Towing a Trailer? Let's Talk About Brake Controllers

Written by: Amber S.

Last updated: 9/15/2025

If you’re new to trailer towing, you’ve probably heard you need something called a trailer brake controller (or trailer brake control) to tow safely. But what exactly is a brake controller, and why do you need one? Simply put, it’s the small box in your cab that tells your trailer brakes when to stop. Without it, your tow vehicle ends up doing all the work while your trailer keeps pushing you forward—and that’s not a fun (or safe) experience.

At etrailer, we’ve helped thousands of customers pick the right brake controller for their setup, and for good reason: most states require one once you’re towing around 3,000 lbs or more (though laws vary). Beyond the legal side, the right controller keeps your truck and trailer braking in sync so you can stop with confidence.

In this article:

How Do Trailer Brake Controllers Work?
Proportional vs. Time-Delayed Controllers
Installation, Adjustment, and Price: Picking the Perfect Controller
How to Test and Adjust a Trailer Brake Controller

How Do Trailer Brake Controllers Work?

When you hit the brakes in your tow vehicle, the controller doesn’t just flip the trailer brakes on and off — it meters out power through the blue brake wire to match your stopping needs. The more power it sends, the stronger the trailer’s electromagnets pull, which means more braking force at the wheels.

You can fine-tune this with the gain setting so the trailer isn’t braking too hard (skidding) or too soft (making your truck do all the work). Many controllers include a trailer brake gain chart in the manual to help you pick a safe starting point.

Most models also include a manual override, letting you apply the trailer brakes without touching the vehicle brakes — useful for testing, fighting sway, or engaging a 5th-wheel slider.

Do You Need a Brake Controller?

Yes — if your trailer has electric or electric-over-hydraulic brakes, you’ll need one to keep your tow vehicle and trailer braking in sync. Without it, your truck absorbs all the stopping power while your trailer pushes forward, which can quickly become unsafe.

IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE: Never test your trailer’s breakaway system while the 7-way is still connected to your truck. The breakaway system has its own battery that will back-feed power, almost certainly frying your brake controller. Always disconnect before testing.

Proportional vs. Time-Delayed Controllers

So now that you know how a brake controller works, where do you go from here?

The next step is choosing the type of brake controller that best suits your towing needs. Brake controllers can be categorized by two main types: proportional and time-delayed. These categories have to do with the intensity and consistency in which the controller applies your brakes.

Proportional Brake Controllers

Use internal accelerometers to sense how hard you’re braking.
Apply the trailer brakes with the same force. Slam on the brakes? Trailer slams too. Gentle stop at a light? Trailer eases in behind you.
Cut power automatically if you’re sitting still in traffic, so your trailer brakes don’t cook themselves.

Pros: Smooth, predictable, less wear on your brakes.

Cons: A little pricier (though the gap is closing), and some need to be mounted at a specific angle.

Proportional Brake Controllers Braking Power

Time-Delayed Brake Controllers

Don’t care how hard you’re braking—they send the same preset power every time after a short delay.
You pick the power and the delay, and that’s what you get.

Pros: Budget-friendly, mount at any angle, great if you like having manual control for off-road.

Cons: Can feel jerky, may wear brakes unevenly, and some newer vehicles (like 2013–2014 Rams) don’t play nicely with them. They can also make your trailer brakes “pulse” when you’ve got hazards flashing—though a pulse preventer will fix that.

Time-Delayed Brake Controllers Braking Power

etrailer Recommendation: Proportional is the winner for most people. Time-delayed makes sense if you’re towing occasionally or doing off-road trips.

Installation, Adjustment, and Price: Picking the Perfect Controller

Once you've chosen between time-delayed and proportional brake controllers, the next step is choosing the specific model that will suit your needs. There are four main types out there:

Traditional under-dash controllers: The classic boxy style. Reliable but can be bulky. Some models, like the Tekonsha P3, include advanced displays and featherable manual override levers. Be careful drilling for installation — many new vehicles have airbags under the dash.
Wireless controllers: Plug-and-play devices like the Curt Echo. Easy to install, controlled via smartphone.
Trailer-mounted controllers: Units like the Tekonsha Prodigy RF mount on the trailer itself. Great for fleets or leased vehicles since you don’t have to hardwire every tow vehicle. They require a fully functional 7-way with brake signal and 12-volt power.
Dashboard knob controllers: Sleeker installs like the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite, with a small control knob on the dash and the main module hidden away. Note: many of these use an on/off style override instead of a featherable lever.

Each type of brake controller has its own pros and cons. What usually makes the difference when choosing comes down to four things: how easy it is to install, what kind of display it uses, how convenient it is to live with day to day, and of course, the price. Think about which of these matters most for your towing style, and the right option will stand out pretty quickly.

Type 1: Traditional Under-Dash Brake Controllers

Proportional and Time-Delayed Brake Controller Models

INSTALLATION

The installation of one of these older-style, traditional models is generally going to be more complex than most other types. However, installation can vary widely depending on your vehicle and what it is already equipped with.

Vehicles with 7-way: A vehicle-specific wiring adapter is often available so you can avoid hardwiring the controller and just plug-and-play. Use our brake controller fitguide to see recommended adapters for your vehicle.

Vehicles with 4-way: Use a 7-way installation kit like # ETBC7.

Vehicles with no pre-wiring: Add a 4-way and use a 7-way installation kit like # ETBC7. Check out this installation guide for more step-by-step help.

DISPLAY

Most proportional controllers have digital LED or LCD display screens for information like your brake power output, boost settings, and error codes. However, some proportional controllers include function indicator lights rather than display screens. Consider the size and brightness of any screens or indicators when selecting a model.

CONVENIENCE

These are among the least convenient types of controllers to use. This is because they are relatively boxy and bulky, and they must be mounted (often at a specified angle, in the case of proportional controllers) in your vehicle cab, right around knee height. This can be an issue if your cab is already crowded, or if you have long legs that keep bumping the brake controller.

PRICE

What traditional brake controllers lack in convenience they make up for in price. While prices can range into the premium-price levels, it is also possible to find inexpensive models under $100.

Type 2: Wireless Brake Controllers

INSTALLATION

Wireless brake controllers are relatively new, but they're popular for good reason. You can skip the complex wiring setup involved in other controllers with a simple wireless setup.

The Curt Echo is perhaps the easiest brake controller on the market to install. Simply plug the unit in between your 7-way trailer connection, download the mobile app to your smartphone, and pair your devices using Bluetooth. No crimping, splicing, or other alterations necessary, provided you already have a vehicle with a 7-way plug (if you don't, you can add one).

Another popular wireless model is the trailer-mounted Tekonsha Prodigy RF. Simply plug your trailer's 7-way connector into the Prodigy and connect the Prodigy to your tow vehicle's 7-way. You can control the Tekonsha via a remote control (ncluded) from your vehicle's cab.

DISPLAY

For the Echo, the display is something you're already familiar with—your cell phone! No tiny LCD screens to squint at here. Just open the app on your smartphone and adjust the device as needed.

The Prodigy's display is featured on the included remote control, which plugs into a standard 12v accessory outlet in your vehicle's cab.

CONVENIENCE

Wireless brake controllers are perhaps the most convenient on the market. With no bulky box to bump against in the cab, they won't get in your way while you drive or interfere with airbags or other vehicle accessories during installation. They're easy to install, easy to operate, and easy to move between vehicles.

PRICE

This is where more traditional controllers have the advantage. Wireless controllers are still more expensive than most of their old-fashioned predecessors. However, if you plan on towing frequently, the ease of use is often worth the added cost.

Type 3: Dash-Mounted Brake Controller Knobs

INSTALLATION

This style of brake controller installs in much the same way as a traditional controller. The only difference is that you will also have to install and wire the dash-mounted knob. You can mount the knob anywhere in your cab (drill mount and adhesive mount options are available), at any orientation, while the main module mounts out of sight.

Vehicles with 4-way: Use a 7-way installation kit like # ETBC7.

Vehicles with no pre-wiring: Add a 4-way and use a 7-way installation kit like # ETBC7. Check out this installation guide for more step-by-step help.

(For a more detailed explanation on how to install a traditional brake controller, check out our article here.)

DISPLAY

The control knob is your means of adjustment as well as your display. These knobs are equipped with multicolored LED lights to indicate information such as braking power, selected settings, and diagnostics.

CONVENIENCE

Dash-mounted knobs allow you to maintain the look and feel of your vehicle cab. Rather than take up space with a bulky brake control box, these knobs allow for a discreet OEM look without cramping your style (or your legs). There are no tiny LCD displays to squint at like with traditional box brake controller—just easily visible LED knobs. Just think of a radio volume knob that happens to control your trailer brakes.

Both proportional and time-delayed (also known as "off-road"/"user-controlled") models are available. Redarc's Tow-Pro Elite even allows you to switch between these settings.

PRICE

Dash-mounted knob brake controllers hover around the mid-price point for brake controllers. You won't find them under $100 (think closer to $200), but you won't typically pay as much as you would for a wireless or trailer-mounted device.

Type 4: Trailer-Mounted Brake Controllers

INSTALLATION

Trailer-mounted brake controllers allow you to mount the main module on your trailer, rather than in your vehicle cab. Most trailer-mounted brake controllers like the Tekonsha Prodigy RF and the Curt Echo are wireless and connect to your 7-way connector. This means no hardwiring or vehicle modification is necessary, provided you already have a 7-way plug (if you don't, you can add one).

Other brake controllers, like the Autowbrake, must be hardwired into your trailer's wiring. Again, no vehicle modification is necessary as long as you already have a 7-way plug.

DISPLAY

The mode of display depends on the individual controller. The Curt Echo uses a smartphone display via a downloadable mobile app. The Prodigy RF features a remote with a digital screen. The Autowbrake's module features an LED light.

CONVENIENCE

Trailer-mounted controllers are popular because they keep your cab clutter-free and don’t require vehicle modifications. They’re also a smart choice if you tow with multiple vehicles.

The wireless Curt Echo is perhaps the easiest to operate and involves no additional parts to keep track of in your cab, since it connects to your phone via Bluetooth.

The Prodigy RF includes a portable remote with digital display that may be plugged into your vehicle's 12v accessory outlet. This display is convenient to use, but the remote is bulkier than the Autowbrake's fob or the Echo's cell phone display.

The Autowbrake has a discreet fob that can be attached to your key ring, much like a vehicle key fob. This is quite convenient, but the LED display on the module itself cannot be seen from the cab.

PRICE

Due to their ease of use and discreet appearance, trailer-mounted brake controllers are among the priciest options. However, if you plan on towing frequently, these upgraded devices are well worth the cost.

How to Test and Adjust a Trailer Brake Controller

It's important to test and adjust your brake controller settings as needed for each towing job. Every vehicle/trailer combo is different—even the same vehicle/trailer combo can be different if you're towing very different loads each time.

Hook up your trailer and head to an empty lot.
Drive about 25 mph.
Use the manual override first.
If braking feels weak = increase gain.
If the trailer locks up = decrease gain.
Re-adjust whenever you change loads (lighter = less gain, heavier = more).

To test a proportional controller, use the manual override while moving. Pressing your brake pedal while stopped won’t activate it — they require motion to sense deceleration. If the manual override works but your brake pedal doesn’t, check your stoplight switch. On many older Chevy trucks, this switch fails and prevents the controller from knowing you’ve hit the brakes.

Which Would I Choose, and Why? (Author's Choice)

There's no one right answer when it comes to choosing a brake controller. The right device depends on your situation, your vehicle, and your budget.

But if we can get personal for a moment, I'll offer my personal opinion, based on my own research and product knowledge.

MY TOP PICK

If I'm towing a trailer with any regularity, my top choice is the Curt Echo, no question about it. Aside from being supremely easy to install on most vehicles (I love an installation that I can't possibly mess up), the Echo is also one of the most discreet controllers. I like a clean car, so I don't want some bulky accessory hanging out on my dash when I don't need it.

My favorite thing about the Echo, however, is the ability to control it from my cell phone. Like a lot of people, I rely on my phone for a lot of day-to-day tasks: it wakes me up in the morning, guides me through unfamiliar roads to new locations, and lets me browse my favorite websites. Being able to adjust my trailer brakes via a device I already use every day makes the Curt Echo my #1 choice.

HONORABLE MENTION

As I said above, the right brake controller depends on your towing situation, and I wouldn't recommend the Curt Echo to everyone. If I was someone who hated the idea of using my phone to adjust my brake controller, or if I was planning on doing a lot of off-roading, I'd go with the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite. Installation is a little more involved, but the Elite offers braking options for both off-road and highway driving, and the dash-mounted knob allows my car to keep its clean OEM look.

Pictured above: The Curt Echo brake controller

Pictured above: The Redarc Tow-Pro Elite brake controller

About Amber S

As a content writer for etrailer, I might spend my morning loading and unloading a bike on five different bike racks to figure out which is easiest to use. I might be in the parking lot, taking pictures of an impressive RV battery setup our techs came across in the shop and discussing the benefits of the setup with the owner. I might spend an afternoon in a manufacturer training class for some hands-on experience with new products, and then sit down to assemble all this information into a coherent article.

At etrailer, one of our core values is that we are always learning, and I learn something new every day. I start each morning with the goal in mind of taking all of this information and figuring out the best way to answer the questions people ask us (and the ones they don’t know to ask yet), and helping people get the solutions they need to make their lives easier, safer, and more fun. I’m a DIYer at heart, so it brings me great joy to help a fellow DIYer find what they’re looking for, whether that’s a product, an answer, or a community.

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9/7/2023

I suggest updating your description of proportional braking. The plot is not correct per my discussion with Redarc (I have the Tow Pro Elite). If you set the knob to anything other than 10 (typical use) the trailer brake power does not reach 100%!!! The setting will limit the braking to some value less than 100% (i.e. 6 is ~60% of maximum). I was unaware of this crucial point and crashed into the car in front of me because of it. My trailer brakes simply did not provide enough braking in the emergency situation I had. Even though they they did reach the % values I had set to prevent clanking sounds in the hitch it was too low to provide adequate emergency braking. My truck at 100% was not able to stop me. Wiser now I set the value higher and live with the clanking. In a situation where the truck brakes are applied to 100% in a short period (i.e. an emergency), I really wish the system would continue increasing the trailer brake percent past the set limit and continue to 100%. Sadly the assumption this is happening is wrong.

Mike L.

9/13/2023

@Et It's recommended that a brake controller be set according to the load carried on the trailer (in the event that it varies) and the road conditions. You may have to adjust the controller's gain frequently depending on conditions. You'll also want to make sure your trailer brakes are properly adjusted. If you don't have self-adjusting brake assemblies, you might need to do this a few times over a towing season.

Angela B.

1/17/2022

Great product! Doesn't do justice to my knees though....lol

Ron

7/29/2021

The Curt Echo worked well the first 4 times, then regardless of how I set the controls on my smartphone, it would apply 100% braking on the trailer no matter how hard I hit the brake pedal. This is not a safe product. I have read online that many others have had this issue.

Victoria B.

8/3/2021

I reached out to my tech contact at Curt to see if they had any suggestions about the issue you had. He said he has seen this issue a lot if the Echo "pairs" with the trailer before the vehicle. Essentially, if the tow vehicle doesn't have 12V power on the 7-way when the Echo is plugged in, and the trailer is plugged in before the Echo's blue light comes on, then the Echo can end up back pulling power from the trailer's battery rather than the vehicle's battery. This would be why the brakes were being applied 100%, because there is no control component when the Echo pairs to the trailer first. My technical contact recommended starting over from scratch essentially, unplug everything and uninstall the app. If your vehicle's 7-way 12V pin is dependent on the ignition being on, then it is best to plug the controller in when the truck is on, making sure the light on top comes on so you know the power is being pulled from the truck before connecting the trailer plug.

Rony

10/23/2024

@VictoriaB Hi, I have the Echo and I have asked my Kia dealer to add the trailer pulling kit with the 7 way plug before delivering the new EV9. On the dashboard there is a setting for the light to heavy trailer indicator but there was no wiring or additional plug to add a regular brake controller, so not being sure if I needed one, I bought the wireless one as I didn't want to mess with the vehicle wiring. The tech at the dealer store didn't know much about all that. So do you think I need to use the Echo and if so, will it affect the settings on the car? Thank you.

Don N.

6/9/2021

I replaced a Hayes Syncronizer brake controller that I used with my 2007 Chevy Silverado truck with a POD PRO-Series brake controller ( bought from E-trailer ). I used the Hayes controller on (2) earlier travel trailers and my current travel trailer until the Hayes controller failed last year. The first POD controller failed immediately and was replaced by E-trailer. The replacement controller does not work properly. After adjusting the unit trailer to the trailer, the unit causes the trailer brakes to grab and cause a surging kind of a stop. Can you offer some solution or recommendation to fix this problem. Thank you.

Jon G.

6/9/2021

From what I could find it looks like you have the Tekonsha PowerTrac # 39523 controller which is time-delayed. This means that it activates the brakes at a predetermined strength every time you hit your vehicle brakes. You probably have the brakes set at a higher setting and so when you hit your vehicle brakes your trailer brakes essentially lock up.

Don N.

6/11/2021

@JonG Hi, thank you for your input. I checked my original request for a replacement controller and determined that I failed to order the correct controller. I have re-ordered another controller and hopefully will have the desired results. Thank you.

Jon G.

6/12/2021

@DonN Glad to hear it sounds like you've got it figured out!

Hobie

5/7/2021

Does the Curt Echo require TV brake actuation to actuate trailer brakes, or will it sometimes actuate trailer brakes based solely on change of momentum of the TV (i.e., if if you take your foot off the accelerator when going downhill)? Also, same question for the Prodigy RF? Thanks.

Jon G.

5/7/2021

Since both of those bypass the trailer light functions they have been built to only activate the brakes when they are getting a brake signal for both the left and right side of the trailer. This helps to keep the brakes from being activated when you're turning but it does sometimes present an issue when you're using your hazard lights because it look like the brakes are being pressed intermittently to both controllers. The Echo has a setting you can change in the app so that the controller knows it's the hazard lights and won't activate, but the Prodigy RF does not have any way to distinguish when the hazard lights are on.

Hobie

5/7/2021

@JonG I understand the brake signal to the Echo comes from the brake light on the TV. My question is whether the Echo or Prodigy RF would ever initiate braking if there is no brake signal from the brake light to the brake controller. Does it require this signal from the brake light, or is it possible for braking to be initiated simply by detection in change in momentum because the speed of the TV is slowing or the TV makes a lane change?

Jon G.

5/7/2021

@Hobie No, it is built to only apply the brakes when it see signal on those light circuits. The only time that you would see braking without pressing your brake pedal is if something is malfunctioning.

See All (4) Replies to Hobie ∨

John

9/6/2020

Thanks for the article. I have a 2013 Ford F150 XLT Supercrew with a tow package that has an electronic trailer brake connected to a 7 pin. I just acquired a light camping trailer (1600 pounds) that has an Autowbrake brake control mounted on the trailer. Do I still need the Autowbrake even though I already have a factory trailer brake controller on the F150? Thanks

Jon G.

9/9/2020

The Autowbrake # 3430001 actually has a sleep mode that will automatically disable the controller anytime it detects that another brake controller is connected. So when you hook up your trailer to your F-150 the Autowbrake shouldn't be interfering with the OEM controller on your pickup.

Nathan

7/24/2020

I have a 5th wheel and will be towing a tandem axle trailer with brakes behind the 5th wheel. My 5th wheel weighs 3800 lbs dry and 4200 lbs loaded. The trailer I will be towing is 2700 lbs. Can I tap into the brakes on the 5th wheel for a 7 pin connector to the smaller trailers 7 pin and use the same controller/electrical wiring and which parts would you recommend if so?

Chris R.

7/29/2020

As long as your existing brake controller is rated to handle 4 total axles (let me know what controller you're using if you're unsure) this will technically work. It's important to keep in mind though that the brakes on the second trailer will be delayed and likely won't be as strong as the first (the longer this circuit/wire travels the more it's going to lose power). For these types of applications it's honestly always best (if brakes are needed) to use a surge brakes on the second trailer that simply rely on deceleration.

Nathan L.

9/19/2020

@ChrisR Can I use Item # HM40975-11998 to tap into 5th wheel electric trailer brakes wiring for towing the 2nd trailer with electric brakes? My brake controller is 4 axles on the truck. Can you suggest an item for some extra wiring in case Item # HM40975-11998 does not have enough length to reach? Thank you for the great customer service, it's a breath of fresh air.

Jon G.

9/21/2020

@NathanL The Hopkins # HM40975-11998 is a universal wiring application so it would work to pass along any electrical connections to a second trailer. You'll want to follow the wiring configuration diagram on the product page to make your connections. This uses 12 gauge wire for the trailer brakes but you'll really only need 10 Gauge Wire # 10-1-1 and Heat Shrink Butt Connectors # DW05745-10 for connecting your larger gauge wire.

Shannon B.

7/19/2020

I am not sure if I need additional brakes. I will be towing a 4500 lite 20 foot camper with a Chevy Sylverado 1500. What would you recommend, I plan to tow in mountains. Thanks !!!!!!!

Chris R.

7/23/2020

I'm not quite sure what you mean by additional brakes? Do you have a brake controller already on your Silverado? If not, I highly recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 # 90195. If you can tell me what model year the Silverado is I can recommend a Plug-In harness for easy installation too.

Ron

7/13/2020

I have a 2500 Chevy Silverado HD 4 wheel drive diesel that came with a brake controller it’s a 2013. Question : I’m going to pull a 5th wheel camper with a bumper pull horse trailer behind that. Can I get by with just the one controller ?? If not would the wireless echo controller inserted in the rear trailer plug with the horse trailer plug plugged into that provide the braking I need for this setup ??

Chris R.

7/17/2020

Adding a functional brake setup to a second trailer is pretty difficult. Even if wiring it all the way up to the Silverado, the brakes will be delayed because of the length of wiring involved. I also don't think the Curt Echo will provide a reliable range for this distance. For this type of application it's usually best to go with surge brakes for the second trailer. If i'm being completely honest though I really wouldn't recommend triple towing with a horse trailer - typically this kind of setup involves a much smaller/lighter trailer behind the initial one. This isn't going to be fun to tow.

Natalie R.

5/14/2020

Great information! But how to properly adjust brake controllers? Should not I put too much power? Right?

Chris R.

5/16/2020

The initial setup/adjustment is a bit of trial and error. The exact process will depend on the specific brake controller you choose, but for example with the Prodigy P2 # 90885 (one of our most popular proportional models) you'll set the power level to 6.0 and then just take the trailer for a slow test drive with the trailer (at around 25mph) using the manual override to stop the trailer - adjusting lower or higher as needed until you feel braking is sufficient.

Awright

3/7/2020

Are proportional controllers output a varying analog voltage or a chopped pulse width PWM?

Chris R.

3/9/2020

Proportional brake controllers will send back power in correspondence with your deceleration (a hard stop will sent back more voltage than tapping on the brakes in traffic). When you don't have a trailer connected most will also send back very small pulses of power, which is their way of checking for a trailer connection. If this doesn't answer your question just let me know!

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