Recommended Brake Controller for a 2009 Volkswagen Touareg

Updated 10/01/2026 | Published 09/29/2026

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:

Hi. Could you assist with the options I have for a brake controller for my vehicle. 2009 TouaregTDI v6 3.0. DOES NOT HAVE THE FACTORY TOW PACKAGE. Thank you

asked by: Gary T

Expert Reply:

I sure can Gary! To install a brake controller in your 2009 VW Touareg, I recommend the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Brake Controller w/ Universal Harness item # RED44FR. This brake controller comes with a universal wiring harness that will allow you to complete the installation since your VW does not have the factory tow package.

The Tow-Pro Elite Brake Controller item # RED44FR is a proportional brake controller that is going to slow or stop your trailer with the same amount of force your Touareg is slowing or stopping with. This is not only the safest type of brake controller but it's also the easiest on both your trailer and SUV. It has dual selectable braking modes for everyday driving you'll use the proportional mode for smooth highway slows and stops. It also has a hand controlled manual mode.

I really like the Tow-Pro Elite Brake Controller item # RED44FR because of how it installs. The main unit can be concealed behind the dash where it's out of the way. The only part you'll see is the nickel sized control knob that can be mounted in an empty knockout or another convenient spot on your VW's dash.

What kind of trailer are you pulling? Feel free to answer this and throw in any other questions you have, where it says Add Comment.

expert reply by: Jerred H

RED44FR
(click to enlarge)

Gary T.

9/30/2026

Jason hi Thanks for the reply and recommendation I plan to tow a Jayco x213j. My vehicle currently has a 4 pin and 7 pin connector but no brake controller. However the 7 pin was not working correctly, as either the brake lights or direction signals were not working. - I have not towed anything for several years. I did notice recently that some of the wiring had been spliced into the rear light wiring circuit. So I plan to purchase your C59236 and ETBC7, and reinstall everything. So hopefully this corrects everything and will allow the brake controller to be installed. Any thoughts Thanks

Jerred H.

9/30/2026

@GaryT It's Jerred and you're welcome. Glad you were able to find a travel trailer. The Jayco x213j is a nice setup. Your 2009 VW Touareg definitely has the capacity to pull it. The Curt Powered Tail Light Converter item # C59236 and our Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller item # ETBC7 will definitely get you all set up with a new fully functional 7-way and 4-way connector.

Gary

9/30/2026

Jarred hi. Thanks again for the reply . Can I ask you a general towing question regarding my TouaregTDI v6 3.0. VW seem not to recommend using atow balance / equalizer setup because of the uniform body design. If i am towing a Jayco x213j what would you recommend for towing it. Thanks

Jerred H.

9/30/2026

@Gary The only option for sway control is going to be one that activates your brakes electronically to prevent and stop sway. The Tuson Trailer Sway Control System item # 335TSC-1000 would be the best option. As far as leveling goes, there are no options for your 2009 VW Touareg from any of our vendors. The only thing I could find online are replacement shock setups. You are correct in your research though. Volkswagen does not want you using a weight distribution hitch because of the unibody frame.

Arnold E.

10/1/2026

I installed it on my 2001 Silverado 3500 dually. It was much nicer than the pendulum style I had before. I made one error in the installation. I installed it low on my dash thinking I wouldn't be touching it much. While that was true, you need it up where you can clearly see the colors that illuminate and your numerical setting. So i strongly recommend doing that. It is not going to take up much space, the challenge is behind the dash access.