Hayes Energize III+ Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 3 Axles - Proportional
(119 reviews)
Price: $89.56
Hayes Energize III+ Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 3 Axles - Proportional
Our Price: $89.56
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Hayes Trailer Brake Controller
- Electric
- Up to 3 Axles
- Proportional Controller
- Hayes
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Indicator Lights
This proportional brake controller keeps towing simple with a straightforward design and user-friendly controls. Includes an LED indicator and a slide-bar manual override. Adhesive backing gives you the option of drill-free mounting.
Features:
- Brake controller activates your trailer brakes in proportion to your vehicle's braking action
- Automatically adjusts trailer's braking based on deceleration of tow vehicle
- Simple controls keep your settings within easy reach
- Gain setting lets you adjust the amount of power sent to the trailer's brakes
- Slide-bar manual override allows you to control trailer sway or stop in emergencies
- Deceleration sensor lever lets you adjust initial braking power and aggressiveness for smooth, safe braking
- Red LED indicator lights up when brakes are engaged
- Quick, simple installation with included bracket and hardware
- Drill-free installation option with included adhesive tape
- Optional universal wiring adapter (HA81789-HBC) sold separately for a plug-and-play installation
- Plug-in, vehicle-specific brake control adapter (sold separately) can be used to reduce installation time on certain vehicles
- -35-Degree to 90-degree mounting range - must be horizontally level
- Made in the USA
Specs:
- Application: trailers with up to 3 axles (6 brake assemblies)
- Compatible with electric brakes only
- Dimensions: 5-3/8" long x 3-1/4" wide x 1-3/8" tall
- Mounting angle: -35 degrees to 90 degrees vertically
- 5-Year limited warranty
Gain Setting for Braking Power
You can adjust the gain setting (also known as braking output) on the Hayes Energize III+ using the thumbwheel on the front of the module. This will set the maximum amount of power that will be applied to your trailer's brakes. You want to go as high as you can without the trailer brakes locking up. Typically, the gain is only readjusted when you experience changing road conditions or if you switch over from a heavy, loaded trailer to a much lighter, empty trailer, or vice versa. To get more power to your brakes, turn the wheel up. To get less power to your brakes, turn the wheel down.
The red LED indicator on the front of the module will light up when the brake controller is activated. This way you can keep your eye on your braking and be sure that it's working.
Sensitivity Adjustment with Deceleration Sensor Lever
Once you have the overall power set, you can fine-tune the power output by adjusting the sensitivity of the internal sensor. This controls the aggressiveness of your trailer's braking, meaning how quickly the brakes reach the maximum braking level. You can adjust this when you're towing heavy loads and you need more umph to bring your trailer to a stop. Your tow vehicle doesn't need that much power to brake in time, but your heavy trailer does. Boost gets the braking power to your trailer brakes faster and with more intensity so that it doesn't push your tow vehicle forward. To increase the sensitivity for towing heavier loads, move the lever away from you. For a lighter load, move the lever toward you.
Slide-Bar Manual Override
The Hayes Energize III+ comes with a built-in, easy-to-reach slide-bar manual override, great for stopping sway or controlling your trailer's momentum in emergencies. To engage the manual override, just push the slide-bar to the left, toward the center of the controller. This will activate the trailer's brakes and brake lights without you having to apply the brakes on your tow vehicle, perfect for limiting trailer movement while you're cruising.
Quick, Simple Installation
The Hayes Energize III+ is easy to mount wherever you want it. Simply use the bolts or the double-sided tape to secure the included mounting bracket to your dash, and then install the controller in the bracket.
If your vehicle already has a plug-in brake controller wiring harness, just connect the unit to it. Otherwise, you will need to purchase a vehicle-specific wiring harness (sold separately) to plug into. If a harness is unavailable for your vehicle, hardwiring will be necessary.
Because the Hayes Energize III+ operates with an internal inertia sensor, it must be mounted between -35 degrees and 90 degrees vertically. The brake controller also needs to be horizontally level and parallel with the direction of travel to function properly.
Installation Accessories
See etrailer.com's exclusive 7- and 4-way brake-control installation kit (ETBC7 - sold separately) if you don't already have a 7-way plug at the back of your vehicle
Note: One of the following will be required to ensure proper installation:
- 20-Amp circuit breaker (9506P - sold separately) for 2- to 4-brake applications
- 30-Amp circuit breaker (38630 - sold separately) for 6- to 8-brake applications
Proportional Braking
The Hayes Energize III+ brake controller comes equipped with proportional braking to give you the best towing experience. Proportional braking means that your trailer brakes mimic your tow vehicle's brakes. If you slam on the brakes in your vehicle, your trailer brakes will activate with the same intensity; if you brake lightly, your trailer brakes lightly too. The trailer's braking is in proportion to your vehicle's braking. This saves wear and tear on the tires and the brakes on both your vehicle and trailer.
The Energize III+ uses a pendulum system to sense how your vehicle is braking so it can send the right amount of braking power to your trailer. It detects the inertia of your tow vehicle and activates the trailer's brakes to slow at the same rate. The result is uniform braking across your towing setup. No push-pull action - just smooth, proportional braking every time.
81742B Hayes-Lemmerz Energize III Plus Brake Controller - 1 to 3 Axles - Proportional
Replaces 81741B and 81745
Item # HA81742B
Installation Details
Alternate Instructions
Customer Satisfaction Score:
95% were satisfied with this product
5% of customers were not satisfied
- Wrong item was ordered
- Product did not meet expectations
- Did not arrive in time
Customer Reviews
Hayes Energize III+ Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 3 Axles - Proportional - HA81742B
Average Customer Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars (119 Customer Reviews)
This proportional brake controller keeps towing simple with a straightforward design and user-friendly controls. Includes an LED indicator and a slide-bar manual override. Adhesive backing gives you the option of drill-free mounting.by: Danny C05/27/2024
I love this trailer brake controller. It works really well and does exactly what it is advertised to do. Definitely recommend it!
by: Terry 11/10/2022
This controller was truly "plug&play". Installation was 30 min. Works perfectly. E-trailer has always been my go-to for all my truck and camper needs!
by: Robert Barker04/23/2024
This is my second order with etrailer. Both experiences with your company have been very positive. The knowledge and friendliness -along with following up on orders and satisfaction have been much appreciated. Brittany, the customer representative, is a huge asset to etrailer.
by: Matthew04/28/2024
I opened the box and there was rattling around in controller. It was the f
Gsi. Dial!!! I Want my money back
by: 09/25/2023
Controller installed easily. Unit applies brakes ok. My big concern is the
lack of the voltage setting being displayed. This is first controller I have
worked with. Video says good back unit. Ok that it is. But if I had known what I know now, would have purchased unit with digital voltage setting. Setting wheel to same spot each use is causing me to go through setting process each time. There is a difference with brakes with unloaded and loaded trailer.
by: Luke04/12/2024
Works like it should. Easy install. Other models will offer more features, but for a part time camper puller like myself, it does the job
by: Jeff05/05/2023
The controller is not at all smooth in applying brakes. very abrupt in braking, have tried adjustments and mounting with no improvement. Would not recommend.
by: Brent09/07/2023
It continues to do its job flawlessly. Have not had a single concern with it while towing. It allows for manual application of braking "pressure", but except for testing it at low speeds to verify operation, I have not had to touch it at all while highway towing, as it achieves smooth, even stopping power. Still very pleased with the purchase!
by: Mike04/17/2024
Works perfectly. 1 year and counting.
by: Marshall02/25/2023
Easy to install and great customer service. One problem: writing on instructions was so small I had to use magnifying glass to read it and my vision is 20/20. This needs to be corrected by manufacturer. Instead of tiny writing in several non English languages, print it so the vast majority of customers can actually read it. This would probably eliminat e many customers calling etrailer for help in installation.
by: Charles11/11/2022
Remember the adage, "you get what you pay for"? Certainly applies here...I will never know if this unit was faulty when I received, or if it simply is poor quality. But the "gain" function on it does nothing, and therefore I can't dial in the sensitivity that is needed. Again, I don't know when/how it became inoperable, but I just ordered it's replacement. Am hopeful for a better experience...
Jenny N.
11/16/2022
This controller does have a limited lifetime warranty against manufacturer defect. Customer Service will be in touch.
by: Dale10/25/2023
Easy to install. Clear instructions.,Works great.
by: Jodie03/01/2024
work's great, thanks
by: Marc C11/06/2023
Appreciate the installation videos
by: Curtis 08/08/2023
The plug and play wire harness that I ordered for my pickup should have been 5-6 inches longer. Otherwise everything was fine.
by: Ken 03/14/2024
Great service good people to deal with
by: Ernest 11/04/2022
This brake controller has worked great no problems at all I would recommend it to anyone using this style of brake controller.
by: Richard 10/23/2019
Got tip off Utube for the wiring harness adapter for a 2019 Ram. Installation was plug and play. We have a 26 ft camper we will be towing. Very easy install.
Richard
10/29/2020
Great! No complaints.
by: Liam11/05/2022
Nicole was outstanding in knowledge and patience with me. She helped me get through my mistaken order and get me the right brake controller and adaptor harness for my truck. I installed it in less than and hour and it is working great. She also made the return of the controller and harness a breeze.
by: William 02/26/2023
Perfect, exactly what I needed great price, fast delivery, easy installation. It only took about 30 minutes total. The hardest part was for an old man to get down that low in the floor well. Thanks again etrailer.
by: Chris 09/07/2021
Best of the four brake controllers I've had so far in my truck. Easy to adjust on the fly if brakes are too strong or weak. Manual override felt solid unlike some controllers out there. The instructions could've been written a little clearer though. 4 prong square plug also fits Curt controllers if swapping. Overall nice controller for the money, should've bought this one first and saved the cash
by: James08/04/2018
Very pleased with the Hayes controller and the installation videos and information available at etrailer. My installation was hardwired due to an earlier install which removed a connector, so etrailer support was very beneficial plus their price was very competitive...a winning combination.
by: Larry11/04/2023
Works but doesn’t totally perform as 2012 stock dodge one.
by: Richard 04/29/2023
Simple install with wire harness from etrailer, plugin, adjust, done. Works and does what I anticipated.
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Show More Reviews
See what our Experts say about this Hayes Trailer Brake Controller
- Brake Controller Connector Location on 2005 Dodge Ram 1500If your 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 came with a factory 4-Way or 7-Way trailer connector at the rear then yes, there is an OEM harness under the driver's side dash and to the right of the emergency brake pedal. Typically this should be blue but the color could vary. If you don't have a factory trailer connector at the rear of your vehicle then you'll need to hardwire everything. The brake controller I recommend, if you don't already have one, is the Hayes-Lemmerz Energize III+ # HA81742B because...
view full answer... - Troubleshooting Brake Controller Installation on a 2011 Ram 2500 with OEM ControllerWhen you're installing the Hayes controller, like the Energize III+ # HA81742B, on your 2011 Ram 2500 you should be able to install it by using the Wiring Adapter # HA81795-HBC. This plugs into the existing factory plug so you won't have to do any splicing with your wiring. If you're disconnecting wires and splicing the brake controller in then that may be why you're experiencing this. Under normal circumstances a brake controller should not be affecting the tail lights on the vehicle...
view full answer... - Plug and Play Wiring Adapter Needed For Hayes G2 Trailer Brake Controller On a 2017 Toyota 4RunnerYou will need the Curt Custom Wiring Adapter # C51362 for your 2017 Toyota 4Runner. The Hayes G2 trailer brake controller uses this style connector like their Energize III+ Trailer Brake Controller # HA81742B.
view full answer... - Red Light on Hayes Brake Controller Stays on and Drains Tow Vehicle BatteryI am not sure which Hayes brake controller that you have, but in reviewing the installation instructions for the Hayes-Lemmerz Energize III+ Electric Trailer Brake Controller # HA81742B I found that there is a section that goes over if the "Controller red indicator on all the time." The solutions they offer call for testing the Red wire and the Blue wire on the brake controller with a circuit tester like part # PTW2992. The Red wire connects to your Stop Light Switch and only receives...
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- Best Brake Controller for 2018 Chrysler Pacifica with Factory Towing PackageWhen installing a brake controller on your 2018 Chrysler Pacifica there are easy and straight forward installation kits available. I see you were looking at the Hayes products. The Hayes-Lemmerz Energize III+ Electric Trailer Brake Controller -Part # HA81742B along with the Custom Wiring Adapter for Hayes Brake Controllers - Dual Plug Part # HA81796-HBC will plug directly in to a port under your dash and allow you to install your controller with little hassle. As an alternative I really...
view full answer... - Recommended Electric Over Hydraulic Trailer Brake Conversion for Dual 10K AxlesThe Disc Brake Kit # K2R1058D13 by Kodiak is the brake set that you will need to use for your 10,000 lb Dexter Torsion axles. When it comes to hardware, like the brake line, I recommend going with the HydraStar Hydraulic Brake Line Kit # HS496-252 which will wear better than other traditional brands. These lines are very flexible so the line is easy to maneuver under the trailer. The only downfall is that you cannot cut the line due to how hard and risky it is to do yourself. All you have...
view full answer... - Does Install of Brake Controller in a Vehicle Affect Vehicle BrakesThe brake controller you sent in a picture of will only affect the brakes of a trailer you would be towing. It does not affect the brakes of your vehicle in any way if you were to leave the controller installed. I attached an FAQ article on brake controllers for you to check out as well.
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- Will Hayes Energize III Work on Tandem Axle Trailer with One Brake AxleThe Hayes Energize III brake controller part # HA81742B that you referenced will work great on a tandem axle trailer that has one brake axle. That means your trailer has two assemblies which is perfect with this controller.
view full answer... - Is There a Plug and Play Harness for Hayes Energize III Brake Controller on 2016 MB Sprinter 3500I have a solution for you, and there are some brake controllers available that can be used with a plug and play wiring harness to ease installation; however the Hayes Energize III # HA81742B is not one of those controllers and it would need to be hard wired into the vehicle no matter what. If you want to go that route you can use the # HA81789-HBC to plug into the Energize III and gives you the pigtail wiring needed to hardwire. With that said, instead of the Hayes Energize III I recommend...
view full answer... - Wireless Brake Controller for a 2020 Ford Transit T250 w/ out a Plug in Harness There are no plug in adapters for the 2020 Ford Transit T250 so you will either have to tap into your van's wiring harness or use a wireless brake controller like the Curt Echo item # C51180. This Bluetooth-enabled brake controller wirelessly connects to your smartphone. The compact unit plugs in line with your 7-way trailer connector completely eliminating the bulky controller on your console and the hassle of wiring. This is a proportional brake controller that automatically adjusts your...
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- Brake Controller Wiring Harness Recommended for 2004 Ford ExpeditionWe do indeed have a harness that would work for you. The actual plug and play harness you need will depend on who manufactured the brake controller you have. I'll run through some of the major players and the part number for the compatible harness: • Tekonsha, Reese or Draw-Tite, use # 3035-P • Curt, use # C51322 • Hayes, use # HA81783-HBC • Redarc, use # RED87FR • Hopkins, use # HM47715 If your controller is from a different manufacturer or just has blunt-ended wires exiting the rear...
view full answer... - Can Hayes Energize III Install in 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 ST 4X4For your 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 the Hayes Energize III part # HA81742B that you referenced can be installed if you use the install harness part # HA81782-HBC that you referenced as that is the custom fit harness designed for your truck.
view full answer... - Manual Override Works But Brake Pedal Does NotIt sounds like you are using a Hayes brake controller like the Hayes Energize III+ # HA81742B. If the manual override works and the brake pedal does not, your best bet will be to go in with a tester. You'll be looking for the red wire to only show power when your brake pedal is pressed. If the red wire is constantly hot, you will need to find a different source that only gets power when you press the brake pedal. The brake pedal should apply the brake proportionally when the vehicle decelerates....
view full answer... - Testing Impulse Electric Trailer Brake Controller To Determine If It Works or Needs ReplacedIt is possible the controller could be bad as it is an older model but it could be as simple as some corrosion on that brake output pin. I recommend using some sand paper on the vehicle and trailer side connectors. If that doesn't solve your issue, you can run some simple tests to determine if the controller is bad. Use a circuit tester like # PTW2992 to check the blue output wire coming out of your controller about 6 inches behind the controller. If you have power when you hit the...
view full answer... - Is There a Harness for Brake Controller on 2016 Jeep Renegade?All brake controllers on your 2016 Jeep Renegade, including one such as the Hayes # HA81742B, will need to be hardwired in as there is no compatible harness. Due to the difficulty in locating the stoplight wire it is recommended to get your brake controller professionally installed. The brake controller I strongly recommend is the Prodigy P3 # 90195; it is the most popular model we carry due to its effectiveness and ease of use. It will activate your trailer's brakes immediately in proportion...
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- 2013 Ford Escape Brake Controller Wiring Kit CompatibilitySince a brake controller is not a vehicle specific item, either the Tekonsha Voyager Brake Controller # 39510 and the Hayes Brake Controller # HA81742B would be compatible fit for your 2013 Ford Escape. My recommendation would be to use the Tekonsha Voyager # 39510. This is one of our better selling brake controllers and has proven itself to be user friendly and the manufacturer has a reputation for producing a high quality product. It also offers a wider range of fine tune power adjustments...
view full answer... - Trailer Brake Controller Manual Override Not Functioning but Trailer Brakes Work from Brake PedalSince the trailer brakes are working when you press on the brake pedal, it sounds like there could be one of two things going on here. It could be something as simple as the connections inside the controller being dirty or dusty. Give the manual override button a series of pushes and let the button snap back up into place- we just want to try to dislodge anything that might be keeping the button from making a full connection to the internal parts that operate the manual override. If the...
view full answer... - Does The Red Indicator LED On Hayes Energize III Activate When The Trailer is Disconnected? Yes, the red indicator light will illuminate on your Hayes-Lemmerz Energize III+ Electric Trailer Brake Controller # HA81742B when either the brake pedal is pressed or when using the manual override. This will happen both when disconnected from a trailer or connected.
view full answer... - Troubleshooting Hayes Energize III+ Trailer Brake Controller Lights Up With Turn SignalsThis is quite strange so I'm not quite sure what the problem would be either. Since you used the # HA81794-HBC for installation I doubt anything with your installation is the problem. However, it wouldn't hurt to unplug the connectors and plug them back in to make sure they are seated properly. I suppose there could be some kind of short in the wiring allowing power to transfer over and back to the brake controller triggering the LED light but that seems like a pretty slim chance. With...
view full answer... - Troubleshooting Electric Brake Controller That Only Shows Power with Manual OverrideIf your Kelsey brake controller is for electric brakes, like the Hayes Energize III+ # HA81742B, then you'll be looking for the red wire to only show power when your brake pedal is pressed. If you're seeing constant power on the input side of the red wire then that would be an issue and why you're seeing constant power on the blue wire. You'll want to either find the cause of your red wire being constantly hot, and/or find a different source that only gets power when you press the brake...
view full answer... - Troubleshooting Hayes Trailer Brake Controller LED Flashing While Driving With CamperThe LED light on your Hayes Trailer Brake Controller comes on when it senses power from the brake light switch or the controller is manually activated. Your brake light switch on your 2015 Nissan Pathfinder may be faulty. Since it is just blinking it does not see the power long enough to activate the trailer brakes. Since you have a 2nd Hayes controller on your other vehicle I would recommend swapping them to see if the same issue occurs with the other controller. This will tell you...
view full answer... - Hayes Blackbird Has Constant Power On Blue Wire Without Brake Pedal or Override ActivatedCorrect, if you have constant power on the blue brake output wire then your brake controller is faulty and will need to be replaced. The Hayes Blackbird Trailer Brake Controller part HA81726 is a timed delayed brake controller so this would be a great time to upgrade to a proportional brake controller which will be much smoother and will have a faster response time. The Hayes-Lemmerz Energize III part # HA81742B would be a good option for this and it uses the same plug and mount you have...
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- What Does Lever On Side of Hayes HA81742B Energize III Brake Controller DoThe lever on the side of the Hayes # HA81742B Energize III brake controller is what levels the internal pendulum for the accelerometer that determines how quickly the vehicle is braking. Once installed, the lever should be pointed downward, at a 90º angle to the floor of the vehicle. This controller has a rudimentary display consisting of one LED, which isn't very user friendly. If you're pretty experienced using brake controllers, this might be a good choice for you but if you aren't,...
view full answer... - Will Curt C51180 Echo Brake Controller Override Existing Aftermarket Brake ControllerThat's an excellent question! The Curt # C51180 Echo wireless trailer brake controller will work with your aftermarket brake controller installed. The Echo gets all its inputs from the 7-way trailer connector, bot the brake lamp circuit and the 12V power for the trailer brakes, so once you plug it in it'll completely bypass any existing aftermarket brake controller. The existing brake controller won't even 'know' there's a trailer connected. As long as the 12V feed to the 7-way connector's...
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Do you have a question about this Trailer Brake Controller?
Info for this part was:
Expert Research:
Mike L
Expert Research:
Jameson C
Video by:
Joshua S
Video by:
Jacob H
Video by:
Samuel H
Video Edited:
Jacob T
Video Edited:
Chris R
Updated by:
Kathleen M
Updated by:
Wilson B
Updated by:
Hannah L
Updated by:
Amanda K
Written by:
Laura H
Installed by:
Cole B
Test Fit:
Shane H
Test Fit:
Ryan G
Test Fit:
Matthew B
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Terry
11/15/2023
This controller has been very reliable this past year. No problems with mounting or function. Would still recommend to anyone needing a quality,plug-and- play brake controller. SAFETY FIRST !!