This is one of our favorite brake controllers, with a tiny dash knob that looks like it came straight from the factory. It's easy to adjust your settings or activate manual override. It brakes so nicely it's like you're not even towing.
Features:
Specs:
Adjusting the braking settings on the Tow-Pro Liberty is super simple. To get more power output - the maximum amount of power that will be applied to your trailer's brakes - rotate the knob clockwise toward 10. To decrease the power output, rotate it counterclockwise toward 0.
When you apply the tow vehicle'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.
To engage manual override, simply press the control knob. This will activate the trailer's brakes and brake lights independent of your tow vehicle, great for stopping sway or controlling your trailer's momentum in an emergency.
When you are calibrating the brake controller for the first time, the LED lights will signal your progress.
You'll start by braking 20 times or so to let the unit learn its orientation and the direction of travel. You don't need to have a trailer connected for it to calibrate; the only difference is that the knob won't illuminate at all. If your trailer is connected, the LED light will flash green/blue as it calibrates. When the display turns solid blue, initial calibration is complete.
Once done, the unit will remain calibrated. If recalibration is required, it will happen automatically and without LED indication.
The Liberty has almost no mounting restrictions. It comes in 2 pieces: the main unit and the control knob. The main unit mounts out of sight and out of the way. You don't have to worry about dinging your knee on a bulky brake controller or interfering with your vehicle's airbags.
The 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 vehicles as well. Before you do any drilling, be sure there's enough clearance behind the dash for the entire knob to install!
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' cable connecting 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 Liberty. Do not attach the module to wiring or cables that can shift as you drive!
Once you have the controller mounted in your cab, just plug the custom-fit adapter directly into your vehicle's built-in brake control wiring harness. The other end plugs into the brake controller. No hardwiring needed!
Note: If you don't already have a 7-way plug at the back of your vehicle, take a look at our exclusive 7- and 4-way brake controller installation kit (ETBC7 - sold separately).
Proportional braking means that your trailer brakes mimic your tow vehicle's brakes. If you slam on the brakes in your vehicle, 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 vehicle's braking. This saves wear and tear on the tires and the brakes on both your vehicle and trailer.
The Tow-Pro Liberty uses an internal 3-axis accelerometer to sense how your vehicle is braking so it can send the right amount of braking power to your trailer. It measures the inertia of your tow vehicle 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.
Videos are provided as a guide only. Refer to manufacturer installation instructions and specs for complete information.
Hey, everybody. Ryan here at etrailer. Today, we're gonna be checking out the REDARC Tow-Pro Liberty trailer brake controller. If your trailer has brakes, you're gonna need a way to apply them. That way, you can slow everything down safely. And that's where a trailer brake controller like this REDARC here is gonna come into play.
What this is gonna do whenever you hit the brakes, it's going to apply the brakes on the trailer, bringing you to a complete stop. One of the things that really sets the REDARC apart from some of the other brake controllers is the size. You know, it looks a lot different. The only thing you're gonna be able to see is the adjustment knob here. And the rest of the main body of the brake controller, I guess you'd call it, sits up behind the dash.
So, you're not gonna have this big box that's always in the way and an eyesore bolted up to your dash. And with this one, I think it turned out really good. We actually had some factory switches and whatnot here already. We had a blank one, so we we're able to mount this up in there. And so, it looks almost factory and a really clean appearance, and still really easy to get to.
One of the things with a brake controller like this as well is the fact that it's what's called proportional. So, what that means, more or less, however hard you apply the brakes, the trailer brakes are gonna match that. So, it just makes it a lot smoother and a lot better braking experience. So, to kind of give you an example of that, let's say, if you're going down the road and approaching a stop sign, and you're halfway on the brake, trailer brakes are going to do the same thing. On the other hand, let's say, if you're going down the highway, maybe an accident up ahead or something along those lines and you gotta really stand on the brake to slow things down, trailer's gonna do the same thing.
So, you're not gonna feel the trailer dragging or wanting to push you around. You're actually gonna be stopping as one hole unit. This particular brake controller is gonna be good for trailers that have either one or two axles. And there are some adjustments so you can change your brake force. So, you have the knob here. That's 10. That's zero. So at zero, you'd have no braking force. And so, you can kind of fine tune it. So, let's say, a good place to start is probably five or below. Let's say maybe you got a light trailer and nothing in it, you're gonna pick something up, you might only need a one or two, something like that. But then you load it up and realize it's not braking quite as hard as you'd like it to, you can always dial that up a couple clicks. So, you can really fine tune it for your particular load and what you're gonna be doing, and your particular driving style. It's also gonna have a manual override button and all you do is you just push down on this. And so, I'm actually hooked up to a test box, which simulates a trailer. That's why we're getting these lights going and everything. But you can see when you push down on this, that light's gonna glow red and that means you're gonna be just applying the trailer brakes. So, let's say, if the trailer starts to get swirly, kind of gets away from you a little bit, you can hit that, slow the trailer down, straighten it back out, and continue on. As far as installation goes, ours was not bad at all and I think that'll be the case for most people as long as your truck has a factory tow package. Essentially, all you gotta do is find the connector, plug it in, mount up the the box, and then mount up your knobs. So, it's more tedious than anything, but as long as you take your time, you should be in good shape. I do wanna mention, for those of you, if your truck does not have that factory tow package, so if you don't have the factory seven-way connector back there, you are gonna have to get a couple of other things, which is just probably gonna be rare for most of these vehicles. But we'll need a four-way flat trailer connector, etrailer.com universal brake controller install kit, and the REDARC universal adapter plug to make everything work. But like I said, chances are really good this info will get you going in the right directions. And that'll finish up our look at of the REDARC Tow-Pro Liberty trailer brake controller..
Average Customer Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars (4 Customer Reviews)
This is one of our favorite brake controllers, with a tiny dash knob that looks like it came straight from the factory. It's easy to adjust your settings or activate manual override. It brakes so nicely it's like you're not even towing.The hardest part was getting the zip ties tightened around the module without completely removing the trim under the steering wheel. I chose near the shifter for my location so it’s easy to reach but still out of the way.
Works great! No more readjusting between hi way and Campground driving. Looks great. Straight forward instruction for installation.
This is a great product to install Works fantastic in my 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited the remote switch you can put just about anywhere. I like how you don't have the big old bulky brake controller under your dash.
This is my second trailer brake controller from Redarc with this style. Neither of the vehicles I installed them in came prewired from the factory (2019 Subaru Crosstrek and 1999 Isuzu Amigo). The hardest part of installation for me is locating a place to put the "knob" that is easy to access but out of the way and most importantly doesn't require me to drill holes into hard parts of my vehicles. In both installs I managed to get the knob installed into a blank switch knockout. I run the power directly to the battery and have not had any problems with it turning itself on when needed or causing the battery to drain. This is by far the best looking trailer brake controller on the market that isn't factory installed
I purchased the Redarc Liberty brake controller because I couldn’t find a place to mount my Tekonsha where I wouldn’t bash a knee or shin on it or cover an airbag.
So far, I’m very happy with the Redarc Liberty brake controller; although, I haven’t used it for towing yet, and I’m not sure it is operating properly. Apparently, I should have blue lights while it is learning which way the control unit is oriented but I don’t have blue lights.
Anyway, let me share information on the installation. I purchased the wiring harness for my vehicle, which I highly recommend as it was same cost as the universal harness, and a big time saver. I did not buy the blank switch panel for the switch installation as another reviewer stated he was able to modify the original switch blank. Big mistake, I highly recommend buying the appropriate switch panel for your vehicle. My Toyota blank switch panel was excessively complicated so I had to saw and melt a pile of plastic (see the picture) out of it without damaging the visible portion or the clips which hold it in.
Finding a suitable location to secure the controller up under the dash is a challenge with modern cars. After removing two pieces of plastic trim, I did manage to pull the panel below the steering column far enough out to complete the install. The unit it does look good. Very clean.
We’ll be towing the big trailer next week so I hope it works.
Being new to towing a larger trailer requires research. After doing a lot of it, both through user reviews and manufacturer websites, we landed on the Rearc Liberty Brake Controller for our Tacoma. We have just over 1000 miles towing with this unit. It has performed extremely well. Towing for us includes city, highway, mountains, and even off-road to access our mountain home. Installation was straight forward and the ability to install the controller in virtually any position is an added bonus. I was able to install the dash knob in a blank panel giving the Tacoma a factory appearance, and controller located under drivers seat. I installed this unit on a non tow package Tacoma, so wiring was a bit intimidating at first. But using etrailer’s web site as a reference had everything operational in a couple afternoons. Great product so far and we look for years of use. Highly recommend.
Mounting the brake controller up and out of the way under the dash of my 2023 Tacoma required some thought. I chose to fabricate a bracket from a piece of 3/4" aluminum angle (bolted to the underside of the dash) and anchored the brake controller to it with zip-ties.
This thing is so much better than the old controller I used to use. I like that it lets the break off after you stop moving even if you have your foot on the petal. Smooth breaking response all together. Plus, I was able to install the knob in an unused switch blank in my 2020 Pilot. You do have to be a little crafty to get it to fit there but it is possible.
This brake controller is the best I’ve used so far. It’s compact, comes with the correct vehicle wire harness splice and has been 100% reliable. Thank you!
I’ve found other brake controllers are either unreliable or too bulky. Job well done Redarc!! The safety trailer loads is of utmost importance.
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland (5.7 Hemi w/Tow pkg)
Great controller and helpful service! Take your time installing the control switch in a convenient place. It's small but works well. I love the easy use of manually applying the trailer brakes by pushing the switch. Mounting the control module in a solid place is required. I bolted it to a dash brace and it works well.
Installed this in my 4runner that I use to haul several thousand pounds of metal boxes on an aluminum heavy variant tilt deck trailer. Install was fast and easy, the main unit is small and is easily tucked up under the dash. I drilled one small hole and placed the small lighted selector (small blue light) on the key side of the steering wheel area (see pics) and looks like it came factory from the truck. Its sasy to adjust and robust enough that it wont move settings on its own, even in rough off road conditions that a 2WD vehicle cant go. Ive had other controllers in the past but am super happy that I had lucked out and found this proportional one from Redrac with the dash knob.
Haven’t had any issues with the brake control after towing for a year. It’s been a great replacement for the curt Bluetooth controller which didn’t last 2 months because it’s made with cheap plastic and stuck out so far I backed my trailer into it when parking.
This review includes the following items: Item #RED69FR - Wiring Harness, 30A Breaker kit and Item # ETBC7 Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat and Item #RED24FR Controller. I wanted to be sure I had everything. A local place Custom Coach on Pulaski Hwy, Baltimore did a fantastic job on the install, Sorry I can't remember the techs name. I have a 2018 Kia Sorento SX V6, AWD with 4 pin Tow Pkg. car rated for 5k/500# load. Trailer is a 2022 Palomino Real Lite RL-186. I've logged 2 trips so far 1 to NYS mostly highway and to Cass, West Virginia area. The controller adapted quickly, I went to a '5' to a '4' setting even in the mountains it was smooth no jerking. The one picture shows installation ubder the dash totally out of the way. It works great!
The brake controller was not difficult to install.
I like the fact of controller is in dash area of vehicle with just one control knob shown. Shipping was fast and all items are as described.
Thank you
Your sales/service rep failed to tell me that in addition to the Tacoma specific wire harness that I would need the Bezel for the dash to hold the adjustment knob. Delayed my installation and I wasn’t able to pick up my trailer. I suggest you add the bezel to the picture on the website.
I was surprised how nice this brake controller is - clean install with the unit up under the dash. I installed the knob in one of the 'blanks' in the dash for a really clean look. No banging knees on older-style controllers under the dash. Thanks!
Installation was very easy, simple, and clean. Looks very nice. I am very disappointed that nobody makes a switch insert panel for Honda or pretty much anything but Toyota. I haven’t programmed it yet but it looks fairly simple.
A major upgrade from the old brake controller. Great price and quick delivery
I had a cheap brake controller made by CURT. It lacked the manual on it and it was causing my brakes to lock up on the left side of my camper. We found this out going down a mountain pass so it was a little alarming. This brake controller is amazing and I love it so much. Being able to tune it activated and have constant feedback on whether it's working or not is awesome. I highly recommend this. It's perfect for me.
I saw this setup and tried it. I usually have the tekonsha type. Happy w tekonsha. But I do like the integration of this controller. Simple install w provided parts. It also provides an adapter for wiring to your vehicle. I had a spot in my van that I was able to use for mounting. Very clean and factory look. You won’t hit your leg or knee on anything.
After 9 camping trips with my trailer, the brake system is working well.
The installation is super simple with its multi-directional mounting system. Great!
Works great, install instructions way too small for me to see, so I watched video on YouTube on how to install. If not for the videos I couldn’t have installed it!
Just installed the system and can’t wait to try it out! The most difficult part was determining where I wanted the control knob and dealing with the OEM dash component getting in the way of where I wanted it. I appreciate the sophistication and simplicity of the system.
I bought this controller a year ago, and after going camping six times with my trailer last year, it started to malfunction. I did around 800 miles with it. It looses connectivity, lights go on and off even when I am not pressing on the brake pedal. I replaced it with some other brand from a different vendor than etrailer. Definitely not safe to use. Stay away from it. Harness that came with it is of poor quality. Two cables were lose, not fully inserted into the clip. It was installed by a pro mechanic who warned me about the poor quality of this product in general. etrailer customer service rep did not agree with me on those issues so I was stuck with this for a while. I was not able to return it and started using it.
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