Wired or wireless brake controller

[TesaLD]

We are in the process of purchasing a 2009 13 and need to have a brake controller installed on our 2012 Subaru Forester. I am interested in suggestions for a brake controller and if we should go wired or wireless.

Thanks

[Centex]

Admittedly an olde skoole guy but FWIW I favor the one-time installation hassle in return for long-term simplicity and operational confidence of wire linkage. I also favor the 'always in exactly the same place' / muscle-memory benefit that comes with a 'permanently' mounted controller location.

IME it's rare to need to use a controller's 'manual override', but I want to always know exactly where that thing is just in case; I want to be able to activate manual override by touch alone without ever any need to take my eyes off what's happening on the road or in the rear-view mirror to find that control.

I would never be happy with a brake controller that's dependent on another multi-purpose device (e.g. a smartphone) for it's full-featured operation, as with some wireless units.

All that leads to a 'traditional' hard-wired, hard-mounted controller. IME they last 'forever' and work with any electric-brake trailer you may happen to need or want to tow (no 'trailer mounted' special gizmo required as with some wireless units).

There's many very reputable, I was happy with several versions of Tekonsha Prodigy over the decades, I'm now equally pleased with the Redarc Elite in my Ridgeline (it offers wonderful installation / dashboard integration flexibility).

One man's opinion.

[Effie]

I have the Tekonsha Prodigy RF wireless brake controller, it comes with a receiver you plug in a 12v socket in the TV, no need to use a phone. I’ve got it for about three years in two different tow vehicles, working fine for me. I agree that I don’t want to depend on my phone to operate the trailer brakes, the phone is doing a lot as it is.