Back in the day, we were happy if the dash didn’t rattle itself loose before lunch. We used to measure towing safety by how hard we could grip the wheel. Times have changed, and our rigs are getting smarter than the people driving them. We’ve seen plenty of gear come and go. Most of it is just more flashing lights to distract us from the track.
But every now and then, a bit of tech actually makes sense. We’re talking about the latest news from the team at REDARC. They’ve just pulled the curtains back on a fresh update for the Tow-Pro Link. It seems our brake controllers are finally talking to our infotainment screens. We can now see and control our towing setup through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It sounds fancy, but is it actually useful when you’re covered in bulldust?
Bringing the Brains to the Screen
We all know the struggle of a cluttered cockpit. Between the UHF, the tyre pressure monitor, battery systems, phone mounts, and the GPS, it’s a mess. Our windscreens are starting to look like a cockpit of a jumbo jet. This new integration aims to fix that. By putting the Tow-Pro Link settings onto the vehicle’s big screen, it feels like an OEM feature.
We reckon this is a solid move for the average tourer. It lets you tweak your settings without squinting at a tiny dial. You can see exactly what the unit is doing on a screen you already use. It’s about making the rig feel like one cohesive unit. We’ve spent years fighting with add-on boxes that look like an afterthought. Having the brake info right next to your maps is a win for common sense. It’s not just about looking pretty; it’s about knowing what your trailer is doing at a glance.
Keeping the Hardware Where it Matters
Now, we need to address the elephant in the room. Some of you might be worried about relying on a touchscreen during a crisis. We’ve all had a phone freeze up when we needed it most. It’s an uncomfortable truth that tech fails when it gets stinking hot. Thankfully, the crew in South Australia haven’t lost their bush sense.
The physical remote head isn’t going anywhere. You still get that tactile button for manual overrides and emergency braking. REDARC is adamant that you shouldn’t be scrolling through menus to stop a swaying van. We agree wholeheartedly with that stance. If the trailer starts acting up on a greasy descent, you need a physical switch. Taking a wild stab in the dark at a touchscreen while the tail wags the dog is a recipe for an expensive mistake. The screen is for the “nice-to-know” stuff, but the button is for the “need-to-stop” stuff.
Dealing with the Harsh Realities
We’ve punted enough rigs across the corrugated heart of this country to know what kills gear. Heat, dust, and vibration are the enemies of anything with a circuit board. The Tow-Pro Link was already built for this. It mounts tucked away near the tow bar, keeping the brains out of the cabin heat.
The unit still packs the REDARC SwayStop Plus tech we have come to trust. It uses a 6-axis sensor to figure out when things are getting hairy. It’s a bit like having a silent co-driver who is always switched on. This new update just adds a layer of polish to a very rugged cake. We appreciate that the installation remains fast and simple. No one wants to spend their hard-earned weekend wrestling with a wiring loom. It’s about getting out there, not staring at the underside of your dash with a set of spanners.
WHO SHOULD BUY ONE?
- The Modern Tourer: If you want your rig to feel like a modern, integrated machine.
- The Safety Conscious: For those who want the best sway control in the business.
- The Tech Lovers: If you already live and breathe through your CarPlay apps.
Our advice is pretty simple on this one. If you are starting a new build, this is the benchmark. It’s not all sunshine and roses in the world of aftermarket electronics, but REDARC usually hits the mark. They have managed to bridge the gap between “old school tough” and “new school smart.” We reckon this setup will save a few heart-shaking moments on the highway. It’s a practical solution that respects the reality of Australian towing. Just remember to keep your eyes on the track, not just the shiny new screen.
