Brake Controller for 2017 Highlander

[moandbrett]

Hi there! We are newbies trying to figure out which brake controller to buy and have installed on our 2017 Highlander XLE for our 19 that we will be picking up at the end of June. Any recommendations? Please and thank you!

[LRCURTIS]

There are a lot of members towing with Highlanders so you should get a number of options directly applicable to your vehicle. If you are not interested in having a brake controller permanently mounted in the Highlander cabin you may want to look at the Prodigy RF controller system. The "smarts" are installed on the trailer a-frame and connect to your 7-way connector on the SUV and a hand-held actuator for manual brake function plugs into a 12v outlet inside the cabin. Downside might be if you tow multiple trailers that require brake control. We are very pleased with the system so far - ETI installed on our trailer on delivery day.

[Centex]

I've installed the then-current version Tekonsha / Prodigy TBCs on my tow-vehicles for years, always found 'em very satisfactory, never a lick of trouble.

When I got my Ridgeline I decided to take a chance on the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Simply because of its remote knob mounting flexibility.

I was able to install it in a blank switch-panel yielding a near-OE appearance and a very at-hand location, with NO permanent dashboard modification or holes whatsoever.

Now a year with the Redarc, towing my Casita and a 16' utility trailer that gets a huge range of loads hauling building materials, I can give an unqualified recommendation for it. The performance is flawless, the adjustment easy for differing load / road conditions, and the one time I had a 'support question' for Redarc they replied promptly and comprehensively.

Yes, a bit more $ than some other TBCs, but worth it IMO if one wants an in-dash installation rather than the traditional box mounting. Its a fully hard-wired solution like 'traditional TBCs', works with any trailer up to triple-axles with electric brakes (my ute trailer has brakes on two axles, the Casita a single of course).

Just one of many available options worthy of consideration IMO, most with various pros and cons.

[gsbfree]

I can offer a 2nd voucher for the Red Arc controller. I like that it offers both manual and progressive braking. As previously mentioned, it’s installation package is super clean and there’s no bulky box showing, just the dial that can be placed wherever you choose.