To see if this custom-fit item will work for you please tell us what vehicle you'll use it with.
Thank you! Your comment has been submitted successfully. You should be able to view your question/comment here within a few days.
Error submitting comment. Please try again momentarily.
In-stock alternatives that can ship today
This is one of our favorite brake controllers, with a tiny dash knob that looks like it came straight from the factory. It brakes so nicely it's like you're not even towing. The unique off-roading mode helps you handle rough conditions.
The off-road mode is a unique feature of the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite. In this mode, the brake controller will apply your trailer's brakes with a preset amount of power, independent of what your tow Honda Civic is doing. This is ideal for off-roading or challenging conditions. Set the power low if you're towing through sand or mud so that the trailer doesn't stop with too much force and act as an anchor. If navigating a steep descent, set the power to a higher level to ensure that the trailer doesn't push against the tow Honda Civic.
To activate the off-road mode, rotate the knob counterclockwise to 0 and apply your Honda Civic's brakes. Push down on the knob twice (2 times within 1 second) and release the brakes. The knob will turn green to let you know that the mode has been activated.
Adjusting the braking settings on the Tow-Pro Elite is super simple. To get more power output - the maximum amount of power that will be applied to your trailer's brakes - rotate the knob clockwise toward 10. To decrease the power output, rotate it counterclockwise toward 0.
When you apply the tow Honda Civic's brakes, the knob will change from blue to red to signal that the trailer brakes are being activated. The higher the braking power output, the deeper the red that you will see.
To engage manual override, simply press the control knob. This will activate the trailer's brakes and brake lights independent of your tow Honda Civic, great for stopping sway or controlling your trailer's momentum in an emergency.
When you are calibrating the brake controller for the first time, the LED lights will signal your progress.
You'll start by braking 20 times or so to let the unit learn its orientation and the direction of travel. You don't need to have a trailer connected for it to calibrate; the only difference is that the knob won't illuminate at all. If your trailer is connected, the LED light will flash green/blue as it calibrates. When the display turns solid blue, initial calibration is complete.
Once done, the unit will remain calibrated. If recalibration is required, it will happen automatically and without LED indication.
The Elite has almost no mounting restrictions. It comes in 2 pieces: the main unit and the control knob. The main unit mounts out of sight and out of the way. You don't have to worry about dinging your knee on a bulky brake controller or interfering with your Honda Civic's airbags.
The control knob can be installed in any convenient spot that's easy for you to see and access. This can be a blank switch panel, an open spot on your center console, or wherever there's space on your dashboard. A universal mounting panel is included to ensure a clean, from-the-factory look. Custom-fit panels are available for certain Honda Civics as well. Before you do any drilling, be sure there's enough clearance behind the dash for the entire knob to install!
Once you've decided where you want to put the control knob, you'll need to find a good place to install the main unit. Your only restriction is the 3' cable connecting the main unit and the control knob. Securely mount the box using screws, double-sided tape, or zip-ties (not included). A mounting kit (RE67FR - sold separately) is also available for the Tow-Pro Elite. Do not attach the module to wiring or cables that can shift as you drive!
A Honda Civic-specific wiring harness (sold separately) is available for most newer trucks and SUVs. One end of the custom adapter plugs into your Honda Civic, and the other end will either plug directly into the controller or will splice into the included wiring harness - no need to hardwire to your Honda Civic.
Note: If you don't already have a 7-way plug at the back of your Honda Civic, take a look at our exclusive 7- and 4-way brake-control installation kit (ETBC7 - sold separately).
A 30-amp circuit breaker kit (331-CBK30-EB - sold separately) may also be required for installation. For assistance in properly wiring the Tow-Pro Elite, please refer to the diagrams below:
Proportional braking means that your trailer brakes mimic your tow Honda Civic's brakes. If you slam on the brakes in your Honda Civic, 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 Honda Civic's braking. This saves wear and tear on the tires and the brakes on both your Honda Civic and trailer.
The Tow-Pro Elite uses an internal 3-axis accelerometer to sense how your Honda Civic is braking so it can send the right amount of braking power to your trailer. It measures the inertia of your tow Honda Civic 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.
Average Customer Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (1567 Customer Reviews)
This is one of our favorite brake controllers, with a tiny dash knob that looks like it came straight from the factory. It brakes so nicely it's like you're not even towing. The unique off-roading mode helps you handle rough conditions.Nice brake controller. Have 2 of them. On both my cars it will occasionally blink red which means some sort of error but it still applies the brakes. Thinking the ground/neutral wiring on my trailer is the culprit. Installed with RED77FR on a 2024 Grand Cherokee L Summit (w/ factory Tow) despite site saying it's not compatible.
I saw the great online reviews of this controller and took the plunge. I bought my 2002 Chevy Silverado K1500 extended cab short bed truck new in 2001. It came with the HD Towing package which include a factory plug in trailer brake wiring loom. I took my time over a 2 day period to carefully install and triple check my install. The Chevy and Redarc wiring wiring descriptions made it easy to join the two harnesses. I used HD crimped plug in connectors further protected with shrank tubing. All wiring was bundled with zip ties after encasing in HD harness protective cover. Zip ties held in place behind the removable panel beneath the steering wheel. The control button is installed on the right side of the steering column within easy reach. Nice install. I read that the light would not go on until a trailer was hooking up. I was elated when we picked up our new cargo trailer and the controller knob light lit up upon hitching up. the first mile of travel allowed easy testing of the system and fine tuning came a few miles further down the road. GREAT PRODUCT!
Installed in my 2022 Ford Ranger, works great ?? The adapter for the lighter is a separate purchase.
The push button to activate the brakes independently is a really nice feature for calibrating the braking power based on the weight on the trailer.
The led indicators are also nice.
Brendon
8/16/2024
still working as expected.
This is the third Redarc elite I've installed, the oldest being 4 years ago. They're all flawless, easy to use, more available and less intrusive than anything else. I can pull my single-axle motorcycle trailer empty and not be overpowered, or my 2 axle dump trailer without being underpowered. Spectacular in all regards.
This thing is awesome! I lucked out and the etrailer demo install video was on the same type of tow vehicle I have, so I was able to mostly just follow along for the install. It went in with minimal effort. I tow a 20 ft TT that weighs about 3500 lbs with a Chevy Colorado.
I finally pulled our trailer from storage and had a chance to try out the controller. It is fantastic! My previous controller used bluetooth. With it I had problems with over braking at low speeds. I was constantly adjusting it between town and highway, and I found the adjustment clumsy because my phone locks after a couple minutes of not being used.
The redarc fixed all of that and more! After dialing in the right setting, braking is like the trailer is not even there. It's that good! There is little to none jerking when I stop at low speed. And adjusting it is simple as it is one knob on the dash. This is how a brake controller is supposed to work! I towed 10,000 miles with my "other" controller, and I can't wait to try this out on our cross country trip this year!
And as always, the etrailer folks are great to work with and full of wisdom that they share so I don't have to learn the hard way!
Larry
5/16/2024
I have this for a year. We did a five thousand mile trip last summer and I couldnt be happier! This is what I imagined a good break controller to be. Braking felt like there was nothing behind me. No shuddering at really low speed. It was perfect! This is in stark contrast to one of those bluetooth units that plug into your 7-pin connector. I could never get that one to work right. I highly recommend this product and all the folks at e-trailer!
My Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Brake Controller was installed earlier this year in my 2023 Ford Explorer Platinum w/tow pkg. Immediately it changed the trailer handling and gave me much more control. It was the recommended for my vehicle and it works just like a 'factory installed' unit that I've had in previous trucks. I recommend it!
Brooke M.
11/22/2024
This brake controller is one of the best and for the reasons you just said! I am so happy you love it!
Installation was as described in the Colorado video. My 2015 4x4 dash required a different location than where the knob is located in the video( where the 4x4 knob is ). The dial knob just fits inside the upper clips for the credit card slot. I used the left side for better visibility. I drilled a pilot hole and then slowly enlarged it, dragging it as needed to keep it centered under the dash clip. You will understand when you remove the card slot. Remove the lower dash to get to a hidden screw, then the card holder pops straight out.
Great prices and quick to ship. Well organized website. Wasn’t sure the REDARC install was something o wanted to handle. One disappointment… initially I called a listed installer found on your website - they stated they do not install product they do not sell. This pushed me to try to install myself. Lots of helpful information and install videos online made the difference.
It truly amazes me that Ford touts the towing capacity of my Ranger, yet not one dealership I called could offer a solution for a trailer brake controller to be able to pull my little camper. I finally turned to etrailer since they had helped me meet my towing needs in the past with a different vehicle. etrailer's Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Trailer Brake Controller was a perfect solution! They also supplied a terrific video explaining in great detail how to install it in my truck. I preferred the in-dash location using one of the extra twelve volt ports using the optional round adapter insert and found it to be very convenient after a summer of towing. Highly recommend both Redarc Tow-Pro Elite and etrailer!
Happy G.
4/8/2023
Its been great! No problems encountered with the unit.
The Redarc Trailer brake controller has worked well for the past year. The instructions and videos made it easy to install and get setup. My only, minor, complaint was the button cover provided did not fit in our 2016 4Runner. I was able to use the cover I pulled out with a little trimming of extra plastic on the back. We have towed our pop up in mountains and plains, on interstates and off road. The trailer brake has worked without an issue. Highly recommended.
Love the self-calibration and hidden controller. Great space saver and works as described. I did find the knob location in your video not very good; I could not see it through the steering wheel when driving. As you can see from the picture it is now visible from the driver's seat and easy to adjust when needed. Also, in this location the only hole I had to drill was 3/16" behind the knob and not visible or damaging. I was able to use the knob bracket that came in the kit and just push it into place, very stable.
Ron
4/16/2023
Still working perfectly. I tell people about it every chance I get.
I installed this on my 2009 Dodge RAM 1500. It replaced the other one I had. This was a challenge to install because of where I had to mount it under the dash. But it was also wired a little different. The former controller had the positive (red) and negative (black) wires reversed from this Redarc controller. When I installed the Redarc the way the other controller was wired the brake lights wouldn't work. Once I got them put right for the Redarc it is working right.
Easy to install and works great. Love the stealth mounting. I get compliments on just the one knob being visible.
James
8/29/2023
Product has worked very well without problems. The only thing I would do differently is where I mounted the control knob. It is at a point where my knee can rub it. Which has a couple times changed the setting from my normal 3 or 4 to 7+ and activated the brakes at to high a pressure locking them up as I came to a stop. Again, not a product problem. Just my placement.
Only way to fly. This brake system works like nothing else. Perfect
Hiroshi
8/20/2024
Redarc brake controllers are really well made. I havent had any issues with this products since the first usage. I do highly recommend this products, realable and easy usage.
This is the second Redarc brake controller that I have purchased. First one works so well in our new Bronco that when we got a 3 axle toyhaller I needed to up grade the controller in our truck.Redarc was the first choice after being so happy with the other one in our Bronco. Super easy installation that plugs right into the truck wiring with the correct harness for your vehicle.
etrailer made it easy to get everything that you need in one purchase (unlike some seller's where everything is sold separately) and it was at my door reasonably fast
Overall love the Redarc controller and very happy going through etrailer
Great quality trailer brake controller, seats very nice, flush in the not use ash tray of my silverado. Lot of configuration options, ensure to read the instructions and watch the installation video, be advised it has no power until you plug a trailer, this had me going for a while :-). Thanks etrailer.
I have not used it yet. But i did want to know if i could use it on a small open motorcycle trailer. If i have it on for the lights, will it still effect the braking if i turn the dial to "0" on the dash? Thank you! But I can tell you, very easy to install.
Jenny N.
3/15/2024
Most of the time the smaller motorcycle trailers do not have brakes. Does your trailer have brakes? If they do and you do not want to use them then you can just disconnect the controller harness that connects under the dash. Otherwise, if it does not have brakes then you do not have to work about the controller.
So far it is anazing! I installed it splicing with the gm wiring harness, and put the box under my console, with the knob in one of the accessory port holes using the knob adapter. The controller calibrated quickly, and works great once you get the gain set correctly. The ONLY thing I don't care for is that the unit stays powered up, so the led stay lit while a trailer is hooked up. I guess it doesn't drain battery much, but I don't care for anything draining my battery, no matter how small.
Hardwick
1/8/2024
Still works amazing. Does its job when needed, stays out of the way when not needed. I love that the only thing can see on this controller is the knob, as the rest is neatly mounted under my console.
The Redark trailer brake controller installed easily. In my 2020 Toyota 4Runner. It looks like it came installed from the factory. It’s small and easy to reach when driving. It came with a plastic install panel. This is designed for installing in a hole that you drill in your dash. It will not fit in a knock out space in your dash. There is one that fits the dash perfectly that you can buy from etrailer.
etrailer automatically bundled the Redark trailer brake controller with the correct plug and play wiring harness for my vehicle. It was nice not to have to search for the wire harness. Everything installed perfectly.
I haven’t tested the function of the brake controller yet. I’ll hook up to a trailer this week.
The items arrived in less than a week and the package was in good condition. The order tracking worked great. The tech videos on the etrailer website were really helpful. I’ll purchase from hem again.
Denise
3/30/2022
The trailer brake controller still looks great. It works perfectly, although I don’t tow on a regular basis. When I do tow, the controller is easy to use.
Looks really nice, but I have not actually used it on the road yet, I have just driven around the neighborhood to test it and it looks and works great for the short distance that I have travelled, pulling a 10,000 gvw, car hauling two axle flat bed trailer.
The install was straight forward. Being my second time I was able to install the controller easily and without much complication. I have both a Nissa Pathfinder and Armada, which made the installation easier since both models are similar. The product responds well, still trying to dial in the perfect breaking level.
After a year of owning and pulling a camper it has been flawless. Easy install. I will say do your research on the best way to set it up for your vehicle. I drove on dirt roads around 5mph and adjusted it until I was right on the edge of skidding the trailer by pressing on the controller.
I’m going to be up front and say I have not tested this beside driving around town. The install was very quick, maybe 20 minutes in all initially in my 2017 Nissan Titan SV. I do have some concerns though. After install I had no lights to show calibration was going on. From reading the user manual I guess that can happen. First time hooking up the trailer everything seemed fine and the light was blue as it should. Once I turned my running lights on though it began to blink red showing a fault with the cable. I tested everything to make sure it was getting voltage and the wires were correct. After about an hour I found something between my backup camera on the travel trailer and the brake was causing some sort of issue. I removed the camera, unplugged all the cables from the tow pro elite and hooked it back up. Once plugged back in it showed green and blue lights showing it was calibrating. I drove the trailer around town and our relief route. After about half an hour the light turned solid blue. The control is easy to use and looks very nice. I’m unable to get it to switch to user control mode but the proportional and manual brakes works fine. I will update my review after we take it out on a few trips. As of now it seems like a great product, very clean looking and should do a great job.
Sierra K.
6/3/2021
Thank you for your review. I have attached an expert answer that shows a chart of troubleshooting options for this product.
Helpful Links
Works very well and easy to install. I put it in my 2019 Ford Ranger and it works very well. I rarely tow so didn't need the model with more involved installation. I just shut off vehicle auto braking and cruise following which I don't ever use anyway.
Factory wiring harness is right up under the dash and this plugged right in easily.
Do you have a question about this Trailer Brake Controller?
Info for this part was:
At etrailer.com we provide the best information available about the products we sell. We take the quality of our information seriously so that you can get the right part the first time. Let us know if anything is missing or if you have any questions.
Mark
6/21/2023
Pulled my enclosed cargo trailer 4800 miles this past year moving to Texas. Trailer brake still functions perfectly. Im sure it will work with other trailers in the future as I will now sell my 20cargo trailer.