Tow Pro Needed?

Halfwaythere · Veteran Member

Tow Pro Needed?

Clarky 1 · Senior Member

Hi halfway there,

I had trouble with my original brake controller and decided to replace it.

I researched and went for the Tow Pro Elite, type 3 I think it was called.
Anyway it was the controller that applied the brakes proportionately to the applied pressure of the foot on the brake pedal.

I could not believe the difference in how it all worked. Absolutely chalk and cheese compared to the old one.

You could check with your vehicle manufacturer as far as comparability goes but it worked fine on my Toyota.

$1700 seems a bit steep. Mine was under $500 fitted and I only paid to have it fitted because I had no time to do it myself.

I see that they are under $300 on the net but you might need a wiring kit as well.

I wouldnt pay $1700.

PeterD · Guru

"Is it needed?" If you have a working brake controller in your vehicle you do not need it. Do you have one and what brand and model is it?

What other work is being done during the installation? If you are having a trailer socket installed on the rear of the tug and perhaps the tow bar as well I can see $1700 being a reasonable fee. For things like Range Rovers and other vehicles with sophisticated electrical systems, it is advisable to have additional bits added to your vehicle so trailer and brake systems integrate properly. These add to the expense.

Plain Truth · Guru

If you already have a brake controller and just wish to up-grade,you can buy a Tow Pro Elite for about $ 280 and fit it yourself.

That is what I did,and I am not a electrical wizard.As long as the existing wires are properly color coded,you shouldn't have any problems.

The controller body can be mounted anywhere out of the way,and in any orientation,not like some.The instructions are good and their back service excellent.

tow pro.JPG

yobarr · Guru

Plain Truth wrote:
If you already have a brake controller and just wish to up-grade,you can buy a Tow Pro Elite for about $ 280 and fit it yourself.
That is what I did,and I am not a electrical wizard.As long as the existing wires are properly color coded,you shouldn't have any problems.
The controller body can be mounted anywhere out of the way,and in any orientation,not like some.The instructions are good and their back service excellent.

When installing this system,the control knob MUST be in an easily accessible spot near the driver,as this is the one he must hit immediately if the trailer gets a sway up.Cheers

Possum3 · Guru

Regulations dictate that any trailer with a Gross Trailer Mass (GTM) exceeding 750kg would need to be fitted with an electric brake control system. These are the requirements depending on the specific weight of your caravan: GTM under 750kg: No additional brakes required.
It is a legal requirement in all states that caravans over two tonnes gross trailer mass (GTM) are fitted with a caravan breakaway system, or independent brakes that will immediately kick in if the van becomes disconnected from the towing vehicle.

Vehicle Standards Bulletin VSB1, which covers the technical requirements stipulated by the Federal Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development, says that:

Every trailer over two tonnes GTM must have brakes operating on all wheels.
The brake system must cause immediate application of the trailer brakes in the event of the trailer becoming detached from the towing vehicle.
Under these circumstances, the brakes must remain applied for at least 15 minutes.
Some states (ACT, VIC) add that the brakes must be able to hold the trailer on a 12 per cent grade while in operation after a breakaway.

Halfwaythere · Veteran Member

Thanks everyone. Possum's answer decides the matter, however the price is a bit over the top, so I'll see what I can do. As for fitting it myself, DIY means Don't Involve Yerself!

-- Edited by Halfwaythere on Wednesday 8th of December 2021 09:44:31 PM

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

Possum3 wrote:
Regulations dictate that any trailer with a Gross Trailer Mass (GTM) exceeding 750kg would need to be fitted with an electric brake control system.

Not true.

Trailers under 2T GTM MAY be fitted with over-ride brakes.

Cheers,

Peter

dabbler · Guru

Install yourself if you confident and competent otherwise ship around your local towbar fitters. There are quickfit harnesses to suit some vehicles but 2009 might be too long in the tooth. At $1700 I wonder just what the quote actually covered. That's about the sum I paid for towbar and controller.

PeterD · Guru

dabbler wrote:
At $1700 I wonder just what the quote actually covered. That's about the sum I paid for towbar and controller.

That's the question I am still awaiting a reply for.

Corndoggy · Senior Member

Give Redarc a call and tell them what you want to put in your vehicle and ask them what's needed and any how it should be connected. They're usually helpful. If it's $1700 for just a brake controller only that's around $1400 for the install. Think I'll have to take up brake installs. But at that price I doubt I'd do many, if any.

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

I think mine was around $300 fitted it myself , just run an extra heavier wire to operate brakes . On motorhome. I assume a caravan would have Anderson plug fitted nearby tow bar ? Or battery in van ? Break away system . I think your being over charged ?