Is this right for you? Product Expert Kathleen M says:
This proportional brake controller keeps towing simple with a straightforward design and user-friendly controls. Includes an LED indicator and a slide-bar manual override. Adhesive backing gives you the option of drill-free mounting.
Features:
Specs:
You can adjust the gain setting (also known as braking output) on the Hayes Energize III+ using the thumbwheel on the front of the module. This will set the maximum amount of power that will be applied to your trailer's brakes. You want to go as high as you can without the trailer brakes locking up. Typically, the gain is only readjusted when you experience changing road conditions or if you switch over from a heavy, loaded trailer to a much lighter, empty trailer, or vice versa. To get more power to your brakes, turn the wheel up. To get less power to your brakes, turn the wheel down.
The red LED indicator on the front of the module will light up when the brake controller is activated. This way you can keep your eye on your braking and be sure that it's working.
Once you have the overall power set, you can fine-tune the power output by adjusting the sensitivity of the internal sensor. This controls the aggressiveness of your trailer's braking, meaning how quickly the brakes reach the maximum braking level. You can adjust this when you're towing heavy loads and you need more umph to bring your trailer to a stop. Your tow vehicle doesn't need that much power to brake in time, but your heavy trailer does. Boost gets the braking power to your trailer brakes faster and with more intensity so that it doesn't push your tow vehicle forward. To increase the sensitivity for towing heavier loads, move the lever away from you. For a lighter load, move the lever toward you.
The Hayes Energize III+ comes with a built-in, easy-to-reach slide-bar manual override, great for stopping sway or controlling your trailer's momentum in emergencies. To engage the manual override, just push the slide-bar to the left, toward the center of the controller. This will activate the trailer's brakes and brake lights without you having to apply the brakes on your tow vehicle, perfect for limiting trailer movement while you're cruising.
The Hayes Energize III+ is easy to mount wherever you want it. Simply use the bolts or the double-sided tape to secure the included mounting bracket to your dash, and then install the controller in the bracket.
If your vehicle already has a plug-in brake controller wiring harness, just connect the unit to it. Otherwise, you will need to purchase a vehicle-specific wiring harness (sold separately) to plug into. If a harness is unavailable for your vehicle, hardwiring will be necessary.
Because the Hayes Energize III+ operates with an internal inertia sensor, it must be mounted between -35 degrees and 90 degrees vertically. The brake controller also needs to be horizontally level and parallel with the direction of travel to function properly.
See etrailer.com's exclusive 7- and 4-way brake-control installation kit (ETBC7 - sold separately) if you don't already have a 7-way plug at the back of your vehicle
Note: One of the following will be required to ensure proper installation:
The Hayes Energize III+ brake controller comes equipped with proportional braking to give you the best towing experience. Proportional braking means that your trailer brakes mimic your tow vehicle's brakes. If you slam on the brakes in your vehicle, your trailer brakes will activate with the same intensity; if you brake lightly, your trailer brakes lightly too. The trailer's braking is in proportion to your vehicle's braking. This saves wear and tear on the tires and the brakes on both your vehicle and trailer.
The Energize III+ uses a pendulum system to sense how your vehicle is braking so it can send the right amount of braking power to your trailer. It detects the inertia of your tow vehicle and activates the trailer's brakes to slow at the same rate. The result is uniform braking across your towing setup. No push-pull action - just smooth, proportional braking every time.
Alternate Instructions
Average Customer Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars (61 Customer Reviews)
This proportional brake controller keeps towing simple with a straightforward design and user-friendly controls. Includes an LED indicator and a slide-bar manual override. Adhesive backing gives you the option of drill-free mounting.Nicole was outstanding in knowledge and patience with me. She helped me get through my mistaken order and get me the right brake controller and adaptor harness for my truck. I installed it in less than and hour and it is working great. She also made the return of the controller and harness a breeze.
Remember the adage, "you get what you pay for"? Certainly applies here...I will never know if this unit was faulty when I received, or if it simply is poor quality. But the "gain" function on it does nothing, and therefore I can't dial in the sensitivity that is needed. Again, I don't know when/how it became inoperable, but I just ordered it's replacement. Am hopeful for a better experience...
Jenny N - 11/16/2022This brake controller has worked great no problems at all I would recommend it to anyone using this style of brake controller.
This controller was truly "plug&play". Installation was 30 min. Works perfectly. E-trailer has always been my go-to for all my truck and camper needs!
I've used this a few times now on my '16 Crosstrek and have had no issues
This is a quality product. Before we purchased, we investigated a number of controllers and found Hayes had a great reputation and Hayes is MADE IN AMERICA
Y'all know there less expensive competitors out there with good reviews. Inhave no qualmspaying more for our country.
INSTALLATION AND UNIT WENT VERY WELL. CUSTOMER SERVICE WAS GREAT
PERFECT FIT JUST PLUG AND GO REAL EASY.
Arrived sooner than expected. Install was a breeze haven't used it yet so will update afterwards
Best of the four brake controllers I've had so far in my truck. Easy to adjust on the fly if brakes are too strong or weak. Manual override felt solid unlike some controllers out there. The instructions could've been written a little clearer though. 4 prong square plug also fits Curt controllers if swapping. Overall nice controller for the money, should've bought this one first and saved the cash
Doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of the higher priced competition but does a great job. Works flawlessly and the install was super easy.
5 minute install on my truck. Works just fine. I opted for standard shipping which I thought was expensive and took to long to receive.
Customer service is very good.
super easy to install with the adapter. gain was set a tad high initially so be sure to turn it down first, then up until you get the gain you want.
Dennis p - 08/16/2021Easy install harness worked perfectly
Used as a replacement everything went g reat
Got tip off Utube for the wiring harness adapter for a 2019 Ram. Installation was plug and play. We have a 26 ft camper we will be towing. Very easy install.
Richard - 10/29/2020Just what I was looking for. Bought the wire harness adapter with it and everything just plugged in and worked.
Working good
Very pleased with the Hayes controller and the installation videos and information available at etrailer. My installation was hardwired due to an earlier install which removed a connector, so etrailer support was very beneficial plus their price was very competitive...a winning combination.
Great Customer service!
Easy to assemble and etrailer made sure that I had everything I needed to install the brake control system. Order arrived on time and will definitely order from etrailer again.
Great job, fast shipping
Though I haven't had a chance to use the brake controller yet I'm sure it will be fine and if not I'm also sure etrailer will do anything they can to help.
Easy installation 5 minutes
Howard - 04/27/2021
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