When it comes to towing safety, few components are as critical as your trailer brake controller.
After years of towing everything from travel trailers to car haulers, I’ve learned that the right brake controller can mean the difference between a confident, controlled stop and a white-knuckle experience.
Two brands consistently rise to the top of every serious tower’s list: Tekonsha and Redarc. Both manufacturers have earned loyal followings, but they take distinctly different approaches to trailer braking.
In this comprehensive comparison, I’ll break down the key differences between these two industry leaders to help you choose the right controller for your towing needs.
Before diving into the comparison, it’s worth understanding why the brake controller is such a critical component of your towing setup. When you’re hauling a heavy trailer down a mountain grade or making an emergency stop on the highway, your brake controller is the device that tells your trailer’s brakes how hard to engage. A poorly chosen or improperly adjusted controller can result in trailer sway, jackknifing, or dangerously extended stopping distances.
I learned this lesson the hard way years ago when I borrowed a friend’s trailer that had an old, time-delayed controller. Coming down a steep grade in Colorado, I felt the trailer pushing the truck, and no amount of brake pedal pressure seemed to help. That experience convinced me to invest in quality proportional braking, and I’ve never looked back.
Tekonsha has been manufacturing trailer brake controllers since the 1960s, making them one of the oldest and most established names in the industry. Based in the United States, Tekonsha has built its reputation on offering a wide range of controllers at various price points, from budget-friendly time-delayed units to sophisticated proportional systems. Their controllers are found in countless tow vehicles across North America, and their widespread availability means you can find replacement parts and support almost anywhere.
What I appreciate most about Tekonsha is their commitment to offering options for every budget and skill level. Whether you’re a first-time tower looking for something simple or an experienced RVer who wants advanced features, Tekonsha likely has a controller that fits your needs. Their product line includes the entry-level Voyager, the mid-range Primus IQ, and the feature-rich Prodigy P2 and P3 models.
Redarc is an Australian company that has gained significant traction in the North American market over the past decade. Known for their innovative approach to vehicle electronics, Redarc brings a fresh perspective to trailer brake control. Their flagship Tow-Pro Elite represents a fundamentally different design philosophy: rather than mounting a bulky controller on your dash or under the steering column, Redarc hides the main unit out of sight and provides only a small, elegant control knob for the driver.
Having installed both brands in various vehicles, I can tell you that Redarc’s approach immediately appeals to anyone who values a clean, uncluttered cabin. The Tow-Pro Elite’s rotary knob is about the size of a quarter and can be mounted virtually anywhere within reach. It’s a stark contrast to traditional controllers that can interfere with your knee or look like an afterthought bolted to your dash.
Tekonsha controllers typically mount in a visible location, usually under the dash or on a bracket near the driver’s knee. The Prodigy P2, for example, features a compact design that angles toward the driver for easy viewing and adjustment. Installation is straightforward for anyone comfortable with basic wiring, and Tekonsha offers vehicle-specific wiring harnesses that make the job even easier. Most installations take about an hour for someone with moderate DIY skills.
Redarc’s Tow-Pro Elite takes a completely different approach. The main control unit installs out of sight—under the dash, behind a panel, or even in the engine bay. Only the small control knob needs to be mounted where the driver can reach it. This design offers tremendous flexibility in placement and results in a much cleaner appearance. However, the hidden installation can make the initial setup slightly more involved, and you’ll need to plan your wire routing carefully.
Winner: This depends entirely on your priorities. If you want the cleanest possible installation with minimal visual impact, Redarc wins hands down. If you prefer a more traditional setup with the controller visible and easily accessible, Tekonsha’s approach may feel more familiar and intuitive.
Both brands offer proportional braking technology, which means the controller senses how hard you’re braking in the tow vehicle and applies a corresponding amount of braking force to the trailer. This results in smooth, natural-feeling stops that keep the trailer and tow vehicle working together.
Tekonsha’s Prodigy P2 uses a 2-axis accelerometer to detect braking force. It offers excellent proportional response and includes features like boost at initial braking application to help overcome trailer brake shoe drag. The digital display shows braking output in real-time, and the controller automatically calibrates to your trailer’s braking characteristics over time.
Redarc’s Tow-Pro Elite employs a 3-axis accelerometer, which the company claims provides more accurate deceleration sensing regardless of how the unit is mounted. The active calibration technology continuously monitors your direction of travel and adjusts brake response accordingly. This means the controller should perform consistently whether you’re braking on a flat highway or descending a mountain grade.
In my experience towing with both systems, the braking performance is excellent from either brand. The Redarc’s 3-axis accelerometer does seem to provide slightly more consistent response on varying terrain, but the difference is subtle. Both controllers deliver the smooth, proportional braking that makes long towing trips less fatiguing.
Winner: Slight edge to Redarc for the 3-axis accelerometer and active calibration, but both perform admirably.
Tekonsha controllers feature digital displays that show braking output levels and allow you to adjust gain (braking intensity) and boost settings. The Prodigy P2’s interface is intuitive, with clearly labeled buttons for adjusting settings. The display provides visual feedback during braking, which some drivers find reassuring. Manual override is activated by pressing a button on the controller face.
Redarc’s Tow-Pro Elite uses a minimalist rotary knob for all adjustments. Turn the knob to adjust gain, press it to activate manual override. A colored LED indicates status and provides diagnostic information. While the interface is elegantly simple, it does require learning what the different LED colors mean. There’s no digital display showing braking levels, which some drivers miss.
Winner: Tekonsha for drivers who prefer visual feedback and digital displays. Redarc for those who appreciate minimalist design and don’t need constant visual confirmation.
Tekonsha controllers work with electric trailer brakes and are designed specifically for the North American market. They’re compatible with most tow vehicles and integrate well with factory tow packages. The company offers an extensive range of vehicle-specific wiring harnesses.
Redarc’s Tow-Pro Elite works with both electric and electric-over-hydraulic trailer brakes, making it more versatile for those who tow different types of trailers. It operates on both 12-volt and 24-volt systems, which is particularly useful for those with commercial vehicles or international applications. The controller is also AL-KO ESC and Dexter Sway Control System compliant.
Winner: Redarc for versatility, especially if you tow trailers with different braking systems.
The price difference is significant. You could purchase a Tekonsha Voyager and Prodigy P2 combined for less than a single Redarc Tow-Pro Elite. However, price isn’t everything—the Redarc offers features and installation flexibility that justify its premium for many buyers.
Winner: Tekonsha for budget-conscious buyers. Redarc for those willing to pay more for premium features and aesthetics.
The Prodigy P2 represents Tekonsha’s best balance of features and value. This proportional controller uses a 2-axis accelerometer for smooth, natural braking response and includes a digital display that shows braking output in real-time. The compact design angles toward the driver for easy viewing, and the boost feature helps overcome initial brake shoe drag. Compatible with trailers having 1-4 axles, the P2 is suitable for everything from small utility trailers to large fifth wheels.
For budget-conscious towers who still want proportional braking, the Voyager delivers reliable performance at an accessible price point. This controller provides smooth, proportional braking response and includes adjustable gain settings to fine-tune braking intensity for different trailer weights. The straightforward design makes installation and operation simple, making it an excellent choice for first-time towers or those who prefer no-frills functionality.
The Tow-Pro Elite represents the pinnacle of trailer brake controller design. Its innovative hidden installation keeps your cabin looking clean while the small rotary control knob provides intuitive adjustment. The 3-axis accelerometer and active calibration technology deliver consistent braking performance regardless of mounting orientation or terrain. Compatible with both electric and electric-over-hydraulic brakes, the Tow-Pro Elite works on 12-volt and 24-volt systems and supports trailers with up to 3 axles.
The Primus IQ offers a step up from the Voyager with additional features at a mid-range price point. This proportional controller includes self-leveling technology that automatically adjusts to your vehicle’s angle, ensuring consistent braking whether you’re on flat ground or a steep incline. The compact design fits easily in most installations, and the simple interface makes adjustment straightforward.
You’re looking for proven, reliable performance at a reasonable price.
Tekonsha controllers have been trusted by millions of towers for decades, and their widespread availability means support and replacement parts are never far away.
The Prodigy P2 offers an excellent balance of features and value, while the Voyager provides solid performance for budget-minded buyers.
If you prefer a traditional controller with a visible display and straightforward installation, Tekonsha is the way to go.
You value a clean, uncluttered cabin and are willing to pay a premium for innovative design.
The Tow-Pro Elite’s hidden installation and minimalist control knob appeal to drivers who want their tow vehicle’s interior to look factory-fresh.
If you tow trailers with different braking systems (electric and electric-over-hydraulic), Redarc’s versatility is a significant advantage.
The 3-axis accelerometer and active calibration provide excellent braking performance regardless of mounting orientation or terrain.
Both Tekonsha and Redarc manufacture excellent trailer brake controllers that will keep you and your trailer safe on the road. The choice between them ultimately comes down to your priorities: Tekonsha offers proven performance and value with a traditional approach, while Redarc brings innovative design and premium features at a higher price point.
Having used both brands extensively, I can confidently recommend either one depending on your specific needs. If I were outfitting a new truck and wanted the cleanest possible installation with no compromises on performance, I’d choose the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite. If I were setting up a dedicated tow vehicle on a budget and valued straightforward operation with visual feedback, I’d go with the Tekonsha Prodigy P2.
Whatever you choose, the most important thing is that you have a quality brake controller installed and properly adjusted. Safe travels!
Remember that proper installation and adjustment are just as important as choosing the right controller. Take the time to read the manual, set your gain appropriately for your trailer’s weight, and test your braking in a safe area before hitting the highway. A well-configured brake controller from either brand will serve you reliably for years of safe towing.
I’m Bill Rowell, the founder of RVupgrades.com. In 2002, I launched the business to help fellow RV enthusiasts find unique and hard-to-find products. Over the years, it’s grown to offer more than 15,000 items, with a warehouse in Eastlake, Ohio. Having owned and repaired nearly every type of RV, I bring over two decades of hands-on experience to the table. For me, this isn’t just a business – it’s a passion and a way of life that I love sharing with the RV community.
Follow me on LinkedIn