Electric Brake Controllers

About this range

If your trailer or caravan runs electric brakes, a brake controller is the piece that lets you operate them properly. Our range features the Elecbrakes trailer mounted electric brake controller with a full spread of plug adaptors to suit common 7 pin and 12 pin sockets, alongside gear from RedArc.

Buy online with Australia-wide shipping, or have your controller supplied and installed at our Burwood workshop in Melbourne's east. Call 03 9808 8966 to talk through your towing setup.

24 products

Buying guide

Towing set-up explained

Safe towing comes down to a few numbers on your trailer and your vehicle. Here's how they decide what brakes, controller and towbar you need.

  1. GTM decides the brakes

    Trailer brake rules use the trailer's GTM (the mass on its axles), not its ATM. Up to 750 kg GTM, no brakes are needed. Over 750 kg the trailer needs brakes, and electric brakes need a controller in the vehicle.

  2. Over 2,000 kg

    All wheels must be braked, with a breakaway system that applies the brakes immediately and holds them for at least 15 minutes if the trailer comes off (VSB 1).

  3. The lowest rating wins

    Your towing limit is the lower of the towbar's rating and the vehicle's rating. The tow ball weight counts towards your vehicle's GVM.

  4. The right plug

    On a 7-pin plug, pin 5 is for brakes only. If the van needs power for a fridge, use a 12-pin plug or an Anderson connection.

Choosing a brake controller

Brake controllers come in two broad styles. In-cab units are wired into the tow vehicle with the adjustment near the driver, while trailer mounted units, such as the Elecbrakes controller we stock, live on the trailer itself, which suits anyone who tows with more than one vehicle. Both do the same core job of applying the trailer's electric brakes in proportion to your braking.

Check your connections before you buy. Trailer plugs vary between 7 pin flat, 12 pin flat and round types, and adaptors are available to bridge the gap between vehicle and trailer. Whatever you choose, the wiring needs to be done properly and the controller set up for the trailer behind you, so allow time to adjust and test it with the trailer loaded.

Related categories

Common questions

When does my trailer need electric brakes?

Brakes are required once the trailer's GTM is over 750 kg. Over 750 kg the brakes must work from a controller in the vehicle unless they are override (over-run) brakes, which are only allowed up to 2,000 kg. Over 2,000 kg every wheel must be braked, plus a breakaway system (VSB 1).

What's the difference between ATM and GTM?

ATM is the trailer's total mass when loaded, including the weight on the tow ball. GTM is the mass carried by the trailer's own axles. ATM minus GTM is the tow ball download. Both are maker ratings, not weighbridge readings.

Proportional or user-controlled brake controller?

A proportional controller brakes the trailer in step with the vehicle and suits most on-road towing. User-controlled (time-based) braking gives you manual control, which Redarc recommends for sand and steep descents.

What is a breakaway system?

A battery-powered system on the trailer that applies its brakes if it separates from the vehicle. It's required over 2,000 kg and must hold the brakes for at least 15 minutes (VSB 1).

How much tow ball weight should I have?

Guidance ranges from about 5 to 10 percent of the trailer's weight. It counts towards your vehicle's GVM and must stay within the towbar's and vehicle's tow ball limits.

How many safety chains does my trailer need?

One chain built to AS 4177.4 up to 2,500 kg ATM, and two above that (VSB 1).

Keep going

Towing MirrorsSee past the van50 in range GVM UpgradesWhen tow ball weight pushes you over10 in range