Tow-Pro Elite brake controllers are compatible with both electric and electric/hydraulic trailer braking systems, while the Tow-Pro Classic is not recommended for hydraulic setups.
The Classic continuously activates the hydraulic pump whenever the brake is applied, causing unnecessary wear, whereas the Elite includes park-brake assist to reduce pump use and extend service life.
For 24V vehicles towing trailers with electric/hydraulic brakes, the Tow-Pro Elite requires a REDARC EB24A adaptor, which converts 24V signals to 12V, protects sensitive pump electronics, supports override brake lights, and balances the battery supply.
REDARC recommends seeking the support of a qualified auto electrician or technician.
Important
For your safety, REDARC recommends installation by a qualified auto electrician or technician. Our trusted REDNetwork is made up of professional auto electrical businesses certified by REDARC to install the complete of REDARC solutions. Find Your Local Installer
This information is applicable to the following products:
- Tow-Pro Elite V2 (EBRH-ACCV2)
- Tow-Pro Elite V3 (EBRH-ACCV3)
- Tow-Pro Classic (EBRHV2)
Is my Tow-Pro suitable for electric/hydraulic trailer braking systems?
Tow-Pro Elite models (V2 and V3) are universal and are suitable for most modern electric and electric/hydraulic trailer braking systems.
Tow-Pro Classic and user-controlled brake controllers are not recommended to use on trailers with electric/hydraulic trailer brake systems.
Please note: Some electric/hydraulic systems such as the ALKO IQ7 Extreme are only compatible with their own proprietary brake controller.
Why can't I use a Tow-Pro Classic with a Trailer with electric/hydraulic trailer brakes?
Tow-Pro Classic
The Tow-Pro Classic is a user-controlled brake controller. When you press the override button or the brake pedal, it sends output to the trailer brakes. In electric/hydraulic systems, a hydraulic pump activates to apply pressure to the disc brakes. This means that whenever you are stationary with your foot on the brake, the hydraulic pump operates continuously to maintain the trailer brakes. However, there are situations, such as on flat roads, where trailer brakes may not be necessary which results in additional use of the hydraulic pump reducing service life.
Tow-Pro Elite
The Tow-Pro Elite models feature a park-brake assist function that detects when trailer brakes are needed to support braking while at a standstill. On flat road conditions, the Tow-Pro Elite can turn off the trailer brakes, reducing wear on the hydraulic pump and extending the service life of your electric/hydraulic trailer system.
If I have a 24V vehicle, can I still use a Tow-Pro Elite when towing electric/hydraulic trailer braking systems?
A 24V vehicle fitted with a Tow-Pro Elite would not require any extra components when towing a trailer with electric/magnetic brakes however an electric/hydraulic braking system would require extra components.
Some electric/hydraulic braking systems can be sensitive depending on what electronics are within the hydraulic pump system. This means that they require a 12V input on the red and black wire of the Tow-Pro Elite, to prevent damage to these electronics. The 12V input on the red and black wires can be supplied using a REDARC Electric Trailer Brake Adaptor for 24V Vehicles (EB24A).
What is an electric trailer brake adaptor for 24V vehicles?
An EB24A is a power converter which supports the following features:
- Converts a 24V brake signal to a 12V signal for the Tow-Pro Elite (red wire).
- Allows the Tow-Pro Elite override button to switch on 24V brake lights.
- Provides charge equalization of the supply batteries so 12V can be supplied from the 24V battery bank.