Will the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Work for a 24V Military Vehicle Set Up to Tow a Trailer?

Updated 08/31/2026 | Published 08/16/2026

Products Featured in This Question

Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Brake Controller - Dash Knob - Off-Road Mode - Up to 3 Axles - Proportional

(1745)

$280.21

Question:

Hello, I want a brake controller that I can install in my 24 volt military vehicle that will connect directly to my 24 volt system and operate my 12 volt trailer brakes. It looks like the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Brake Controller will work for my application. Could you confirm that or recommend a better controller. I have used a transformer and a regular 12 volt brake box for years but I want something less complicated and more reliable. I am also concerned about the legality of my set up with the transformer. Thanks

asked by: Joe T

Expert Reply:

Hi Joe,

The Redarc Tow-Pro Elie part # RED44FR would be ideal for this set up because Redarc specifies that their brake controller is compatible with both 12V and 24V systems. It has a universal wiring harness, so you will need to splice into the vehicle's wiring to get it installed. The knob will need to be placed in the dash, so a hole will need to be drilled and then you can use the Universal Mounting Panel for Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controller Control Knob
Part # 331-TPSI-001 to fit the knob into the dash (fits dashes up to 9/32" thick). It'll handle trailers with up to three axles and has an off-road mode to give you direct control of your trailer's brakes if you need it.

What kind of military vehicle are you installing this on?

expert reply by: Claire H

Joe T.

8/23/2026

I have a M818 5 ton truck that has been shorted to a 4 x 4 that weighs about 16,000 pounds. It has hydrologic brakes with a single circuit master cylinder so I want the most dependable trailer brakes I can afford. I will be pulling a 3 axle trailer with electric brakes (only 2 brake axles for now) hauling a 1943 half track that weighs between 12,000 and 14,000 pounds. If I use a controller that is designed to work with the 24 volt truck wiring that will eliminate a potential failure if I have a problem with the transformer I currently use. Ideally air brakes would be best but would cost much more so I'm looking for the best electric brake setup at the moment. Thanks

Claire H.

8/23/2026

@JoeT Gotcha. What is the weight capacity of your trailer's axles?

Joe T.

8/25/2026

@ClaireH 7000 pound axles on 8000 pound slipper springs.

Claire H.

8/31/2026

@JoeT Sorry for the delay, I was out of the office last week. For electric trailer brakes for 7,000lb axles, I recommend going with the Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brakes part # 23-464-465. These are self-adjusting brakes, so you'll never have to worry about remembering to adjust them. They're 12"x2" so they fit most standard hub/drums, work with a 5-bolt flange pattern, and wheels ranging from 14 1/2" to 16".