Does Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Trailer Brake Controller Have to Draw Power from Battery
Updated 04/23/2025 | Published 10/31/2017
Question:
Hi I am looking at the redarc tow pro elite brake controller. Can this be connected to a 12v source instead of the car battery? Are there any downfalls to doing this? Thanks
asked by: Heather
Expert Reply:
When powering a brake controller like the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Trailer Brake Controller # RED44FR you have to power it directly from the vehicle battery. Mainly because it would prevent the controller from shorting out any of your vehicle's power circuit in the event of a short, but also because none of the aux power sources are going to be rated high enough for the amperage load of a brake controller.
I attached a help article on installing brake controllers plus a diagram for you to check out as well.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Brake Controller - Dash Knob - Off-Road Mode - Up to 3 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Splice-In
- Dash-Mounted Knob
- Behind-Dash
- Up to 3 Axles
- Indicator Lights
- Single Trailer Only
- Redarc
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Search Results: tekonsha harness
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Search Results: redarc tow pro elite
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Tekonsha OEM Replacement Vehicle Wiring Harness w Brake Controller Adapter - 7 Way Trailer Connector
- Shop: Universal Wiring Harness w/ ModuLite and Brake Controller Harness - 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Shop: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness for Factory Tow Package - 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Shop: Side Window Vents
- Shop: Windshield Covers
- Video: Review of Redarc Brake Controller - 331-TPSI-007
- Video: Redarc Mounting Panel for Redarc Tow-Pro Brake Controller Knob Review
- Video: Curt Brake Controller C51382 Review
- Video: Review of Redarc Toyota Trailer Brake Controller Mounting Switch Blank - RED48FR
- Shop: Mounting Panel for Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controller Control Knob
- Shop: Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller w/ Universal Wiring Harness - Dash Knob - Proportional
- Shop: Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller w/ Custom Harness - Dash Knob - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional
- Video: Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controller Control Knob Universal Mounting Panel Review
- Video: Redarc Brake Controller 331-TPSI-001 Review
- Video: Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller Review RED24FR
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: Towing a Trailer? Let's Talk About Brake Controllers
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Q&A: Recommended 7-Way Connector for a 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
- Q&A: My Vehicle has a 4-Pin Trailer Plug, but Trailer has 7-Pin Trailer Plug
- Q&A: Recommend Smallest Trailer Brake Controller For a 2014 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited W/ Factory Tow PKG
- Article: Installing an Electric Brake Controller on 2007-2013 GM Full-Size Truck or 2007-Present GM SUV
on Trailer Brake Controller
Mike
4/23/2025
I have the redarc pro elite and I'm installing it in 1996 GMC Suburban now my truck has a 30 amp auxiliary power pole where you could install a brake controller is this a good a direct to battery? Most other controllers say to use this for the install.