Do I need an electric brake controller for towing in Australia?

In Australia, an electric brake controller is required if your trailer, caravan, or camper is equipped with electric brakes. This is typically necessary for trailers with a Gross Trailer Mass (GTM) exceeding 750 kg. For trailers over 2,000 kg, a “breakaway” system is also required, which ensures the brakes can be applied if the trailer becomes detached from the tow vehicle.

How long does it take to install an electric brake controller?

The installation time for an electric brake controller can vary. Traditional installations may take a few hours, especially if modifications to the vehicle’s dashboard are required. However, some modern systems, like the Elecbrakes, offer a “Plug & Play” solution that can be installed in as little as 10 minutes.

Can an electric brake controller be installed on any vehicle?

Yes, an electric brake controller can be installed on most vehicles used for towing, provided the vehicle can accommodate the necessary modifications. Some modern controllers, like Elecbrakes, are designed to be trailer-mounted, allowing them to be used with any tow vehicle without dashboard modifications.

How does an electric brake controller improve towing safety?

An electric brake controller improves towing safety by ensuring that the trailer’s brakes are activated in proportion to the towing vehicle’s brakes. This helps prevent the trailer from pushing against the tow vehicle during braking, reducing the risk of accidents. It also provides smoother and more controlled braking, which is especially important when towing heavy loads or navigating difficult terrain.

Electric Brake Controller Installation Melbourne Wide

Enhance Trailer Safety with Electric Brake Controllers

Electric brake controllers are essential for ensuring the safety and control of your trailer. With advanced braking technology, they provide a reliable and efficient braking system.

Reliable Performance

Experience smooth and responsive braking, giving you peace of mind on the road.

Easy Installation

Our electric brake controllers are designed for easy installation and compatibility with various trailer systems.

Happy Customers

Read what our satisfied customers have to say

Excellent

4.9

Based on 236 reviews

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Richie Ryan

2 weeks ago

No 1. Too easy start to finish. No need to look elsewhere. See Luke

Response from the owner:Hi Richie,

Thanks so much for the ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review! We really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.

It was a pleasure supplying and installing your towbar, and we’re glad everything went smoothly for you. If you ever need anything else down the track, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thanks again for choosing Fivestar Towbars! 🚗🔧

KATE L

2 weeks ago

Very professional Anthony friendly great quick job very knowledgeable.
Great job thanks

Response from the owner:Thanks so much for the great review, Kate!

We really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. Anthony takes a lot of pride in being professional, knowledgeable and efficient, so it’s awesome to hear that came through on the day.

Thanks again for choosing Fivestar Towbars — we’re always here if you need anything in the future! 🚗🔧

Greg Pollard

3 weeks ago

Five Star Tow Bars were absolutely brilliant! They installed electric brake controllers in two cars and one of our trucks where they came to the site we were working. They then also attended our yard a week or so later and serviced 5 of our trailers. They have everything working great and the team on site were fantastic explaining what they were doing and any works they also recommended to be done. I have great peace of mind for the business now for all our towing. We will be using them going forward and would highly recommend them.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the fantastic five-star review and for trusting Five Star Tow Bars with your vehicles and trailers. We're thrilled our team could install the electric brake controllers onsite and service your trailers while clearly explaining the work and recommendations. It’s great to hear you have peace of mind for your business towing needs and that you’ll be using us going forward. We appreciate the recommendation and look forward to supporting you whenever you need us.

Chris Whyte

2 months ago

Five Star Technicians (Ryan & Kane) did a fantastic job of installing a towbar for my VW Touareg with additional plugs for connecting our caravan. When I contact them, Luke knew actually I needed. I am very happy with the end result. Thank you all very much. Christine, 13th Jan 2026

Response from the owner:Thanks for the great Review Chris!
Happy travels in the caravan.
From the team at Fivestar Towbars.

brenton bright

2 months ago

Best in market service, price, delivery and friendly technician on site.
Got a towbar install. I called 10 providers some quoted up to double for same service as these guys. They also had the fastest turnaround time.
Don't bother calling others just dial Five Star Towbar.

Response from the owner:Thanks for the great review Brenton!
We're Glad you are happy with our service and have spread the word.

Dan E

2 months ago

Highly recommended. Had a redarc brake controller fitted to an Isuzu. Professional, arrived on time and did a great job. Price was very reasonable and home installation was a bonus.

Response from the owner:Awesome!
Thanks Dan

Chris Yates

2 months ago

The team at Five Star Towbars did a fantastic job with our box trailer. Re-wired and fit out for registration. We were unable to tow it so they came to us, which was super convenient. Works were carried out quickly and efficiently and all good. Would definitely recommend.

Response from the owner:We are glad you are happy with our service Chris.
Thanks for the great review!

Mick Craig

3 months ago

Excellent service, Luke managed to squeeze me in before Christmas to fit a towbar, brake and power for the van!! All very reasonable priced ! Thank you

Response from the owner:Cheers Mick!
We really appreciate the feedback.

Steve Gerrard

3 months ago

Easy booking process. Incredible service with a huge lounge area to relax in.

Response from the owner:Thanks for the great review Steve!
Glad you relaxed in our lounge.

Nick Dunn

3 months ago

Ryan and the team at Five Star Towbars were brilliant, easy to deal with, great pricing and quality workmanship. Definately recommend them

Response from the owner:Thanks Ryan!
We appreciate the repeat business. See you on the next one.

Elaine Lin

3 months ago

They are highly efficient and professional. I rang yesterday and Luke gave a fair price. I booked them for today. Job done less than 2 hours. Amazing! They are nice people and keep their words to ensure good customer service. Highly recommended 👍

Response from the owner:Thanks Elaine.
We're glad you are happy with our service.

Jesse Calvert

4 months ago

Just had a towbar fitted to my XC40 today. Friendly staff, amazing service and very professional! Will definitely be back when i need another towbar!

Response from the owner:Thanks for the positive feedback Jesse.

XIA WANG

4 months ago

Very reasonable price and extremely professional!
I visited many shops before and none of them could install a brake controller.
Even Toyota told me they couldn’t do it — I couldn’t believe it.

Five Star Towbars were the only ones who could help, and they did an amazing job.
The price was very affordable, the installation was clean and professional, and the staff were all super friendly and helpful.

Highly recommended!

Response from the owner:Glad we could help you out Haoyang!
Thanks for the review!

Steve Alexander

4 months ago

Very professional, prompt and accommodating. They did a great job on our GLC

Response from the owner:Thanks Steve!

Andrew

4 months ago

I had a great experience with Fivestar Towbars. Needed a towbar for my Subaru Outback and found them via Google. The booking was quick and straightforward, the price was very reasonable, and they supplied an Aussie-made BTA towbar which was exactly what I wanted. The installers arrived early, worked quick, and delivered a result that looked spot on. I also appreciated how easily they accommodated the job even though I’m in an apartment and space to work was tight. Everything went smoothly and the towbar looks excellent. Five stars from me!

Response from the owner:Thanks for the great review Andrew!
Happy towing travels.

James Gilchrist

4 months ago

Brilliant job, they came to my house when they promised, did a great job at a great price. Couldn't really ask for more.

Response from the owner:Thanks so much for the great review James! We’re glad to hear you were happy with the service, price, and convenience. Happy travels! 🌞

George Millington-Palmer

4 months ago

Absolutely incredible work from these guys, they saved by butt! I called up with a niche imported car that most other places declined to even consider if they had a compatible solution. These guys asked me to send through some photos, discussed some measurements, and organised a super quick installation at a very reasonable price. Can't recommend them enough! :) thank you!

Response from the owner:Thanks so much for the awesome review George! We really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. It was a pleasure helping you out with your import, and we’re thrilled to hear you’re happy with the result. We love a challenge, and it’s great when everything comes together smoothly. Thanks again for choosing us — we’re always here if you need anything in the future!

David Cherry

5 months ago

Ryan fitted a tow bar, brake controller and anderson plug to our cx5.
Great professional service, reasonable prices, very easy to deal with.
I cannot rate this company more highly.

Response from the owner:Thanks for the great review David.
Were glad that you are happy with our service.
Hopefully we can help you with any further work and your next vehicle setup.

Bianca Rhodes

5 months ago

These guys are awesome.
I rang got a quote and 2 days later I had a towbar on my car.
Highly recommend Five Star Towbars
Friendly staff, top quality workmanship and the best part is they come to you.

Response from the owner:Thanks Bianca!
Great review. We're glad you're happy with our service.

P G

5 months ago

These guys did a great job. Fast, efficient and knowledgeable at a good price.

Response from the owner:Hi P G,

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review — we’re really pleased to hear you were happy with our onsite towbar supply and installation. It was a pleasure to help, and we appreciate you choosing Fivestar Towbars.

If you have any questions or need follow-up support, please get in touch through our Google listing or website. Safe towing!

Kind regards,
The Fivestar Towbars team

Quinn MacPhee

5 months ago

Very quick turnaround time, communication and the pricing was competitive. Their mobile service was fantastic.

Response from the owner:Thanks for the great feedback Quinn.
Glad we could be of service!

Rachael Hall

6 months ago

I could not rate these guys highly enough!!! If there were 10 stars, they'd get 10!! On time, so courteous, a great job and a fantastic price! Thanks Ryan and Luke. You are a reliable, honest, hard working bunch of Aussie blokes!

Response from the owner:Thanks very much Rachael!
Feedback like this is fantastic and great for us and our business.

Tracy B

6 months ago

I just had Ryan from Five star tow bars here to install a tow bar for me. What a lovely person! Very punctual and very happy to answer any questions I had. Absolutely recommend! AAA+

Response from the owner:Thanks for the awesome review Tracy!

Cydnee Boulton

6 months ago

Cheers guys happy as with my new tow bar set up. Smashed it out in under an hour.
Awesome work

Response from the owner:Thanks Cyndee!
Great feedback, we're happy that you're happy.

Lara Anderson

7 months ago

Super friendly, prompt and convenient service. Provided a super clear quote with options, booked us in quickly and did a great job. Highly recommend

Response from the owner:Thanks for the great review Lara!
We're glad we could meet your expectation :)

Chris Nuthall

7 months ago

Excellent service and very quick, despite the very cold morning! Friendly guys, more than happy to answer questions.

Response from the owner:Thanks Chris. We're glad you are happy with our service. Happy travels!

Brett Johnson

7 months ago

Had a BTA towbar installed on a new CX5 about a month ago.

Installers were arrived on time and were polite and efficient. They demonstrated that wiring harness was functional and also disabled the auto reverse braking and sensors when the job was done.

It would have been nice if they plugged the dashcam fuse taps back in when done but that’s not worth knocking a star off.

Response from the owner:Hey Brett
Thanks for the review. Apologies for the Dashcam plug, will mention to our guys to avoid in the future.

Gerry Camilleri

7 months ago

Found this company on line.They came to us,which was great.They were for professional and very neat.Overall very satisfied with the service that was provided.Thanks Mark

Response from the owner:Thanks Gerry. Will pass this onto Mark!

Mitch Clark

8 months ago

I've had 5 Star Tow Bars fit a towbar and electric brakes on two cars now and I wouldn't use anyone else. They are extremely easy to deal with, arrived when they said they would and kept me updated once job was complete (I wasn't home). I would have no hesitation reccomending them to anyone. Great service.

Response from the owner:Thanks for the great review Mitch! We are glad you choose us for your latest vehicle to be fitted out 🌞 Happy travels!

Justin Botha

9 months ago

Luke and his team were very professional and very helpful with all my questions leading up to the install of the tow bar, electric brakes and the Anderson plug. I would highly recommend them and would definitely use them again if I need a towing pack fitted to a vehicle. Thank you Five Star Towbars.

Response from the owner:Hi Justin, Thanks mate for your review, happy travels! 🌞

Tamara Lloyd

9 months ago

Andrew & Kane did excellent job of 2 of my cars. New towball on one & electric brakes on another vehicle. Turned up on time, polite & helpful & explained everything well. Quick. Easy. Great service! Highly recommend!!

Response from the owner:Hi Tamara, Thanks for leaving us a review will let the boys know they did such a good job!. Happy travels! 🙌

Rodney Gooch

9 months ago

The guys from Five Star Towbars arrived on time, took them an hour to get to my house. Friendly, fast and professional service. Fitted and done. Quality Australian Made tow hitch. Thank you Luke and the team.

Response from the owner:Hi Rodney, Thanks for your feedback, happy trails! 👍

Judith Rees

9 months ago

Excellent service - quality product. Guys were on time & provided a professional service. Very helpful- definitely recommend this company

Response from the owner:Hi Judith, Thanks for your review glad we could be of help! 🤩

Fred

9 months ago

This company is awesome.
I dealt with Luke initially and they booked me in within a week and at a great price.

Then the 2 installers did a fantastic job on the day installing the towbar in our driveway!

On time, polite, and had us done long before the allocated window of time.
thanks Ryan and Tyson.

I highly recommend these guys.

Regards,
Sean.

Response from the owner:Hi Fred, Thanks for your review will let Ryan & Tyson know they did such a great job, and thanks for your recommendation. 👍

Rod Simmons

9 months ago

I highly recommend Fivestar Towbars,
Anthony and Kane arrived on time and did a great job couldn’t be happier!

Response from the owner:Hi Rod, We'll let Anthony & Kane know they did a great job, thanks so much for your feedback and review. Cheers 🥳

Nati Berko

9 months ago

Just had a towbar installed by Ryan from Five Star Towbars and couldn't be happier. From start to finish, the service was top-notch. Ryan was exceptionally professional, completed the installation remarkably fast, and patiently addressed every question I had. And for an added touch of awesome, he had AC/DC rockin' the whole time! Fantastic work!

Response from the owner:Hi Nati, Who doesn't like the best rock band in the history of the universe! Hopefully you're not on a highway to hell next time you hit the road 😆 Thanks a bunch!

Darren Finkelstein

9 months ago

Great experience, understood how precious my car is and really looked after it.

Response from the owner:Hi Darren, Thanks for your review. Care is at heart of what we do, glad you trusted us with your baby! Thanks again 🙌

Martin McNally

9 months ago

Great service!! Ryan and Kane turned up on time and were very professional. I’m very happy with the quality of the install and overall experience. I will definitely recommend this company 👍⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Response from the owner:Hi Martin, thanks so much for your review & recommendation will let Ryan & Kane know your feedback! Thanks again 🤩

Kris Martin

9 months ago

Response from the owner:Thank you for your 5-star rating! We appreciate your support and are glad you had a great experience. If there's anything specific you'd like to share in the future, we would love to hear from you.

Stephen

10 months ago

Ryan and Tony were great, extremely friendly and professional

Response from the owner:Thank you for your fantastic review! We're thrilled to hear that Ryan and Tony provided you with friendly and professional service. We appreciate your kind words and look forward to serving you again soon!

Bill Yu

10 months ago

The boys did a fantastic job fitting a TAG tow bar to my Jimny! Called up yesterday and they came and got the job done the next day! With the extra long hitch I can now mount my bike rack nice and easy for the upcoming weekend!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your fantastic review, Bill! We're thrilled to hear that our team was able to fit your TAG tow bar quickly and efficiently. It's great to know you'll be able to enjoy your upcoming weekend with the bike rack. We appreciate your business and look forward to serving you again in the future!

Adam Grigsby

10 months ago

Had the team out to my place today to install a towbar. Great communication before hand, turned up early, and the job was completed in no time. I would definitely recommend their services to anyone

Response from the owner:Thank you for your fantastic review, Adam! We're thrilled to hear that you had a positive experience with our team and that the towbar installation met your expectations. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we appreciate your trust in our services. If you ever need assistance again, we'll be here to help!

Derek Medcalf

10 months ago

Had trailer brakes fitted by Ryan at my house, fantastic job, first contact with Luke to organise it was easy and straight forward. Highly recommend.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your positive feedback, Derek! We're glad to hear that Ryan provided you with excellent service and that organizing everything with Luke was a smooth process. Your recommendation means a lot to us! We look forward to serving you again in the future.

Paul Dixon

11 months ago

Had Euro towbar on order, pleasantly surprised to find it arrived in stock a month early. Fitting crew arrived on day organised and were very professional and thorough in fitting bar. All cutouts in bar were accurate and perfectly fitted the bar. Only hiccup was Euro bars required slightly smaller shackles. Was able to sort these locally from Repco and was quickly reimbursed by Luke from five star without any hassle. Very happy with bar and professional fitting of it. No hesitation of highly recommending Luke and his company. An absolute pleasure to deal with.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback, Paul! We're thrilled to hear that your Euro towbar arrived earlier than expected and that our fitting crew provided professional service. We appreciate your understanding regarding the shackle situation and are glad that we could resolve it quickly for you. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we’re delighted to have had the opportunity to serve you. Looking forward to assisting you again in the future!

James Wolstenholme

11 months ago

Luke and his team were very accommodating and installed a tow controller at very short notice. It was very much appreciated as my camping trip (and perhaps my marriage) were at risk without their help! Highly recommended.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your fantastic review, James! We're glad to hear that Luke and the team were able to assist you in a pinch and help make your camping trip a success. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we look forward to serving you again in the future. Safe travels and happy camping!

Brad Leary

11 months ago

Very efficient, on time and a quality service

Response from the owner:Thank you for your positive feedback, Brad! We're glad to hear that you found our service efficient and of high quality. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your support. Looking forward to serving you again!

Darren Hargreaves

11 months ago

Amazing service. 10 out 10!!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your fantastic feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you had an amazing experience with our service. Your support motivates us to continue providing top-notch service. We look forward to serving you again!

Alison Keenan

11 months ago

I had the guys from 5 Star Towbars install a towbar and a bike rack on my VW today and I could not be happier with the product and service. They were easy to deal with, provided clear instructions for how to use the tow bar and bike rack and as a bonus they came to me at work to complete the job! Their pricing was also well below 2 other quotes I had received. Well done and thank-you : )

Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback, Alison! We're delighted to hear that you were happy with both the product and our service. It’s great to know that our team was able to meet you at work and provide clear instructions. We appreciate your business and are glad we could offer competitive pricing as well. Thank you for choosing 5 Star Towbars!

Morry Corvasce

11 months ago

5 Stars for 5 Star Tow Bars!

I’ve used the services of 5 Star Tow Bars over the years, and they have never disappointed me. Luke and his team are consistently professional, attentive, and genuinely care about the quality of their work. It really shows in everything they do—from start to finish, the service is seamless and the results are always spot on. Awesome service, top-quality workmanship, and a team you can trust. I highly recommend them!
Keep up the great work guys.
Morry.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your fantastic review, Morry! We're thrilled to hear that you've consistently had great experiences with our team and that our professionalism and quality of work have met your expectations. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we'll keep striving to provide the best service possible. We look forward to serving you again in the future!

Leigh Brown

11 months ago

Luke and his team were fantastic. They went above and beyond to help us get on the road, even repaired some issues with connectivity between our trailer and the car. Price was also extremely competitive. Would definitely use their services again and highly recommend them to anyone needing a towbar Definitely 5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review, Leigh! We are thrilled to hear that Luke and the team exceeded your expectations and provided excellent service. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we're glad you found our prices competitive. We look forward to assisting you again in the future!

Testimonials

Brake Control Solutions

Enhance Trailer Safety with Electric Brake Controllers

Reliable Performance

Easy Installation