Pro Series 80500 POD Trailer Time-Delay Electric Brake Controller for Trailers with 1-2 Axles Review (2026)

Who this controller fits

This controller fits owners of small to mid-size trailers with 1 or 2 axles, such as a single-axle travel trailer or a light utility trailer, who need a basic electric brake controller without paying for proportional sensing they may not need. Because the POD design is compact and can mount in any orientation, including upside down, it suits drivers with limited dash or console space where a bulkier controller would not fit cleanly. It is a reasonable first controller for someone new to towing who wants straightforward time-delay operation rather than the more involved setup and gain-tuning that proportional controllers often require, though owners with larger, heavier or multi-axle trailers should look at a proportional unit instead.

Controls and compatibility

The 80500 uses time-delay braking, which applies trailer brake power at a fixed, preset ramp rather than sensing the tow vehicle's actual deceleration the way a proportional controller does. It features a dual-digit LED display that shows power output and real-time diagnostics, plus a manual override lever for applying trailer brakes independently when needed. The unit includes internal circuit protection with short-circuit and loss-of-ground detection, and it is compatible with a wide range of vehicles including Ford, GM, Chevy, Dodge, RAM, Toyota and Jeep platforms wired for 2 or 4 brake trailers. A compatible brake control wiring harness is required and sold separately, since the controller itself does not include vehicle-specific wiring.

Setup and daily use

Setting up the POD is meant to be plug and play once the correct wiring harness for the tow vehicle is installed, after which the controller mounts under or near the dash using the included hardware, with the up-front adjustment controls staying accessible even if the unit ends up mounted upside down. Living with a time-delay controller day to day means less fine-tuning than a proportional unit, but also a less adaptive feel, since braking power ramps up the same way regardless of how hard the driver is actually braking the tow vehicle. Checking the LED display periodically for diagnostic codes and confirming the manual override lever still functions smoothly are the main ongoing maintenance points for this controller.

How it compares with proportional rivals

Within the best RV brake controllers guide, the 80500 ranks behind the REDARC Tow-Pro Liberty, the Timilge proportional controller, the LAJBZ electronic brake control and the LeleoCar 8508211, all of which use proportional sensing rather than time-delay, which explains most of the gap in scoring since proportional controllers generally deliver smoother, load-matched stops. The 80500 does rank ahead of the Autowbrake unit in the same guide, and its simpler time-delay design and lower complexity make it a reasonable entry point for owners who do not need the more advanced sensing the higher-ranked proportional controllers offer, particularly on lighter trailers where the smoothness difference matters less.

Verdict and who should pick something else

Owners of light, 1 to 2 axle trailers who want a simple, compact brake controller without the cost or complexity of proportional sensing get solid value from the Pro Series 80500. RVers with heavier, multi-axle trailers, or anyone who wants the smoothest possible braking feel, should choose a proportional controller such as the REDARC, Timilge or LeleoCar units ranked ahead of it in the same guide instead. As a straightforward, budget-friendly way to meet basic trailer brake requirements, the 80500 does its job reliably, matching our score of 7.2 out of 10 for a dependable but basic controller.

Frequently asked questions