It only stops the movement but also makes it possible to run vehicles at higher speeds. The towing vehicle’s braking system might not be enough to halt the movement of two vehicles. Hence, an external braking system for the towed vehicle is used. The towed vehicle braking system works as a supplementary system to reduce the load on the main braking system. It is connected to the driver’s cabin to manage braking power. Being mandated by law, it is a crucial feature for overall towing safety. Various factors play a role in the performance of this braking system. Some of these factors are discussed below.
Type of Braking System: Braking systems are divided into three major types. Each type offers a different level of control over the braking of a vehicle. The pressure needed to keep the brakes engaged can be changed according to the applications. Proportional, progressive, and direct braking systems are used popularly, depending on the braking levels. Mounting Type: Securely mounting the external braking system is equally important. The braking system can be used as a temporary unit. This system can be used with other towed vehicles. A permanent unit will be mounted on the towed vehicle for a lifetime. The wires, sensors, and other parts cannot be removed easily. Mode of Control: The braking system is fitted near the brakes of the towed vehicles. Its control center lies in the driver’s cabin. The receiver on the braking unit gets control signals via wired connections or wireless connections. These signals are important to get feedback at the driver’s cabin. The signal buttons can be fitted on the dashboard for the driver’s comfort.
Having ample knowledge about these factors can narrow down your selection process. The market for towing accessories is already flooded with various braking systems. To help you choose a better quality option, we have compiled a detailed list of the best towed vehicle braking systems. A “Buying Guide” is also discussed to understand the technical aspects of these options.
Best Towed Vehicle Braking System Tabulation
Best Towed Vehicle Braking System Reviews
1. Tekonsha Towed Vehicle Braking System
The first product on the list comes from a pioneer of electronic brake controllers, Tekonsha. Following its motto of innovation and design, Tekonsha has developed many trailer brake controllers for towing applications. The Tekonsha 90160 Primus IQ Electronic Brake Control is a portable unit. It features a plug-and-play port to connect a 2-plug adapter. With a built-in self-diagnostic feature, the braking system automatically ignites a warning LED to notify you about any issues. This electronic braking system brakes proportionally even in reverse conditions, for efficient braking. With the help of a power knob, the brake pressure can be adjusted manually. With the help of the self-leveling feature, the brake works irrespective of the mounting position. This unit also has a boost button to increase the brake power when needed. It has a LED display that provides necessary details in digital form. A simple snap-in design helps in the easy mounting of this braking unit. It is suitable for 1 to 3 axles of a towed vehicle. Best Features:
Proportional braking system Dedicated port of the 2-plug adapter Self-diagnostic feature with warning LEDs Power adjusting knob LED screen to display details of the braking system Snap-in design for mounting
Pros:
With the help of the self-leveling feature, the need for adjusting the braking system is eliminated The braking power can be boosted with the help of the power boost button This braking system can be used for a maximum of 3 axles of a vehicle
Cons:
It lacks the breakaway feature which detects the separation of towing and towed vehicles
2. Roadmaster Towed Vehicle Braking System
Roadmaster has been active in the brake systems industry for over 50 years. With this experience, it has developed a range of high-quality towing products. With proper testing of products, it has garnered attention from consumers. The Roadmaster 8700 Invisibrake Power Braking System is a compact unit. This electronic braking system uses electrical signals to apply brakes on the towed vehicle. With its ability to work with a maximum air pressure of 100 psi, it is suitable for vacuum-powered brakes. A pressure reading gauge is provided to monitor the real-time pressure reading. A power knob is provided to increase or decrease the overall brake pressure. This unit uses progressive braking to reduce the overall braking distance of the vehicle. It makes the braking unit compatible with towing any type of vehicle. The braking system does not drain the battery of the towing vehicle. It has a bypass feature that helps in charging the battery of the towing vehicle. Installation of this unit is simple with the help of the instruction manual. Best Features:
Progressive braking system Pressure gauge for readings Maximum air pressure handling capacity of 100 psi Braking power adjustment knob Bypass battery charging feature Operating temperature range of -19 to 66 degrees Celsius
Pros:
The efficient braking force helps in halting the vehicles within a short distance The overall wearing of the brakes is prevented It does not drain the battery of the vehicle
Cons:
The unit lacks a digital display
3. Hopkins 20099 Towed Vehicle Braking System
Hopkins Towing Solutions is one of the leading brands of automotive towing products. With an experience of over 70 years, it has developed innovative products for the automotive industry. Its product range delivers a high level of satisfaction to consumers. The Hopkins 20099 Engager Braking System is a safety-oriented unit. The unit works with the electronic brakes of a towed vehicle via an auxiliary power cable. It features a break-away switch that senses the disconnection of the towed vehicle from the towing vehicle. It then automatically stops the towed vehicle slowly to keep both vehicles safe from collisions. The braking system has a built-in battery meter to check various details about the battery. It illuminates LED bulbs depending on the charging status of the battery. A rechargeable battery is also provided to power the braking system. The outer body of the braking system has a tough construction to resist any type of impact. It is suitable for a maximum of 4 brakes of the towed vehicle. Best Features:
Electronic braking system Connectivity with electric signals and auxiliary cable Breakaway switch for accidental disconnection External rechargeable battery to power the braking system Suitable for trailers above 3,000 GVW Compatible with 4 axles
Pros:
The impact-resistant body keeps the electronics safe from damage The notification LEDs provides important update related to the battery The unit is priced lower than the competitors
Cons:
It lacks LCD or LED display which provides important information regarding the braking system
4. Blue Towed Vehicle Braking System
Blue Ox specializes in the development and manufacturing of towing solutions for RVs and commercial vehicles. Built with high-quality materials and innovative design, its product range has good durability. The Blue Ox BRK2019 Patriot 3 Brake System is an updated version of the patriot series. It has a pressure monitoring feature that automatically senses the braking of the towing vehicle. The unit has a braking clamp that can be mounted on the braking pedal of a towing vehicle. This helps in the synchronized braking of both towing and towed vehicles. Proportional braking helps in reducing the braking distance. Being an electronic unit, the electrical command signals travel quickly from the driver to the braking system. It has a built-in controller which adjusts the pressure applied to the towed vehicle. The portable design helps in the easy mounting of the braking system on any towing vehicle. A failsafe mechanism is also included to protect the towed vehicle from losing traction. Best Features:
Proportional braking system Automatic braking with built-in sensors Clamp design to mount on brake pedals Electric signal connectivity Power controller to adjust the pressure A built-in failsafe mechanism for added safety
Pros:
The response time of this electronic unit is faster Overall installation and mounting are easy and take less time The portable design makes it compatible with various vehicles
Cons:
The display provides very less information and is hard to read
5. Hopkins 3 Towed Vehicle Braking System
Another product from Hopkins Towing Solutions has made it to the list. This product is a heavy-duty version of the previously mentioned Hopkins product. It is designed especially for towing heavy loads. The Hopkins Brake Buddy Select 3 Towed Vehicle Brake System works similarly to its previously mentioned sibling. This unit is a proportional braking system that applies braking force depending on the settings. It offers effective braking of vehicles within a shorter distance. A built-in controller is paired with the central braking system. The braking force can be adjusted wirelessly depending on the brake feedback. The system provides all the necessary details of the brake components. The braking system has an integrated clamp to mount the unit on the towing vehicle’s brake pedals. Being a portable unit, you can use this braking system with any vehicle. A one-touch start button automatically configures the braking system, and you are ready to go. Best Features:
Proportional braking system Integrated pressure controller to deliver accurate power Wireless feedback to the driver One-touch button for automatic configuration of braking system with towed vehicle Sensitivity control to amplify brake response
Pros:
The overall braking distance is shorter due to the efficient braking of both vehicles The clamp design easily fits the brake pedal The portable design makes it compatible with other vehicles
Cons:
The price of this braking system is higher than the other options
6. Roadmaster 9160 Towed Vehicle Braking System
We have another product from Roadmaster’s wider range of braking systems. It carries a different design to work with towing vehicles. The product is designed to improve the overall safety of the towing process. The Roadmaster 9160 BrakeMaster Supplemental Braking System is a combination of direct and proportional braking. It has a sensor that automatically detects the braking force applied by the driver. It further sends the braking pressure to the towed vehicle according to the pressure settings. It is thereby suitable for vehicles with air brake systems. The lightweight actuator is clamped directly on the brake pedal of the towing vehicle. For enhanced protection, this braking system is equipped with breakaway protection. It senses the disconnection of the towing vehicle and the towed vehicles and engages brakes to avoid a collision. It is a portable unit and can be removed and installed on other vehicles. Best Features:
Proportional braking system Built-in sensor to detect a reduction in speed Piston-cylinder arrangement for accurate braking Clamp design to mount the unit on brake pedals Breakaway protection feature
Pros:
The unit is equipped with various safety features to avoid collision with the towed vehicle The braking pressure is directly synchronized with the main braking system Equipped with a lightweight cylinder, it is compatible with air brakes
Cons:
Since it consists of air pressure components, the installation of this unit is done under professional supervision.
7. Demco Towed Vehicle Braking System
Demco is a synonymous name in the accessories market for heavy vehicles. Its product line is developed with innovative designs to increase overall reliability. Made up of high-quality materials, its product range has become popular globally. TheDemco 9599006 Stay-in-Play Duo Braking System is another compact unit on the list. This braking system features an automatic configuration feature that readies the system on a single touch. Equipped with pressure controllers, this braking system is suitable for vehicles with vacuum brakes. Connected with a LED monitor, all the crucial details are provided to the driver. It lights up the LED bulb when the system is engaged. For added safety, it has a panic stop button to halt the vehicles in case of an emergency. It can be paired with hydraulic brakes for effective braking. Best Features:
The progressive and proportional braking system Connectivity with LED monitor Multicolor LED bulbs for warning Panic button for emergency braking Compatible with vacuum and hydraulic brakes
Pros:
Overall setup time for the braking system is low The braking distance is lowered significantly Overheating of the brakes is eliminated leading to increased life of the brake pads
Cons:
The installation process is a bit complex and might need professionals
Buying Guide For The Best Towed Vehicle Braking System
To minimize load on the towing vehicle’s braking system, a separate braking system was introduced. This individual unit reduces the momentum of a towed vehicle and keeps the towing process safe from hazards. There are a few governing factors that ultimately affect the performance of a braking system. This buying guide will walk you through all these factors to help you understand them in detail.
1. Type Of Braking System
There are different types of braking systems for the towed vehicle. They are differentiated based on factors like the intensity of braking, overall pressure, etc. These types are explained below
a. Progressive Braking System
The progressive braking system consists of a receiver to collect braking signals from the main system. It calculates these signals and slowly starts applying brakes on the towed vehicle. This overall braking process exerts more pressure depending on how long the driver is applying brakes of the towing vehicle. The barking pressure progressively increases and hence the name.
b. Proportional Braking System
The proportional braking system works in sync with the towing vehicle’s main braking system. Its resultant output is dependent on the pressure applied to the main braking system. It has a built-in sensor that monitors the change in the speed of the towing vehicle under braking. The brake system of the towed vehicle adjusts the braking accordingly to halt both vehicles at the same time.
c. Direct Braking System
The direct braking system is directly connected to the towing vehicle’s brain system. It offers the most accurate feedback on braking pressure compared to the other types. This system produces the equivalent amount of force created by the towing vehicles, to stop the towed vehicle. In short, the brakes on towed vehicles engage only when the brakes on towing vehicles are applied. Conditions like under-braking or over-braking are avoided by monitoring the braking force with sensors.
2. Mounting Type
There are different mounting options for a braking system depending on the severity of use. If the braking system is going to be used for different types of vehicles, a portable or temporary unit is ideal. They can be used with different vehicles without needing a professional installation. These temporarily mounted units however need a celebration every time it is installed. The other mounting type is a permanently installed unit. These units are permanently connected to the towing vehicle’s braking system. It is further calibrated to give a varied output, depending on the braking pressure. The configuration of this mounting does not need adjustments. The installation of these units is done professionally since the main braking system is involved.
3. Mode Of Control
The braking unit is installed near the wheels of the towed vehicles. The control center is kept near the driver for easy access. To relay the braking signal from the driver to the towed vehicle, proper connectivity is important. The control can be wired or wireless, depending on the type of system. The wired controls are connected to the towing vehicle’s dashboard. The direct applies brakes and the signals are transferred through these wires or cables to the towed vehicle. The wires then convert the signal into the equivalent movement of the brakes. On the other hand, a wireless command center transmits the command signal to the towed vehicle. A receiver captures these signals and then actuates the towed vehicle’s brakes.
4. Brake Type
There are various brakes used for vehicles, ranging from mechanical to hydraulic ones. Their application depends on the amount of pressure, the overall loading conditions, operational temperature, etc. The compatibility with the brake system must be checked. The towing and towed vehicles generally use hydraulic or air brake systems. These brakes offer improved braking compared to dated mechanical brakes. The working of hydraulic and air brakes is different. The air or pneumatic brakes are faster in operation and offer quicker braking. The hydraulic brakes are slower than the air brake system. They use hydraulic oils and piston arrangements to exert more pressure. The braking system must be configured to work with these brake types, for effective transfer of brake force.
5. Information Display
There are various types of information related to the brake system. This information provides real-time data on the applied pressure, pressure ratio, etc. To display this crucial information, there are different types of instruments available. Some units use the simple warning bulb arrangement which ignites in the dashboard. It is just a warning light and does not provide detailed information. Few units use LCD or LED screens where all the received data is displayed. These screens can display various details in a multicolor scheme. They also provided warning alerts to prevent any damage to the vehicles.
Conclusion
When accuracy in braking is your priority, the Roadmaster 9160 Towed Vehicle Braking System is an ideal option. This unit features a piston-cylinder arrangement for proportional braking. It has a built-in sensor that detects the change in speed and brakes accordingly. The air pressure handling ability makes it suitable for air brakes. This unit can be easily clamped on the brake pedal for accurate and equal transfer of braking force. It also features breakaway protection to stop the towed vehicle in case of separation. The unit is portable and can be used with different vehicles. If you want a good braking system within a limited budget, the Hopkins 20099 Towed Vehicle Braking System is the right option. It is an electronic unit connected to the towed vehicle via auxiliary cables. Being a safety-oriented unit, it features a breakaway switch to stop the towed vehicle in case of accidental separation. The unit has a built-in battery meter to check the battery status on the go. It also has a separate rechargeable battery to reduce the load on the main battery. The LED bulbs ignite to provide warnings related to the battery. The compact body has a rigid construction that can endure impact easily. The braking system can be used for 4 brakes at a time. All these features are available at an aggressive price tag. Our last product has been rated by various customers as being a value-for-money option. The Tekonsha Towed Vehicle Braking System features a dedicated port for the 2-plug adapters. With the help of a self-diagnostic feature, this braking system monitors all the variables when in use. With LED warning lights, the driver gets instant notification of any issues. This unit features proportional braking which transfers braking force depending on the feedback setting. The brake pressure can be controlled with the help of a power knob. This unit also has a self-leveling feature that automatically corrects the position of the braking system mount. A dedicated boost button adds brake power when in need. To get updates related to the braking system, a LED display is also provided. This unit can be mounted on 1 to 3 axles of vehicles for controlled braking.
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