Electronic brake controller for L663 Defender

[Eric SDV6SE]

Just checking the collective wisdom for a suitable trailer brake controller for the new tow vehicle. What have people fitted and what works, what doesn't. In the past I've had the TEKONSHA P3 and have no complaints, is there anything to watch for the new Defender?

[laughto]

I'll be using a Redarc TowPro for a couple of reasons:-



Currently use one in my D4 and it has been relatively trouble free
It's a fairly simple install - pretty much plug & play, instructive posts on FB.

[zilch]

Had a Redarc Tow pro installed, just requires simple cable install, TPH-006 which connects the controller into the LR system via plug by the accelerator and
one to the switch which you use to adjust the brake output setting, which most people install on the flat space below the EPB.. As laughto mentions, a
reasonably easy thing to do and a photo guide is available on the "Australian All new defenders owner group" on the book of faces put up by Tate Needham

180583

[Eric SDV6SE]

Cheers, thanks, I like the pplug and play option. The Tek P3 is nice but usually involved splicing into wires...

[Eric SDV6SE]

I'm not on FB, any chance of adding all the photos here?

[laughto]

I'm not on FB, any chance of adding all the photos here?

Probably easier to sign up to FB unfortunately. Easy enuf to do and if you want anonymity I think you can still use a pseudonym. There is plenty of New Defender stuff there to keep you amused. zilch has posted a screenshot above which gives you a good idea of what needs to be done.

[Eric SDV6SE]

Thanks, I did see that. Will have a think about signing up to FB, just not my cup of tea....

[laughto]

Thanks, I did see that. Will have a think about signing up to FB, just not my cup of tea....

Yes I don't blame you. I have had a profile on FB for years, basically under a pseudonym and never really used it. Recently I needed to be able to access something on FB and had to have a 'real' account. If you lock yourself down, and don't populate your profile with any info other than what is mandatory, you can still stay reasonably anonymous, albeit accepting that *any* profile on *any* forum platform (including this one), has the potential to expose you somewhat.

Having said that, I have found the Land Rover New Defender Owners Group - founded in Australia (https://www.facebook.com/groups/782260445928293/) on FB quite useful as are a few of the other Defender groups. However you tend to get more good technical advice on this site.

[one_iota]

........... However you tend to get more good technical advice on this site.

and it's readily searchable and not ephemeral!

[laughto]

........ and not ephemeral!

I had to look that up, but agreed [bigsmile]

[VillaDazzler]

The Bluetooth controller from Elecbrakes works like a charm...when you remember to switch your headlights on! Fully adjustable settings and transferrable to any towing vehicle and towed toys that have electric brakes. I highly recommend it for the versatility. I have had one issue with lockup on a trailer which was easily resolved by unplug/replug but otherwise satisfied over a hard wired option. Particularly if you tow with multiple vehicles. Just run the app on your phone while towing and tailor response to conditions.

[laughto]

The Bluetooth controller from Elecbrakes works like a charm...when you remember to switch your headlights on! Fully adjustable settings and transferrable to any towing vehicle and towed toys that have electric brakes. I highly recommend it for the versatility. I have had one issue with lockup on a trailer which was easily resolved by unplug/replug but otherwise satisfied over a hard wired option. Particularly if you tow with multiple vehicles. Just run the app on your phone while towing and tailor response to conditions.

Looks like a good system - except it needs lights on to operate. I would prefer it be able to pick up the accessory circuit instead.

[laughto]

Looks like a good system - except it needs lights on to operate. I would prefer it be able to pick up the accessory circuit instead.

Some further thought:-

Can only pick up accessory pin from a 12 pin connector.

I would also prefer the manual button to apply brakes independently of the controller. Also want to be able to set braking 'on the run', not sure you could easily achieve this.

Some things are best left Analogue and this may we'll be one of them.

[Eric SDV6SE]

Had a look at elecbrakes, seems ok, still wouldn't mind trying it out for real. Don't like the override button on the phone. I see Bendix has brought out a new system too: Ultimate Tow Electric Brake Controller | Bendix Brakes (https://www.bendix.com.au/product-range/ultimate-tow-electric-brake-controller)

Haven't studied it in detail, but at under 300 dollars food for thought...


Edit...now I know why it's under 300 bucks ....

[Meccles]

Some further thought:-

Can only pick up accessory pin from a 12 pin connector.

I would also prefer the manual button to apply brakes independently of the controller. Also want to be able to set braking 'on the run', not sure you could easily achieve this.

Some things are best left Analogue and this may we'll be one of them.

I'm using elecbrakes with their remote control unit on a 2750kg tandem caravan and find it very good and as its transferable/installed by myself and required no vehicle mods - gets my approval. I'm running standard 12 pin flat plug on the van to existing large JLR round 7 plug. i liked their purchase set up where they provided the correct adapter for that. It was plug and play for me