Does Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Trailer Brake Controller Have to Draw Power from Battery
Updated 08/07/2026 | 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.
Asa B.
8/7/2026
I see the diagram specifies an auto-reset circuit breaker. Is there any reason not to power this through an ignition switched relay and fuse?
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
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Brake Controller - Dash Knob - Off-Road Mode - Up to 3 Axles - Proportional
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: Installing Redarc Tow-Pro Elite in 2018 Toyota 4Runner Using Tekonsha Wiring Harness
- Search Results: tekonsha harness
- Video: Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Trailer Brake Controller Installation - 2019 Kia Sorento
- 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
- Search Results: redarc tow pro elite
- Shop: Windshield Covers
- Video: Review of Redarc Brake Controller - 331-TPSI-007
- Shop: Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller w/ Custom Harness - Dash Knob - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional
- Shop: Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller w/ Universal Wiring Harness - Dash Knob - Proportional
- Shop: Mounting Panel for Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controller Control Knob
- Shop: Mounting Panel for Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controller Control Knob
- Video: Curt Brake Controller C51382 Review
- Video: Redarc Mounting Panel for Redarc Tow-Pro Brake Controller Knob Review
- Video: Review of Redarc Toyota Trailer Brake Controller Mounting Switch Blank - RED48FR
- Video: Checking Out the Mounting Panel for Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controller Control Knob
- Video: Redarc Brake Controller 331-TPSI-001 Review
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: Lug Nut Torque Chart for Trailer Wheels
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Search Results: brake controller
- Q&A: My Vehicle has a 4-Pin Trailer Plug, but Trailer has 7-Pin Trailer Plug
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.