Bendix Ultimate Tow™ Electric Brake Controller now speaks both 12V and 24V

Bendix expands its Ultimate Tow electric brake controller to suit both 12V and 24V vehicles. Greatly improving towing safety, stability and control for caravans, trailers and heavy touring setups across varied conditions.

Bendix has quietly made one of those smart moves, updating its Ultimate Tow™ Electric Brake Controller to operate across both 12V and 24V electrical systems. At first glance, this may sound like a small technical change, yet in practice, it opens the door for a much wider range of tow vehicles. Suitable for dual-cab utes right through to light-duty trucks increasingly pressed into service hauling large caravans, boats and serious touring rigs.

Previously offered as a 12V-only unit, the latest generation now comfortably bridges the gap between traditional tow vehicles such as the Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max, Toyota HiLux and LandCruiser, and 24V platforms including popular cabover trucks like the Isuzu N Series and Hino 300 Series. These trucks are increasingly used in recreational towing roles. Modern travellers now seek greater payload capacity, improved stability, and greater durability when hauling larger vans over long distances.

In short, Bendix has recognised a shift that many in the touring and transport space have already noticed. Towing expectations are evolving.

Designed for real-world towing conditions

As with the earlier version, the Ultimate Tow™ controller has been locally developed and tested by Bendix engineers in Australia, with operating conditions ranging from long highway stretches to steep mountain descents and uneven regional roads.

At the heart of the unit is a tailored braking algorithm designed to deliver smooth and predictable braking response between the tow vehicle and trailer. That matters because anyone who has experienced poorly matched trailer braking will know the sensation is about as relaxing as towing a shopping trolley with a mind of its own. Usually, when you least want it to.

Compatibility with AL-KO ESC systems, commonly fitted to many caravans and trailers, further enhances integration with modern stability control systems increasingly specified on premium touring equipment.

Simple control where it matters most

In practical terms, the Ultimate Tow™ Electric Brake Controller allows the driver to adjust trailer braking force directly from the driver’s seat via a compact control dial mounted neatly within the cabin.

Turn the dial left to reduce braking force, right to increase it. It is particularly useful when descending long grades or travelling through hilly terrain where maintaining stable trailer behaviour becomes critical to safety and driver confidence.

For night driving, the dial incorporates an LED backlight for improved visibility, a small touch that makes a difference when conditions are less than ideal.

Integrated within the dial is an override function allowing the trailer brakes to be applied independently of the tow vehicle. This can assist in correcting trailer sway by gently bringing the trailer back into line without needing to apply the vehicle brakes.

Additional safety features include open circuit detection and trailer disconnection indication, providing reassurance that the system is functioning correctly before and during travel.

Installation designed to keep dashboards uncluttered

The Ultimate Tow™ kit includes everything required for installation, with 1.28 metres of cabling allowing flexibility when positioning the control module under the dash or beneath a seat.

The rugged aluminium control unit can be mounted at virtually any angle, while only a small hole is required to install the control dial itself. The result is a clean installation that maintains factory interior aesthetics, an important consideration in modern vehicles where dashboard space is increasingly limited.

Works with modern vehicle safety technology

One of the more practical advantages of the Bendix system is that it operates without interfering with modern driver assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control or autonomous emergency braking.

As vehicle technology becomes more sophisticated, compatibility between aftermarket accessories and factory safety systems is increasingly important. Systems that operate harmoniously with vehicle electronics tend to provide a more seamless driving experience, particularly when transitioning between highway touring and unsealed regional roads.

When is an electric brake controller required?

In Australia and New Zealand, trailers and caravans with a Gross Trailer Mass (GTM) exceeding 750 kg are typically equipped with electric brakes. Once GTM exceeds 2,000 kg, regulations require a braking system that can be controlled directly from the driver’s seat.

With caravan sizes continuing to grow, and many travellers carrying additional equipment for extended touring, electric brake controllers have become an essential component in maintaining safe and predictable towing behaviour.

The Bendix Ultimate Tow™ Electric Brake Controller provides a straightforward solution, allowing drivers to tailor braking response to suit vehicle load, terrain and road conditions.

Availability

The updated Bendix Ultimate Tow™ Electric Brake Controller is available through leading automotive, 4×4 and camping retailers across Australia and New Zealand and is supported by a three-year warranty.

For those moving toward heavier touring setups or simply looking for improved control and confidence when towing, it represents a practical upgrade that aligns with the realities of modern touring.

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