How to Choose the Right Electric Brake Controller for Towing – Sandgate Auto Electrics Guide
Towing a caravan, boat, or trailer safely requires more than just a strong vehicle—it also depends on having the right electric brake controller. Whether you’re planning a trip across Australia, heading to Moreton Island, or towing your work trailer around Brisbane, an electric brake controller gives you more control, stability, and stopping power, making towing safer and easier.
At Sandgate Auto Electrics & Automotive Services, we help Brisbane drivers, caravan owners, and towing enthusiasts install high-quality electric brake controllers to ensure a smooth, legal, and safe towing experience. If you’re unsure which brake controller is right for you, this guide will break down the key features, different types, and why professional installation is essential.
Why Do You Need an Electric Brake Controller?
In Australia, if you’re towing a trailer or caravan over 750kg GTM (Gross Trailer Mass), the law requires you to have electric trailer brakes. Unlike a standard vehicle braking system, trailer brakes need a separate controller to regulate braking force based on the weight and speed of the tow vehicle and trailer.
A good electric brake controller allows you to:
- Maintain control when braking on steep hills, highways, and dirt roads
- Prevent trailer sway by evenly distributing braking force
- Adjust braking power based on load weight and driving conditions
- Meet Australian towing laws for trailers over 750kg GTM
If you’re towing a caravan, camper trailer, horse float, or boat trailer, installing an electric brake controller is a must.
Types of Electric Brake Controllers
There are two main types of electric brake controllers, each offering different benefits depending on your towing needs and budget.
Time-Delayed Brake Controllers
A time-delayed brake controller applies a preset amount of braking force to the trailer whenever the tow vehicle brakes. The strength of the braking force and the delay before it activates can be adjusted manually.
Pros:
- Affordable option for occasional towing
- Simple installation with basic wiring
- Works well on flat roads and lighter loads
Cons:
- Braking response is not proportional to the vehicle’s movement
- Requires manual adjustments when driving in different conditions
- Can cause jerky or inconsistent braking, especially on hills
Proportional Brake Controllers
A proportional brake controller uses motion sensors (accelerometers) to detect how quickly your tow vehicle is slowing down and matches the braking force on the trailer accordingly. This ensures a smoother and safer towing experience.
Pros:
- Automatic braking adjustments based on vehicle movement
- Smoother stops, reducing strain on both vehicle and trailer brakes
- Better for long-distance towing and off-road conditions
Cons:
- More expensive than time-delayed controllers
- Requires professional installation to ensure accuracy
At Sandgate Auto Electrics, we highly recommend proportional brake controllers for anyone towing heavier loads or driving in mixed road conditions.
Key Features to Look for in an Electric Brake Controller
Not all electric brake controllers are the same. Here are the most important features to consider when choosing one for your 4WD, ute, or towing vehicle.
Number of Axles Supported
Some controllers are designed for single-axle trailers, while others can handle dual or triple-axle setups. Always check your trailer’s braking system requirements before choosing a controller.
Brake Force Adjustment & Sensitivity Settings
A good controller should allow you to fine-tune the braking power, especially if you tow different loads, such as an empty trailer versus a fully loaded caravan.
Ease of Use & Display Visibility
- Digital displays show real-time braking force and error warnings
- Manual override buttons let you apply trailer brakes independently in emergencies
Remote Head or Dash-Mounted Units
Some modern controllers use a remote control head, allowing for a clean, factory-style installation, while others require a bulkier dash-mounted unit.
Smart Features & Wireless Connectivity
High-end models offer Bluetooth control, allowing you to adjust brake settings via a smartphone app.
Popular Electric Brake Controllers for Towing in Australia
Redarc Tow-Pro Elite V3
The Redarc Tow-Pro Elite V3 is one of the most advanced and popular proportional brake controllers in Australia. It provides smooth, precise braking and features both proportional and time-delayed modes.
Why We Recommend It:
- Australian-made and designed for tough road conditions
- Compact remote head design for a clean, factory look
- Suitable for highway, off-road, and city towing
- Meets ADR (Australian Design Rules) standards
Redarc Tow-Pro Elite V3 – Available for professional installation at Sandgate Auto Electrics.
Elecbrakes – The Ultimate Wireless Electric Brake Controller
If you’re looking for a plug-and-play brake controller that doesn’t require complex wiring into your vehicle, Elecbrakes is an innovative wireless solution designed for Australian towing conditions. Unlike traditional brake controllers that need to be hardwired into your tow vehicle, Elecbrakes is mounted directly onto the trailer’s drawbar, making it easy to switch between different tow vehicles without extra installation.
Why Choose Elecbrakes?
Wireless Control – Adjust brake settings via Bluetooth using the Elecbrakes smartphone app or the optional remote control.
Easy DIY Installation – No need for permanent modifications to your vehicle, perfect for those who tow with multiple cars.
Smooth, Proportional Braking – Uses a high-quality accelerometer to ensure responsive braking based on the vehicle’s movement.
Australian-Made and ADR-Compliant – Meets Australian Design Rules (ADR) and legal requirements for towing in Australia.
Great for Rental Trailers & Shared Use – Ideal for businesses or individuals who regularly tow with different vehicles.
Best Use Cases:
- Towing a caravan, boat trailer, horse float, or box trailer with multiple vehicles.
- Anyone wanting a quick, easy brake controller solution without modifying their tow vehicle.
- 4WD owners who prefer a wire-free, versatile braking system.
Elecbrakes Electric Brake Controller – Available for installation and expert advice at Sandgate Auto Electrics.
Hayman Reese CompactIQ – A Reliable and Proven Brake Controller
The Hayman Reese CompactIQ is one of the most trusted electric brake controllers in Australia, known for its compact design, smooth braking performance, and easy adjustability. Designed to suit 4WDs, SUVs, and tow vehicles of all sizes, this controller provides precise braking force for trailers, caravans, and horse floats.
Why Choose the Hayman Reese CompactIQ?
- Proportional braking for smooth stops, using an advanced accelerometer to match braking force to the movement of your tow vehicle
- Compact and discreet design, with the main unit hidden under the dash and only a small dial and LED indicator visible on the dashboard
- Easy to use, allowing you to adjust braking force on the fly with a simple turn of the dial
- Manual override function providing instant trailer braking for better control in emergency situations
- Compatible with single and dual-axle trailers, making it suitable for a wide range of towing setups
Best Use Cases:
- Perfect for 4WDs and SUVs towing caravans or camper trailers
- Great for drivers who want a neat, dash-integrated brake controller without bulky buttons or screens
- A trusted option for long-distance touring and heavy towing applications
Hayman Reese CompactIQ Brake Controller – Available for installation at Sandgate Auto Electrics.
Why Choose Sandgate Auto Electrics for Brake Controller Installation?
Installing an electric brake controller incorrectly can result in poor braking performance, wiring failures, or even dangerous towing conditions. At Sandgate Auto Electrics & Automotive Services, we ensure your brake controller is professionally installed and tested for maximum safety.
- Expert auto electricians with experience in 4WDs, caravans, and heavy-duty towing setups
- Full brake system checks to ensure compatibility and reliability
- Custom wiring solutions for seamless integration with your vehicle
- Located in Sandgate, servicing Brisbane North, Redcliffe, and Moreton Bay
Get Your Electric Brake Controller Installed by the Experts
Towing a trailer, caravan, or boat? Make sure you have the right electric brake controller installed for safe and legal towing. Contact Sandgate Auto Electrics & Automotive Services today to book an installation.