Camper Trailer / Electric Brakes Newbie: 'Elecbrakes' Bluetooth Controller Vs Hardwired Experience

swampson on 07/10/2023 - 14:14
Last edited 07/10/2023 - 16:25 by 1 other user

Hello everyone, I got a great deal on a camper trailer recently - the 'single annex' option - and so couldn't pass up the chance to buy it.

Tow vehicle is a 2019 Sante Fe Elite, with a max 2000kg braked towing capacity.

Since purchase, we've not gone travelling with it yet, but am now learning a lot about safety, brake kits, various related weight loading terms, etc. The end goal is obv to tow the camper safely.

I have read up a lot about various wired brake controller units - which obv also need installation costs (I would not want the responsibility of doing it myself) - common examples such as :
-Redarc Tow Pro Elite V3 Electric Trailer Brake Controller
-Bendix Ultimate Tow Electric Brake Controller

And have recently found out about Elecbrakes - no need for auto electrician install / cost, as the unit configuration is controlled wirelessly (smartphone + BT, or a proprietary remote control). Elecbrakes Electric Brake Controller (the control unit stores the last used 'braking profile' so the brakes still function if the BT connection drops - so this should, I am told, not affect the brakes functionality)

For my purposes, the Elecbrakes unit seems ideal - quick to install, switch to other cars/trailers easily; and I would be fine with a bit of additional total cost over the bendix/redarc etc units (even with their incl install costs)

I am curious about anyone's experiences with these - esp if you've used both, but also opinions generally on Elecbrakes. I believe Redarc are the 'go to' brand, which I def respect, but I am wondering if perhaps this is also due to the fact that Elecbrakes / 'wireless' tech in this area being newer, and perhaps not as established yet?

Keen for feedback please, thank you!

Automotive Car Hyundai Motors

Comments

  • Muzeeb on 07/10/2023 - 14:22
    +2

    The end goal is obv to tow the camper safely.

    Thank you very much.

    My daily driving is primarily on regional roads through tourist hot spots. The number of trailers, camper trailers, caravans and boats I see towed incorrectly is unbelievable.

    I've only used traditional electric brakes with wired in car controllers so can't offer any other advise advice.

    • swampson on 07/10/2023 - 14:27

      yeah i hear you - only in last couple wks since we got the camper, have we started noticing other towing trailer, caravans etc .. and have noticed some wonky looking setups myself too. It cant be comforting for those drivers or their passengers (or others on the road that notice these things!) to be close to a towed load that is clearly not safe :(

      What wired kit have you used? I am still able to go either way with the eventual purchase option, so your opinion would still be useful.
      Thanks!

      • Muzeeb on 07/10/2023 - 16:07
        +1

        I've got a tekonsha setup. That's what the installer used and recommended so just ran with that. Been flawless for the last 10 years. Regularly pull a horse float and wakeboat, both with electric brakes.

  • apsilon on 07/10/2023 - 14:32

    FWIW I've only ever installed one brake controller which was wired. IIRC there was nothing to it, it all just plugged in. I did buy the OEM harness from Mitsubishi to make it all just plug in however. IMO you're going to have wiring going to the trailer regardless so adding BT seems to be just adding complexity and relying on another device which surely needs some wiring anyway (at least power at a guess). What happens if your phone is flat/lost/broken?

    • swampson on 07/10/2023 - 14:41

      Guess i'm just generally wary of being responsible for the cabling install - knowing the safety implications if something doesnt work out / fails.

      Elecbrakes is no wiring (as compared to the other kits) .. you mount the EB controller on the trailer, it uses a plug that connects in between the existing sockets on car <> trailer, and that's it. The BT wireless functionality is part of the product, connecting to phone app/remote control unit that allows the same configuration as the dash-mounted Redarc dial would.
      Lost/flat phone would mean the "last set" brake config would continue to be used be the controller — but you have a good point, as losting the option to reconfigure it from the phone would def would not be ideal. I have read of others having a dedicated backup phone for the app usage .. or buy their $180 remote control for that purpose. I'm still undecided on that part of it.

      I should have linked to the manufacturer page in my orig post = https://www.elecbrakes.com/

    • GordonD on 07/10/2023 - 15:31

      at least power at a guess

      Depends on how you've wired pin 7 (I think) on the standard trailer connector. If its wired for reversing lights you don't have any power going to the trailer. If its wired for power you don't have any reversing lights, but you have power to the trailer whenever the towing vehicles ignition is on

  • spackbace on 07/10/2023 - 15:41
    +4

    Just get a RedArc TowPro. Everyone does for a good reason

    • swampson on 07/10/2023 - 16:21

      yeah understood - it's the obvious choice in a traditional sense!

  • spackbace on 07/10/2023 - 15:44

    Tow vehicle is a 2019 Sante Fe Elite, with a max 2000kg braked towing capacity.

    Hmm but 100kg downball

    For a Toyota, we work off 10% downball

    I would really recommend talking to the trailer mob and asking if 100kg downball is sufficient

    • SBOB on 07/10/2023 - 15:51
      +1

      150kg if they have the upgrade Hyundai offer for that series

      (Newer Sante Fe have higher tow and towball weight ratings)

      With a 1600 kg GVM I'd probably be getting that tow rating upgrade from Hyundai (or equiv 3rd party if available)if you didn't already have it. It's just updated heavy duty rear springs.

    • Euphemistic on 07/10/2023 - 17:09

      Lower towball load is not uncommon in Europe. They often aim for 5%. I wouldn’t be surprised if the all load on that camper is more than 10% given the toolboxes in front of the wheels.

  • Anarki2010 on 07/10/2023 - 15:47
    +3

    I've had elecbrakes fitted to our camper trailer for 4ish years now. It does what it is supposed to do and i've not had any issues with it.

    I was originally sceptical about it and had originally intended to install a redarc but I could not find anyone willing to install the redarc in our Tiguan due to concerns with its fancy electronics.

    My only concern has been using the app as the "in car remote control" via my phone and running into trouble with the police/main roads but touchwood I've not been pulled over on a trip yet…

    • swampson on 07/10/2023 - 16:18

      thanks for your first hand info - appreciate it. It sounds like you did not purchase their remote control unit additionally (only running on the phone app)?
      Yes the police questioning it as "using a mobile device" is an interesting question that I am looking in to as well. From what I've read, i believe the the app integration control meets standards set out by ADR 38/05 (taken from their FAQ page) .. still researching though.

  • brendanm on 07/10/2023 - 15:58
    +1

    How do you apply trailer brakes only in a "tail wagging the dog" situation?

    • swampson on 07/10/2023 - 16:22

      i think i understand what you're getting at .. but to save incorrect assumptions, can you elaborate on what you mean?

      • brendanm on 07/10/2023 - 18:16

        Being able to apply trailer brakes only if the trailer starts to get a sway up. It's not a fun experience.

    • Anarki2010 on 07/10/2023 - 16:26
      +1

      You can manually activate the trailer brakes via the remote or app.

    • Malik Nasser on 07/10/2023 - 16:29

      There is an override in the app, though it does require BT connection.
      If you drive responsibly, then it wont be required (though it is there if required).

      • brendanm on 07/10/2023 - 18:15
        +1

        Ok, relying on a Bluetooth connection seems a little sketchy, but at least it's there. Has more to do with the load and balance than driving responsibly.

        • Euphemistic on 07/10/2023 - 19:20
          +2

          Has more to do with the load and balance than driving responsibly.

          This. Road conditions affect it too, things that are outside your control to an extent.

          In OPs case the vehicle will be heavier than the trailer. Plus the trailer has a short rear overhang, likely a decent ball weight and relatively small side profile so shouldn’t be affected by wind gusts as much.

          Having towed a 22’ full height caravan recently can definitely say I want easy access to the manual override and also don’t want to risk a Bluetooth glitch.

          • swampson on 09/10/2023 - 16:22

            @Euphemistic: thanks yup that's a totally solid point - definitely something to consider in my equation

  • deme on 07/10/2023 - 16:06
    -1

    Bluetooth brakes, yep, can't see any problem here.

    • swampson on 07/10/2023 - 16:13

      if you havent already, have a read of the product page .. i dont think they are "bluetooth brakes" in the sense you're thinking?

      • deme on 07/10/2023 - 16:17

        You are right, https://www.elecbrakes.com/resources/ just read it it wasn't what I was thinking. Looks good

        • swampson on 07/10/2023 - 16:20

          all good - yes the whole idea of "bluetooth brakes", in it's obvious manner (ie. completely controlled by BT somehow), sounds disastrously unreliable and unpredictable! Their info seems to set that record straight pretty fast, so it's clearly a concern almost everyone thinks of straight away!

  • Malik Nasser on 07/10/2023 - 16:25
    +3

    Reading through some of the comments, they clearly have no idea. Reading through your responses shows that you have a much better idea than they do.

    My sister has the Elecbrakes installed on her caravan.
    Regarding the Elecbrakes system, they came in very handy recently, as her car broke down, so I had to go and tow her caravan back. As the Elecbrakes system is installed onto the caravan, anyone can go and tow it. I dont have electric brakes installed on my ranger, so I could just reverse up and connect up to the standard 12 pin. Downloaded the app and paired directly to the Elecbrakes controller. Very straightforward.
    As you have already noted, the BT connection is only require to change the settings. Once it is set the BT connection is not required (though you should still have it connected in case you need to change settings if going onto different terrain, or otherwise require brake override to control trailer sway).

    If you are towing a lot, then go with the fixed Redarc controller. For occasional holiday towing, the Electrakes controller is the way to go.

    • Euphemistic on 07/10/2023 - 17:12
      +1

      How do you manually control the brakes if required? Don’t think I’d be able to get my phone out of my pocket, unlock the screen then activate the app and then the brakes much quicker than I could press the on dash controller of the redarc- that’s always in the same spot.

      Maybe not as critical unless the van is heavier than the tug.

      • Malik Nasser on 07/10/2023 - 19:12
        +1

        You have 2 options to connect with the brake controller:
        1. App on your phone
        2. Proprietary remote control (purchased separately)

        I have only ever used the app.
        To apply the trailer brakes manually, there is a big round button in the middle of the screen (within the app), which you touch to apply the brakes (manual override).
        I kept my phone in the holder, on the dash (so right in front of me). I also disabled the login pin, to make it quick and easy to get into the phone (unlock), and also had the app running, so was right there as soon as I turned on the screen.
        Yes it would be a little slower than the fixed Redarc, but not much slower.
        If you are concerned with the access speed, then also purchase the remote control, and have a holder bracket fixed on the dash, so it would be equivalent to the Redarc dash button.

        • Euphemistic on 07/10/2023 - 19:17

          Thanks. Makes sense to have a big red button on the app. Think I’d invest in the remote if I had one.

  • Euphemistic on 07/10/2023 - 17:03

    Can’t comment on wireless ones, haven’t used one. I do like the portable nature of them as we have two possible tow cars which requires two hardwired units, plus just sold a car that had one left on it.

    Have had 4 cars fitted with 3 different redarc towpro units and towed 3 different vans. Never had an issue with them. Self fitted to 3 cars (one removed from one car fitted to the next), dealer fitted with the latest. It’s not that difficult to install if you’re handy. Hardest part is getting trim panels off without busting clips.

  • QA on 08/10/2023 - 08:13
    +1

    We’ve used portable elecbrakes for a couple of years and had no trouble. Can tow camper with different cars and no special installation. We just use the app on a phone, without a remote and have had no problems, although having it placed where the manual override button is visible and accessible makes sense.

    • swampson on 09/10/2023 - 16:24

      thanks for your comments - sounds like a pretty similar situation to my plan.

  • geekcohen on 08/10/2023 - 08:55

    I found that the Bluetooth ones and the Wired Tow Pros are about the same in cost. Whilst the Bluetooth one does give flexibility for different vehicles, I think if you are towing frequently with multiple trailers, get a Wired Tow Pro.

    I have a Caravan and an 8x5 trailer. I'll be getting the trailer fitted with electric brakes soon for convenience and it needs new bearings which are about the same cost with or without electric brakes.

    I have a tow pro elite fitted to my 2021 Ranger.

  • ozbargainoid on 08/10/2023 - 15:05
    +1

    If your car has rear sensors, you my have to fit an upgrade kit to them as well.

    • swampson on 09/10/2023 - 16:42

      rear sensors, as in for reversing/proximity warnings? hmm, i had never considered that - but now that you mention it when i was reversing with the camper attached the other wk, yes the car complained endlessly about "something" (ie. the camper), being too close to the rear sensors.
      Have you had this upgrade done yourself? if so, how much was it?

      • apsilon on 09/10/2023 - 16:45
        +1

        The one I did the OEM plug in harness I bought also automatically disabled the sensors when something was connected. Might be worth checking if Hyundai has something similar available.

        • swampson on 09/10/2023 - 16:47

          ok interesting point, thanks for that; yes i will def check out. I do remember telling the car to "SHUT UP" quite a few times as i reversed with camper attached (my first time, so it didnt go according to plan), and having to deal with incessant beeping the whole time :)

          • Euphemistic on 09/10/2023 - 20:45
            +1

            @swampson: Most modern cars should have an option to disable reverse sensors when a trailer plug is installed. There’s an additional circuit that is broken when the flap of a trailer socket is opened.

  • ton1 on 08/10/2023 - 20:27

    I use a Bluetooth hand throttle on my car. Software is rock solid works great

    • swampson on 09/10/2023 - 16:41

      can you elaborate on the product you're referring to here?

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