Should Proportional or Time-Delayed Controller be Used for Towing a Horse Trailer with a 2018 Tacoma

Published 08/14/2018

Question:

I pull a 2-horse, aluminum trailer with a 2010 Tacoma and use a Prodigy proportional brake controller. I am getting a 2018 Tacoma and wondering if a Pilot time delay controller would work as well. I am not considering cost. I like the idea of only one adjustment. The Pilot was suggested by the company that services my trailer. I read your article on the two types and wonder if one is preferred over the other in a towing situation like mine. Thank you,

asked by: Wilton M

Expert Reply:

If you are towing on level ground or rolling hill areas then a proportional brake controller like the Prodigy P3 # 90195 is preferred. This kind of controller senses the deceleration of your tow 2018 Toyota Tacoma and applies the brakes in your horse trailer at the same time and with the same intensity as the brakes in your Tacoma. This gives you a very smooth braking experience that your horses will appreciate.

Really one of the only times that a time-delayed controller like the Pilot # 80550 is better over a proportional controller is when you will be towing in the mountains or really steep hills. Since your towing setup won't be moving very fast down a hill (as a result of continuous braking) this confuses proportional controllers and they will not apply the brakes very much. This results in the trailer pushing your Tacoma. A time-delayed controller continues to apply the brakes no matter what.

If cost is not a factor and you want the best of both worlds then the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite # RED44FR is the brake controller for you. This is a unique controller that allows you to switch from a proportionally controller setup to time-delayed very easily. The Tow-Pro Elite also uses colors to let you know how it is currently working which eliminates the need for a big screen. The control is a small knob that can be installed virtually anywhere. To connect this brake controller to your 2018 Tacoma you simply need the adapter # 3031-S.

I have attached some review videos of these controllers for you to reference as well.

expert reply by: Jon G