Comparing Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty and Tekonsha Voyager iD Controllers for a 2019 Ford Explorer
Updated 11/03/2025 | Published 01/30/2025
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Question:
Just purchaased a 2019 Ford Explorer with a 7 pin tow package and am looking to get a brake controller for it. I have a P3 but am not sure I want to mount it to my dash, so I was thinking about getting a hidden one. I was looking at the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller and also saw the Tekonsha Voyager iD Brake Controller. When I Googled about a comparison, they said that the Tekonsha was not a hidden controller. On your website, it appears to be a hidden setup. If so, I would like to determine which one would be better. I mow lawns and will be using my Explorer as a backup for my pickup. I have a 14inch tandom axle with one brake and would normally haul a zero turn and maybe a walk behind. So maybe around 3000lbs? Also, would I need anything more than the controller and a wiring adapter? Thanks
asked by: Larry A
Expert Reply:
Hey Larry, thanks for providing all of those details!
Google knows a lot, but it doesn't know everything, so I'm glad you turned to us for help! The almighty Google was wrong about the Tekonsha Voyager iD # TK39DR. It is considered a hidden controller since the main unit can be hidden and you only need access to the small control knob.
With that being said, the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller w/ Custom Harness # RED96CR is the better option out of the two not because of performance (all of the Tekonsha controllers are reliable), but because of the installation. The Voyager iD main unit has to be mounted horizontally level and parallel to the direction of travel within 20 degrees while the Liberty main unit can be mounted upside-down, sideways, or any number of obnoxious words you want to use when it comes to orientation - the point is that you can truly mount the main control box wherever you want and wherever you have room.
The one advantage the Voyager iD has over the Liberty is a limited lifetime warranty vs a 2-year warranty that Redarc provides. The nice thing is that the Redarc controllers are incredibly reliable so I'm confident you won't need to file a warranty claim no matter which controller you go with, so I still tend to lean towards the Liberty.
Both controllers will work with the trailer you're needing to tow, and they come with a wiring adapter that fits to your 2019 Ford Explorer.
If you have any additional questions about either controller, please let me know in the comment section below and I'll be more than happy to discuss it with you!
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Tekonsha Voyager iD Brake Controller w/ Custom Harness - Dash Knob - Up to 3 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Plug-In
- Dash-Mounted Knob
- Smartphone App
- Behind-Dash
- Up to 3 Axles
- LED Display
- Multiple Trailers
- Tekonsha
more information >
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Jon G.
11/3/2025
Hey Larry, how did things go with the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty in your Explorer? Did the flexible mounting make it easier to set up the hidden controller the way you wanted? Your update could make it easier for others choosing between these two options.