a hard side camper and close to max weight for my truck and this brake controller is spot on. I like the ease of changing the setting on steep hills as needed. A little hard to pick up on the color change in the daylight when braking but a minor shift of vision corrects this issue. I definitely would recommend this controller to anyone else . The salesman was most helpful in getting me set up. If a grade of 10 is the best then I give the company, salesman and this product a 10. Thank you Gene
I’m going to be up front and say I have not tested this beside driving around town. The install was very quick, maybe 20 minutes in all initially in my 2017 Nissan Titan SV. I do have some concerns though. After install I had no lights to show calibration was going on. From reading the user manual I guess that can happen. First time hooking up the trailer everything seemed fine and the light was blue as it should. Once I turned my running lights on though it began to blink red showing a fault with the cable. I tested everything to make sure it was getting voltage and the wires were correct. After about an hour I found something between my backup camera on the travel trailer and the brake was causing some sort of issue. I removed the camera, unplugged all the cables from the tow pro elite and hooked it back up. Once plugged back in it showed green and blue lights showing it was calibrating. I drove the trailer around town and our relief route. After about half an hour the light turned solid blue. The control is easy to use and looks very nice. I’m unable to get it to switch to user control mode but the proportional and manual brakes works fine. I will update my review after we take it out on a few trips. As of now it seems like a great product, very clean looking and should do a great job.
Sierra K.
6/3/2021
Thank you for your review. I have attached an expert answer that shows a chart of troubleshooting options for this product.
Helpful Links
Install was a breeze, nice and clean,love the ease of the controller and the many settings if you want them if not set it and forget it perfect for the truck that is not run everyday uses power only when attached to trailer no extra draw on battery. Would definitely buy again great product!
Toughmudder
2/8/2024
Perfect fit for my up and down hill hauling where an adjustment on the fly is needed going from paved to unpaved roads. Game changer in the mountains with the additional braking of another set of axles. I highly recommend this product to anyone looking a very clean and low profile install it does not get any easier and the quality is top level. Thanks Redarc, Tough Mudder
Mike L.
2/8/2024
This is the third Redarc elite I've installed, the oldest being 4 years ago. They're all flawless, easy to use, more available and less intrusive than anything else. I can pull my single-axle motorcycle trailer empty and not be overpowered, or my 2 axle dump trailer without being underpowered. Spectacular in all regards.
I liked having the ability to place the controller in an easy to view and use location. The unit works as well as any other controller by other companies that I have used but we’re always hard to see to adjust and bang your knees while getting in or driving. Works well in my Subaru Ascent and when the time comes the old ones in the trucks will be replaced with one of these.
Although this product cost me $250 plus another $750 to install which including having to buy an additional part (because not everything that you need comes with it), I'm extremely pleased with it. Proportional braking is the only way to go. In addition, do not buy wireless brake controllers. Why? Something happens with your phone and then what? You have no brakes! In addition, you don't have to play around with the dial. Redarc Tow-Pro automatically calibrates the brake pressure. Both my suv and trailer stop in unison, so much so I don't even feel the trailer as a separate unit. Redarc remembers, so you are not recalibrating every time you hitch up your camper. Highly Recommend.
The Redarc Tow-Pro brake controller has worked flawlessly since I installed it a year ago. I tow a fairly light (2000 pound) pop-up trailer, which can be an adjustment challenge when braking on loose surfaces. I've found it very easy to slightly reduce the setting while on gravel and then return to the correct setting when returning to normal roads.
I purchased the Redarc because I could never get my previous controller to brake smoothly - it would often jerk at low speeds. I think that controller had problems because it was inserted into the 7-pin connector that was held by a metal bracket under my bumper that I suspect vibrated when braking, which confused that controller. Once I switched to the Redarc, which is firmly mounted under the dash, I had no more problems like that.
Finding a location in my Honda Pilot to mount the control module was a challenge - but well worth the effort. I mounted it to a plastic panel that I installed over an unused cavity in the console underneath the radio (see picture). The knob is easy to reach, and is out of the way of my knees.
Mounting the main control box under the dash was made easier because I didn't have to worry about its precise orientation since it will calibrate itself wherever it sits.
Best brake controller, I have installed. Requires a little extra time to get it installed. But worth it for the convenience for handy use location. Works great and looks great.
Installed the Redarc Tow-Pro elite in a 2022 E350 Thor motorhome. Install was straight forward. Mounted behind the brake pedal with an extended aluminum plate. etrailer was incorrect when I was told Redarc does not make a cable for this model. The available correct cable / plug for this model is the TPH-007 which is the same Ford plug that is on 3036-P. I did splice in the cable that came with the kit in order to reach the desired location.
The controller fit well to the right of the steering wheel. Had to drill thru one of the panel clips which really wasn’t needed.
This Redarc Break Controller is a must for off-roading with a Off Grid Trailer. The ability to control the trailer separately and allowing you to hold your tow vehicle while descending hills is worth the investment.
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Larry
5/16/2024
I have this for a year. We did a five thousand mile trip last summer and I couldnt be happier! This is what I imagined a good break controller to be. Braking felt like there was nothing behind me. No shuddering at really low speed. It was perfect! This is in stark contrast to one of those bluetooth units that plug into your 7-pin connector. I could never get that one to work right. I highly recommend this product and all the folks at e-trailer!