what electric brake controller?

[PeterOZ]

Gents,
I'm looking to get myself a caravan end of the year, 2500kg and investigating brake controllers. I have read about the blue tooth type which while they sound easy I am not sure I would trust a blue tooth connection with brakes function.

What unit are people getting and why?

TIA
cheers
Peter

[loanrangie]

Red Arc tow pro elite is probably the best on the market.

[ytt105]

The general statement is that the Redarc Pro is the best.
I DONT agree!
Its very good, but, like most Redarc products its just too expensive.

For 1/2 the price you can get a Haymen Reece IQ compact.

It works the same (proportional), but has the advantage that you can adjust the boost control, ie manual control, as you drive. With the Redarc you have to stop to make the change to manual control and it is on or off, not adjustable.

1/2 the price and better to boot!

PS. I've used both.

Regards
Trevor

[PeterOZ]

The general statement is that the Redarc Pro is the best.
I DONT agree!
Its very good, but, like most Redarc products its just too expensive.

For 1/2 the price you can get a Haymen Reece IQ compact.

It works the same (proportional), but has the advantage that you can adjust the boost control, ie manual control, as you drive. With the Redarc you have to stop to make the change to manual control and it is on or off, not adjustable.

1/2 the price and better to boot!

PS. I've used both.

Regards
Trevor

thanks mate, last one I had was early 80s and it used a hydraulic feed from a tee after the brake booster plus one from brake pedal light CCT to trigger van brake lights. Having said that it was adjustable and worked exceedingly well.

[loanrangie]

The general statement is that the Redarc Pro is the best.
I DONT agree!
Its very good, but, like most Redarc products its just too expensive.

For 1/2 the price you can get a Haymen Reece IQ compact.

It works the same (proportional), but has the advantage that you can adjust the boost control, ie manual control, as you drive. With the Redarc you have to stop to make the change to manual control and it is on or off, not adjustable.

1/2 the price and better to boot!

PS. I've used both.

Regards
Trevor

around $260 is hardly expensive.

[discomatt69]

Redarc because it was in the car when I bought it
works a treat and is easily adjustable while driving and is easy to apply the van brakes if a sway starts

[Tombie]

The general statement is that the Redarc Pro is the best.
I DONT agree!
Its very good, but, like most Redarc products its just too expensive.

For 1/2 the price you can get a Haymen Reece IQ compact.

It works the same (proportional), but has the advantage that you can adjust the boost control, ie manual control, as you drive. With the Redarc you have to stop to make the change to manual control and it is on or off, not adjustable.

1/2 the price and better to boot!

PS. I've used both.

Regards
Trevor

Trevor

The Tow Pro ELITE is the current version, that compares to the HR Compact IQ.

RRP of the HR is $350, often selling at $199. The TP Elite V3 is often seen for around $260. For that $61.00 the product is vastly superior.


It is adjustable, and has offroad overrides
Is installation is more versatile - unit can be mounted anywhere and the connecting cable made to suit if desired.
It has a cleaner in cab appearance with one less hole required.

[ytt105]

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/384814752430?_skw=haymen+recce+iq+compact&epid=10032260674&itmmeta=01JV4G5S63CQ1QP24VZPKW2H7F&hash=item5998bf22ae:g:L9wAAeSwPm1npRD-&itmprp=enc%3AAQAKAAAA8FkggFvd1GGDu0w3yXCmi1cykhMYA mZwJB%2BrxxvbHqwbxZAMRkyQZc4gxqF3zpjA0z1X53i5KRZOh--8VYw3tGi45feAj%2F4cwlQnawjMs7hvS15jzeYl%2BaBo8P5dY HRyqVPWLCAmCktfa81UqcGfEC%2FnN%2FzAx9BtKTP0D8M8Gu0 VEFAOKrU8FiXpyncik61gpvdZcpxctrw0IuEfrXvyB3EEpe5g5 QR8FP%2F3puvZVtQIRbbo%2FnpaiQbyGKLUrhIvqqyAe8oCkxN QGRzZ3ojwsK5fhGQAXz1fG%2BnQ1d7pKhKtkz271P2xxGqUPAj 6VEaM%2Fg%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR5yTl5DZZQ

Less than $150!

Mounts the same as the Redarc, works better!
Can use the adjustable, manual mode WITHOUT stopping.

Sorry, no contest.

Regards
Trevor

[DiscoJeffster]

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/384814752430?_skw=haymen+recce+iq+compact&epid=10032260674&itmmeta=01JV4G5S63CQ1QP24VZPKW2H7F&hash=item5998bf22ae:g:L9wAAeSwPm1npRD-&itmprp=enc%3AAQAKAAAA8FkggFvd1GGDu0w3yXCmi1cykhMYA mZwJB%2BrxxvbHqwbxZAMRkyQZc4gxqF3zpjA0z1X53i5KRZOh--8VYw3tGi45feAj%2F4cwlQnawjMs7hvS15jzeYl%2BaBo8P5dY HRyqVPWLCAmCktfa81UqcGfEC%2FnN%2FzAx9BtKTP0D8M8Gu0 VEFAOKrU8FiXpyncik61gpvdZcpxctrw0IuEfrXvyB3EEpe5g5 QR8FP%2F3puvZVtQIRbbo%2FnpaiQbyGKLUrhIvqqyAe8oCkxN QGRzZ3ojwsK5fhGQAXz1fG%2BnQ1d7pKhKtkz271P2xxGqUPAj 6VEaM%2Fg%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR5yTl5DZZQ

Less than $150!

Mounts the same as the Redarc, works better!
Can use the adjustable, manual mode WITHOUT stopping.

Sorry, no contest.

Regards
Trevor

Vomit. Looks like a toy. I love my Elite. Redarc FTW [emoji846]

[discomatt69]

Why are people claiming you have to stop to adjust a redarc ?
I have towed 1000’’s of km and never needed to stop to adjust it and have adjusted it 100’s of times to suit the conditions on the fly, it also works an absolute treat so a bit confused on why the hate from a few

[ytt105]

If you want to turn the Redarc to manual mode, say when going down steep hills, you have to stop before you can change the unit.

I don't agree that it looks like a toy, but I do like the look of at least $100.

And I don't hate the Redarc, just think there's better value out there.

I have used the Redarc. One vehicle had it fitted when I bought it.
I didn't replace it. It was fine. Worked well.
But when I had to upgrade the present vehicle it was back to the IQ at much less money.

Regards
Trevor

[DieselLSE]

If you want to turn the Redarc to manual mode, say when going down steep hills, you have to stop before you can change the unit.

Not with the latest Elite version, Trevor. You simply push the button.

[DiscoJeffster]

If you want to turn the Redarc to manual mode, say when going down steep hills, you have to stop before you can change the unit.

I don't agree that it looks like a toy, but I do like the look of at least $100.

And I don't hate the Redarc, just think there's better value out there.

I have used the Redarc. One vehicle had it fitted when I bought it.
I didn't replace it. It was fine. Worked well.
But when I had to upgrade the present vehicle it was back to the IQ at much less money.

Regards
Trevor

Is this what you’re referring to?

Change Modes On Your Tow-Pro (https://www.redarcelectronics.com/au/resources/brake-controllers-faqs/change-modes-on-your-tow-pro/)

Any why would you need to? Sorry, I just get in, set the need level of braking for the load, then drive [emoji2373] If I want to brake the trailer and not me, I press the button to apply the brakes.

[shack]

I'll throw a vote in for the Tekonsha prodigy P3, got a few of them and they work well, lots of settings which is either good or bad depending on the operator.

[RANDLOVER]

Why are people claiming you have to stop to adjust a redarc ?
I have towed 1000’’s of km and never needed to stop to adjust it and have adjusted it 100’s of times to suit the conditions on the fly, it also works an absolute treat so a bit confused on why the hate from a few

People like to hate success stories, like Maccas when all they are doing is putting some meat between some fresh buttered buns.....oh, hang on I think that might be what MJ got in trouble for.

[ytt105]

I'm not talking about the manual push button that can be used at any time.

I'm referring to the instructions that have been linked.

My understanding is that this is still required to enter into manual mode.

The advantage of manual mode is that in some instances, like slippery, down steep hills it can be better to have the van brake heavier and earlier than the vehicle.

Basically, the proportional aspect of the braking is cancelled.

Try it some time.

Regards
Trevor

[PeterOZ]

I'm running out of popcorn, [bigwhistle]

[incisor]

Had all three mentioned in the thread in different vehicles
The tow pro elite is in my territory and for 98% of the time it is excellent but the 2% when it isn’t, it can be a real problem child imho

The tekonsha p3 are excellent if you know all the settings off the top of your head and I found it excellent when I had my head around it. The D3 has one in it so I’ll be getting familiar with it again soon


To be frank I never had any problems with the cheaper tekonsha units apart from the current drain

[PeterOZ]

folks those who have fitted the Redarc tow-pro elite where did you mount the control knob and the EBC itself?

Also where did you tap in for the brake light wire, yes I did read the sticky and I was still not sure.
thanks

[loanrangie]

folks those who have fitted the Redarc tow-pro elite where did you mount the control knob and the EBC itself?

Also where did you tap in for the brake light wire, yes I did read the sticky and I was still not sure.
thanks

I have the main unit sitting just in front of the shifter under the console and the control know is behind the EPB switch,moved my llams dial to the opposite side so that i have better access to the knob in case of emergency. Then had to run power cable under the dash and out to the battery and then the 2 wires to the rear under LH sill to the wiring harness.

[PeterOZ]

I have the main unit sitting just in front of the shifter under the console and the control know is behind the EPB switch,moved my llams dial to the opposite side so that i have better access to the knob in case of emergency. Then had to run power cable under the dash and out to the battery and then the 2 wires to the rear under LH sill to the wiring harness.


thanks mate, I was considering the RHS side of the radio cluster on the silver facia though not sure if there is enough depth there for the knob assembly.

[V8Ian]

It's a good idea to place it in a position equally easy for the passenger to operate.
If things go pear shaped, the driver could get a bit busy and a properly briefed passenger could save the day.

[PeterOZ]

good point as I'm on my own I doubt I will have a pax in the vehicle. Either location would facilitate a pax playing brakeman.

[Captain_Rightfoot]

folks those who have fitted the Redarc tow-pro elite where did you mount the control knob and the EBC itself?

Also where did you tap in for the brake light wire, yes I did read the sticky and I was still not sure.
thanks
There is a new Redarc Towpro LINK. It has a small unit which mounts on the twobar and a bluetooth controller that doesn't need to be built into the dash, just stuck on. Expensive though. :o

[PeterOZ]

I have seen that type but I am not comfortable relying on a Rf link for critical brake function.

[Captain_Rightfoot]

I have seen that type but I am not comfortable relying on a Rf link for critical brake function.
I'd be pretty sure that it would default to on or some kind of failsafe so if it doesn't hear from the controller it would continue to operate. I'd like to think so anyway. :o

Because it's fitted to the towbar it allows an "anti sway" functionality.

[PeterOZ]

For those who may know I need to nut out the EBC wiring, mostly it is straight forward.

I'm going to fit a new flat 12 Pin socket as that is what the caravan manufacturer demands. The LR 12N socket will not be used for trailer brakes.
Hence a new loom for it that I will tap into the 12N harness or indicators, tail/side lights etc.

The EBC is to be fitted in the dash in a suitable location & as I understand has its + & - come directly from the battery though I did read one post that suggested to NOT connect -ve to the battery -ve post.
Blue wire from EBC goes to the 12 pin connector pin 5.

Red wire from EBC needs to go to cathode of the diode and this junction also goes to brake light pin 6 of the 12pin connector.
What I am not sure about is where to splice in the anode to the green / purple trace wire?

Some have said "upstream" but where specifically?

other have stated an issue with trailer brakes being applied if the park lights come on?

Just wanting to confirm what I need to do. I did post on the stick about EBC but not replies.

thanks
cheers
Peter

[loanrangie]

Redarc instructions say to wire direct to the battery with a circuit breaker on the positive lead which is what I did.

[PeterOZ]

Redarc instructions say to wire direct to the battery with a circuit breaker on the positive lead which is what I did.

It is not the battery connections I am enquiring about but rather where to specifically splice in the diode so both trailer brake lights and vehicle brake lights are operational.

[loanrangie]

It is not the battery connections I am enquiring about but rather where to specifically splice in the diode so both trailer brake lights and vehicle brake lights are operational.

Into the trailer wiring harness in the rear, should be mentioned in the guides in the stickies.

[PeterOZ]

Into the trailer wiring harness in the rear, should be mentioned in the guides in the stickies.

I have read that and it is not clear and cant make out clearly in the photo as it is low res, hence why I am asking.

[DiscoDB]

I have read that and it is not clear and cant make out clearly in the photo as it is low res, hence why I am asking.

If you go to the member galleries, you will find Sniegy has posted the original higher resolution version of that picture.

This link may work if you view in chrome and login.

Message - AULRO Photo Gallery (https://www.aulro.com/app/showphoto.php/photo/9028/title/disco3rrs-electric-trailer-brake-connections-002/cat/500)