Brake Controller

jeniland

I'm looking to get a new brake controller for a 2019 Toyota Highlander for towing a 2020 Tab 320 boondock. Does anyone have recommendations. I'm looking for one that is less expensive than the redarc. Those run for $300. Was hoping to get one for around $150. Thank you!

Grumpy_G

The Redarc Tow-Pro Elite is $290 but the Tow-Pro Liberty is only $190. The Elite offers an off-road mode which is not needed for anything short of a purpose built off-road trailer that goes on proper 4wd trails (think Patriot camper e.g.) 

Otherwise the Tekonsha P3 is pretty nice but not much cheaper at $170. There is a ripoff on Amazon but no idea how good it works. In any case make sure you get a "proportional" brake controller as there are still some ancient time-based models around. Tekonsha tends to have the most wiring adapters for different vehicles. 

Edit: FWIW I have the Liberty in my Gladiator and an old Tekonsha Voyager (from the thrift store.... ) in my beater truck. 

jeniland

Thank you. So I'm looking at a cheaper version Drawtite. Would you not recommend that one? It's more like $120

Grumpy_G

No experience with Draw-Tite but looking at their website these are Tekonsha brake controllers. Not surprising as they have the same parent company. Also there is more than one model so you'd need to be more specific. 

I just looked at Tekonsha's site and they have a fairly new Voyager ID (in dash) that looks similar to the Redarc and is $126 on Amazon. No personal experience with that model but I had the older under dash Voyager in two trucks and they work well once dialed in. 

In any case, trying to save a few bucks on a safety critical device seems unwise. 

Mickerly

The Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty works great.

RCB

I am on my 7th year of a Tekshno Primus IQ controller and have had no issues with it. About $130 usd.

jeniland

Thank you! Just ordered one!

Hoogie69

I’ve been having trouble with my RedArc Tow-Pro Liberty killing my battery. I’ve gone through two batteries over the past two years. My car dealer measures a 4 amp constant draw from the unit. To their credit, RedArc replaced the first unit but doesn’t seem to be interested in replacing this one. What is the collective experience with Tekonsha Prodigy iD or Voyager iD?

rydfree

https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/comment/222954#Comment_222954

Put a toggle switch on the power wire.