Arrives before Christmas To see if this custom-fit item will work for you please tell us what vehicle you'll use it with.
This is one of our favorite brake controllers, with a tiny dash knob that looks like it came straight from the factory. It brakes so nicely it's like you're not even towing. The unique off-roading mode helps you handle rough conditions.
Features:
Specs:
The off-road mode is a unique feature of the Redarc Tow-Pro Trail. In this mode, the brake controller will apply your trailer's brakes with a preset amount of power, independent of what your tow vehicle is doing. This is ideal for off-roading or challenging conditions. 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. If navigating a steep descent, set the power to a higher level to ensure that the trailer doesn't push against the tow vehicle.
To activate the off-road mode, rotate the knob counterclockwise to 0 and apply your vehicle's brakes. Push down on the 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.
Use the knob to set the braking output - the maximum amount of power that will be applied to your trailer's brakes. To get more power output, 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 Tow-Pro Trail has almost no mounting restrictions. It comes in 2 pieces: the main unit and 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 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 Trail. Do not attach the module to wiring or cables that can shift as you drive!
Then plug the custom-fit harness right into your vehicle and the brake controller and you're done!
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-control installation kit (ETBC7 - sold separately). A 30-amp circuit breaker kit (331-CBK30-EB - sold separately) may also be required for installation.
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 Trail 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.
Hi, everybody. Andy here with etrailer.com. Let's take a brief look together at this REDARC Tow-Pro Trail Proportional Brake Controller with Custom Wiring Harness. Now this is going to fit your Toyota 4Runners, your Lexus, your Land Cruisers from Toyota, and your Sequoia, Tacomas, and Tundras as well, as you can see from the 2003 on in most cases, so you see the listing there, but go ahead and make sure to go through our vehicle fit guide here at etrailer.com. Enter the year, make, and model of your vehicle, and our fit guide will confirm that this brake controller and wiring harness will work for you, and if it's not a confirmed fit, you can go through the fit guide to find a comparable brake controller that will work for you. So again, make sure to go through our vehicle fit guide, but this brake controller is going to require minimal dash space in your vehicle, and it's gonna be very simple to install and operate.
This is gonna have a factory look and feel looking like it always belonged in your dash. You're really not gonna even know if you've got a brake controller installed in the cab of your vehicle with this REDARC brake controller. Now this brake controller is going to activate your trailer's brakes in proportion to your vehicle's braking action. It's gonna automatically adjust your trailer's braking based on the deceleration of your tow vehicle. Now this brake controller comes with a unique feature that lets you respond to any terrain or weather that you meet while on the road.
The user-controlled mode is going to give you direct control over your trailer's braking so you can have exactly the level of power output you need for any situation. So this particular brake controller is gonna be perfect for off-roading or adverse weather conditions. In this user-controlled mode, this Tow-Pro Trail will apply your trailer's brakes with the same preset amount of power each time you activate the brakes in your vehicle. You can just 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, or when you're on a steep descent, you're just gonna set the power to a higher level to ensure that the trailer's momentum doesn't cause it to push against the tow vehicle. Now this control knob is going to mount in your dash or any other easily accessible area, maybe like your center console, and it will allow for quick and easy adjustment of the braking power, which is the turn of the dial that you can see here, and it's also going to provide manual override by just pressing the knob to activate the trailer brakes.
This is also going to offer simple diagnostics with a bright-colored LED in the dial, and then this main unit here is going to install out of sight. So what's nice about this is there's not gonna be any more banging your knee on a bulky controller underneath your steering wheel as you're getting into your vehicle, it's not gonna cause any interference with airbags or other vehicle accessories, and, of course, no hard-to-reach override lever, or impossible-to-read screen. This can be mounted in any position, direction, and angle with the included mounting kit that you see here, and there's no complicated wiring. The custom-fitted harness that is included, it's just gonna let you plug in and go, and if you don't already have a seven-way plug at the back of your vehicle, take a look at our exclusive seven and four-way brake controller installation kit you see there on your screen. To get to that kit, you can just take that part number that you see there, ETBC7, pop that into the search field of our website.
That will take you to that kit, and you can add that to your order if you need a seven-way plug at the back of your vehicle. This brake controller is for trailers with up to three axles, six brake assemblies. It is designed for use with electric or electric over hydraulic trailer brakes, and it is designed to work with your 12-volt and 24-volt vehicle electrical systems. Before we leave our time together here, let me give you some measurements of the brake controller itself. So, looking at the overall length, four inches, overall width about three-and-three-eighths inches, overall height about one-and-one-eighth inches, and we do have these inserts here for the control knob, whichever one's going to best fit your console or your dash blank that you're filling in, you've got some options there for the best fitment to use with this control knob on the inside of your vehicle. Instructions are also going to be included to guide you through the installation and operation, but I think that's gonna wrap up our real quick look today. I do hope that it was helpful for you. Again, my name is Andy. Thank you for joining me.
Average Customer Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (1567 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 brakes so nicely it's like you're not even towing. The unique off-roading mode helps you handle rough conditions.The Redarc controller that I ordered to install in my Lexus GX460 was perfect! I ordered the Tow Pro Trail version. The harness to connect the factory trailer harness under the dash was the correct one for my Lexus. lling the controller that se are a little more work than installing the ones that hang under the dash, but well worth it!
This worked perfect in our 2020 Acura MDX. Love how it looks and operates. I removed the center council (see link to video on how to below) and mounted everything in there.
The control knob looks great and is out of the way. I removed the 12 volt charger port and put the knob in its place. The only catch was it was not easy to find the fuse for the brake controller. After research and trial and error, I found the fuse was #17 in the rear fuse box. I appreciate the great service and support from etrailer.
Nice brake controller. Have 2 of them. On both my cars it will occasionally blink red which means some sort of error but it still applies the brakes. Thinking the ground/neutral wiring on my trailer is the culprit. Installed with RED77FR on a 2024 Grand Cherokee L Summit (w/ factory Tow) despite site saying it's not compatible.
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!
Installed in my 2022 Ford Ranger, works great ?? The adapter for the lighter is a separate purchase.
The push button to activate the brakes independently is a really nice feature for calibrating the braking power based on the weight on the trailer.
The led indicators are also nice.
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.
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!
Great workmanship and easy to install. I installed the main unit right below the steering wheel behind the panel per the video by redarc. If you install the dial where the 12v outlet plug is currently located, you can find another place to put your 12v port like i did. It was simple to adjust to my tandem axle trailer. Glad I purchased this instead of the more expensive factory controller.
My Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Brake Controller was installed earlier this year in my 2023 Ford Explorer Platinum w/tow pkg. Immediately it changed the trailer handling and gave me much more control. It was the recommended for my vehicle and it works just like a 'factory installed' unit that I've had in previous trucks. I recommend it!
Installation was as described in the Colorado video. My 2015 4x4 dash required a different location than where the knob is located in the video( where the 4x4 knob is ). The dial knob just fits inside the upper clips for the credit card slot. I used the left side for better visibility. I drilled a pilot hole and then slowly enlarged it, dragging it as needed to keep it centered under the dash clip. You will understand when you remove the card slot. Remove the lower dash to get to a hidden screw, then the card holder pops straight out.
Great prices and quick to ship. Well organized website. Wasn’t sure the REDARC install was something o wanted to handle. One disappointment… initially I called a listed installer found on your website - they stated they do not install product they do not sell. This pushed me to try to install myself. Lots of helpful information and install videos online made the difference.
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!
The Redarc Trailer brake controller has worked well for the past year. The instructions and videos made it easy to install and get setup. My only, minor, complaint was the button cover provided did not fit in our 2016 4Runner. I was able to use the cover I pulled out with a little trimming of extra plastic on the back. We have towed our pop up in mountains and plains, on interstates and off road. The trailer brake has worked without an issue. Highly recommended.
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.
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.
Easy to install and works great. Love the stealth mounting. I get compliments on just the one knob being visible.
Only way to fly. This brake system works like nothing else. Perfect
This is the second Redarc brake controller that I have purchased. First one works so well in our new Bronco that when we got a 3 axle toyhaller I needed to up grade the controller in our truck.Redarc was the first choice after being so happy with the other one in our Bronco. Super easy installation that plugs right into the truck wiring with the correct harness for your vehicle.
etrailer made it easy to get everything that you need in one purchase (unlike some seller's where everything is sold separately) and it was at my door reasonably fast
Overall love the Redarc controller and very happy going through etrailer
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.
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.
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.
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.
Looks really nice, but I have not actually used it on the road yet, I have just driven around the neighborhood to test it and it looks and works great for the short distance that I have travelled, pulling a 10,000 gvw, car hauling two axle flat bed trailer.
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