Comparing the Tekonsha P3 and Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Trailer Brake Controllers

Updated 03/07/2018 | Published 03/06/2018

Question:

On my Tekonsha P3 you can set a percentage of power to come on the trailer brakes as soon as you touch the brake pedal without braking power on your vehicle. That way the percentage you have set = it helps to make sure the trailer brakes comes on first and then the more pressure you apply to brake pedal the more the braking pressure on trailer plus braking pressure on your vehicle comes into play. This helps the trailer to not jack knife. Also with the P3 you have a big control knob on the bottom of the unit where you can easily get a hold of it to apply more trailer brake if need to stop. Does this unit have all of these features. I like the idea of the little knob = if it preforms as good as the P3 Also on most newer vehicles = they have a designated wire coming out of the fuse box just for braking units. Do you still have to go to battery directly and by pass designated wire from fuse box. My P3 works fantastic coming from fuse box. Thank You

asked by: William W

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Redarc Tow-Pro Elite # RED44FR functions the same as the P3 # 90195 though the operations are a little different. There is a manual override which is what that lever is on the bottom of the P3. The Tow-Pro Elite manual override works by pressing in the gain control knob.

The Tow-Pro Elite does not have a boost feature like the P3 does. It also lacks the diagnostics that the P3 has meaning if there is a fault you would have to look up what they mean in the manual. Installation between the two controllers will be the same. If it has to be hardwired in then it should get power directly from the vehicle battery. If the vehicle has a plug or wiring for a controller you can use that instead.

If your P3 is working properly and you don't have another reason to switch then I would stick with the P3. But if you need more space in the cab of the vehicle then the Tow-Pro Elite is the way to go. I have linked the manual for the Tow-Pro Elite as well as a video review.

expert reply by: Michael H