Elecbrakes EB2 and VM1 Review
Author: Jordan Rand Date Posted:29 April 2025
Here at Speedy Towbars we love being your trusted source of intel for towing gear and accessories. In this Elecbrakes review, we cut through the noise and give you the lowdown on a brake controller that truly stands out from the crowd!
The compact and easy-to-use system is packed with smart technology and features, setting a new benchmark for trailer braking systems in Australia. Whatever you’re towing, you’re going to appreciate the convenience, safety and stopping power of the Elecbrakes system. Let’s take a look why.
First, when and why do you need electric brakes?
Why Do You Need Electric Brakes?
The brakes on your vehicle are designed to stop your vehicle, not a trailer. If you’re towing a heavy trailer such as a boat or caravan, your vehicle's brakes aren’t designed to safely stop the extra load. That’s where electric brakes come in - they ensure smooth and safe stopping of both your vehicle and trailer.
Electric brakes aren’t just a safety requirement, they’re the law. If your trailer exceeds 750kg GTM (Gross Trailer Mass), it's legally required to have an assisted braking system on the trailer, In most cases, this will be electric brakes.
The electric braking system requires a controller to control the braking response. An electric brake controller allows you to control how much braking power is sent to the trailer, depending on the weight of the load you are towing. A reliable controller prevents uneven braking, loss of control, or trailer sway.
Introducing the Elecbrakes EB2 and VM1
The EB2 and VM1 are the next generation models of the popular Elec Brakes wireless brake controllers. The main difference between the two is the EB2 is trailer-mounted and the VM1 is vehicle-mounted. They both come with a range of shared features that help make them a standout electric brake controller for local conditions.
Made right here in Australia, they allow you to tow multiple trailers (VM1) with multiple vehicles (EB2), with no dashboard modifications required. Adjustment and control of the system is either through the Elecbrakes smartphone app, or the convenient Elecbrakes remote control.
Fully ADR-compliant, corrosion resistant, IP67 rated and built tough for Australian conditions, the EB2 and VM1 deliver powerful performance, plug-and-play capabilities and extreme versatility. Here are some of the standout features:
Features of the EB2
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Easy Installation
One of the EB2’s biggest selling points is its plug-and-play setup. Installation doesn’t require an auto electrician, literally anyone with a basic understanding of trailer wiring can do it. The whole process only takes around 15 minutes.
The EB2 is mounted to your trailer’s drawbar using the provided fixings, securing the bottom surface flush to the frame of the trailer so it's unable to move. You then connect it to the trailer’s electrical plug for a ‘hardwired’ connection using the TWL leader loom (purchased separately).
Alternatively, for an even easier installation, purchase an adapter that connects from the brake controller to the 7-pin flat or 12-pin flat plug This makes it fully plug-and-play!
Once it's in place, you’re ready to pair the unit to the Elecbrakes smartphone app or remote control. Simply tap your smartphone on the EB2 logo on the main unit and it takes you to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for download. Follow the prompts in the app to connect your unit!
Trailer Mounted Convenience
Because the EB2 mounts directly to the trailer, it’s a perfect solution for people who use multiple tow vehicles. There’s no need to install a separate controller in each car. Any compliant vehicle can tow the trailer safely.
As an added bonus the EB2 does not require any additional wiring to your vehicle, it utilises power from the tail light circuit (which must remain on whilst towing) and the brake light circuit once activated.
If you share your caravan with other family members or have a commercial trailer used by multiple fleet vehicles, the flexibility of the EB2 will hit all the right notes.
Features of the VM1
The Elecbrakes VM1 is the latest addition to the Elecbrakes family. VM stands for vehicle-mounted, as this model has been specifically designed to be mounted in your vehicle. You don’t have to secure anything to your trailer! This is especially handy if you use the one vehicle to tow multiple trailers.
Connection to the trailer wiring is identical to the EB2. You can choose between a TWL leader wired into the trailer plug on your vehicle, or by running the cable out of the boot and connecting it via an adapter to the 7-pin flat or 12-pin flat plug.
One thing to keep in mind is the VM1 requires a 12v power source connected to the tow vehicle's existing trailer circuit.
Want more to compare? Don't just take our word for it, Visit www.elecbrakes.com.au and click on the EB2 v VM1 Comparison. Alternatively give our team a call at any stage to see which unit might be right for you!
Elecbrakes Smartphone App
The Elecbrakes app, available on iOS and Android, acts as your control centre for both the EB2 and VM1. It integrates with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, so you no longer need to use your phone for adjustments and control of the braking system. It can be done from your vehicle's infotainment system.
From your phone, you can:
- Adjust brake response on the fly
- Pre-program and choose between five braking programs
- Monitor brake activity in real time
- Pair or unpair with the EB2 unit
- Run diagnostics.
- Use ‘Manual override’, a critical safety feature for applying the trailer brakes.
There’s also an optional remote control that offers physical buttons for all major functions if you’d rather that than the smartphone integration.
Why We Love the EB2 and VM1 from Elecbrakes
We’re big fans of products that make towing safer and easier for the installer and the customer and the EB2 and VM1 tick all the boxes in this regard. What strikes us most is the versatility and ease-of-use, which helps make towing more accessible to the general population.
Your electric brake system is plug-and-play, instead of having to hire an auto electrician and pay huge installation costs on multiple vehicles. One unit, easy install and more versatility from a single purchase!
What’s more, the EB2 and VM1 are easy to use, with intuitive controls and app-based adjustments. They’re clever, featuring smooth proportional braking that responds to how hard you apply your tow vehicle’s brakes. It’s wireless, which streamlines installation and ongoing use. We could go on forever!
Adding to all the above is the Australian-made quality, robust build, and legal compliance. No wonder Elecbrakes are fast becoming a go-to controller for vehicles and trailers alike.
The Speedy Towbars Verdict on the EB2 and VM1
We love that these products are built for the Aussie towing lifestyle: rugged, no-nonsense, and legally compliant. Whether you’re towing a caravan to Cape York or hauling gear around town, Elecbrakes provide a versatile solution that has your braking covered.
At Speedy Towbars, we’re always on the lookout for top-tier towing gear. The EB2 and VM1 more than earn their place in our recommended lineup. If you're after an easy-to-install, highly adaptable and road-legal electric brake controller, these should be right at the top of your list.
