Recommended Brake Controller That Does Not Use A Squeeze Style Manual Override

Updated 08/07/2025 | Published 07/30/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Manual Override Button for Curt Echo Brake Controller

(104)

$59.81

Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller - 7-Way Plug-in w/ Bluetooth App - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional

(1802)

$289.95

Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller w/ Custom Harness - Dash Knob - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional

(2731)

$200.00

Question:

Hi - I am looking for alternate brake controller for my RPod trailer, to connect to my 2003 Toyota Sequoia. I need something affordable that does NOT require me to squeeze a brake controller inside the car I have a hand disability and can no longer use that kind of brake interface. Can you please include a list of the possibilities AND include any add-ons I would need to purchase such as a manual override button? Thank you. I am having trouble getting all this info in one place from your website. Thanks!

asked by: Tiffy

Expert Reply:

Hi Tiffy!

We have a couple options for your 2003 Toyota Sequoia (nice car by the way) that I think you want to check out. I don't have a hand disability (other than a worsening tremor I got from my dad), but I am 6'5" and smack my knee on the dash mounted controllers with the squeezy style manual override. So I don't particularly like them.

First is the Curt Echo # C51180 and the manual override button # C83HR. I will call this the peoples choice as a lot of people do like this option since there is no wiring that needs to be connected for the install, as long as you have a working 7-way on the back of your vehicle. Everything is done through a smart phone and the Curt app for the set up, and the manual override can also be pushed on the app if you don't go with the add on button. I will admit to not particularly liking this controller though. I prefer to use my phone as a phone and I have heard of a few issues with the app not working properly.

My choice, however, is the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller w/ Custom Harness - Dash Knob - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional # RED82CR. This will also require no wiring for the install as it includes a custom fit pigtail harness that will plug right into a port under your dash, but you will need to drill a small hole for the knob's post to go through. Everything else can be put wherever you want up and out of the way behind the dash. The knob handles all the settings and the manual override is engaged by just pressing the knob. It is easy to use and I like how they look. Plus it also works very well. It is the one I would install in my truck if I didn't have a factory one already (I am actually thinking about ditching that one and putting a Redarc in it though).

Out of curiosity, which controller were you using?

expert reply by: Lazer S

Tiffy

7/31/2025

thanks lazer, great beard. I'm glad you're not a robot (unless you are an exceptionally well trained LLM/AI). not sure what model of brake we currently have; I've just been having my husband drive the Rpod until my wrist and hand get better. which probably isn't happening. so - does the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller w/ Custom Harness - Dash Knob - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional # RED82CR just connect to whatever wiring (?) is already behind my squeeze-brake controller interface thing, or am I plugging the new device into the back of the vehicle and somehow stretching a wire up to the front for controlling? thanks t

Lazer S.

7/31/2025

@Tiffy You're welcome! I am indeed a human, at least until we figure out how to transfer consciousness and I become an android of some sort. (hopefully I can keep the beard if/when that happens) : P But as to the install, your current controller will have a pigtail plugged into the back of it that will then be plugged into a factory port/plug under the dash. This is located directly above the emergency/parking brake pedal. Just unplug that and plug the new Redarc one in. From there, you just need to mount the box wherever you want that's out of the way and figure out where you want to put the knob. You can use the # 331-TPSI-002 mounting panel if you have an open spot, but I like being able to choose where the knob goes. The mounting panel does limit you a bit.

8/1/2025

@LazerS Bearded AI's will be here soon. meantime, would you care to look at my Sequoia's nether parts? https://tiffanyleebrown.com/hitchcontroller password rpod I guess in my ideal world, there would be a controller-thing that goes exactly where the current squeeze-controller is, or something.

Lazer S.

8/5/2025

@T That looks like an older Tekonsha brake controller, I think. I couldn't see where the end of the pigtail harness was plugged in under your dash, but all you would need to do is follow it and you will find it. I know it isn't ideal, but all the controllers that would mount like your current one would have that squeeze style manual override (or something very similar). The Redarc will be a relatively small amount of work for the install and I think it will have big advantages for you. I still believe it is the best option in your case.