Do Electric Trailer Brakes Require Brake Controller on 2018 Audi Q7

Published 10/17/2018

Question:

I have the towing package on my 2018 Q7. Do I need a braking controller for my trailers electric brakes to work? Does the SUV put out some signal on its own to the trailer or will the brakes not work at all without a braking controller?

asked by: Lewis W

Expert Reply:

Your trailer's electric brakes will require a brake controller even though your 2018 Audi Q7 has the towing package. It is likely that you simply have the factory 7-way on your Audi and are set up to install a brake controller, though you need to verify this with your Audi dealer.

Even if you do have the factory 7-way you still need additional wiring to add a brake controller; I strongly recommend reading the linked help article which details what you need and why.

For the brake controller itself the best option is the Prodigy P3 # 90195; it is the most popular model we carry due to its effectiveness and ease of use. It will activate your trailer's brakes immediately in proportion to your Audi's brakes and offers three different boost levels so you can adjust your braking power.

The P3 levels automatically, has constant diagnostic checks, contains safeguards which defend your controller against shorts, and features an LCD display which is much easier to read than that of other controllers.

This controller has been met with nearly universal praise; it has been reviewed by our customers more than 3,000 times and is averaging close to 5 out of 5 stars.

expert reply by: Kyle S