If you want a direct replacement switch designed to restore factory functionality in heavy-duty Super Duty trucks, choose ESSELIVING Car Trailer Brake; if you need a dedicated mounting solution to keep your existing Tekonsha controller secure and stable during winter towing, choose splash n color SplashNColor Brake Controller. This distinction is critical when preparing for cold weather operations, where reliability isn't just about convenience but about maintaining control when the temperature drops and road surfaces become treacherous.
• ESSELIVING Car Trailer Brake: Its greatest strength is its targeted design for F-350 through F-550 Super Duty models (2017–2022), offering a durable construction built to resist wear and tear while ensuring smooth operation of vehicle interior functions. The trade-off is that it is a specific component meant to replace a broken switch rather than an accessory for new setups. This pick is for owners of older Ford Super Duties whose original brake control switches have failed or worn out.
• splash n color SplashNColor Brake Controller: Its biggest advantage is providing a secure, dedicated location for a trailer brake controller, specifically engineered to match the tab arrangement of the Tekonsha Primus IQ, preventing the unit from sliding around or becoming loose. The trade-off is that it is strictly a bracket; it does not include any hardware or electronic components, requiring you to supply your own screws and bolts. This pick is for anyone who already owns a compatible controller and needs a robust way to mount it firmly inside their cabin.
• Who each pick is for: Choose ESSELIVING if you are restoring a specific truck's internal control system; choose splash n color if you are organizing your towing setup and need to stop your expensive electronics from rattling around on the dash.
The ESSELIVING unit is clearly engineered for a very specific niche of drivers: those operating 2017 through 2022 Ford F-350, F-450, or F-550 Super Duty vehicles. When you look at the data, this product is identified by its compatibility with part number HC3Z-2C006-AA (also listed as HC3Z2C006AA). This isn't a universal adapter; it is a direct-fit replacement component designed to slot back into the exact position of the original equipment. If your current switch is failing, sticking, or simply missing, this unit restores the intended interface between the driver and the braking system.
What stands out most in the design specifications is the emphasis on durability. The product description highlights "durable construction" capable of resisting wear and tear. In practical terms, this suggests the materials used are chosen to withstand the rigors of daily driving, particularly in vehicles that see heavy use. For a driver hauling loads in cold weather, having a switch that doesn't freeze up or wear down after a few seasons is non-negotiable. The goal here is long-lasting performance, ensuring that the window operation and brake control functions remain smooth and reliable without needing frequent replacements.
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-11-07 · 7 min read · Independent comparison
However, this product is not for everyone. It is not a standalone brake controller that you can install in any vehicle to add braking capability to a trailer. It is a replacement switch for a vehicle that already has the wiring and system in place but has lost a physical component. If you are buying a new trailer setup or looking for a universal electronic module, this item will not help you. It is purely for the owner of a specific generation of Ford Super Duty who needs to get their interior controls back to working order. If your truck is outside the 2017–2022 range, or if you are driving a different make entirely, this product offers no value.
In contrast, the splash n color unit addresses a completely different problem: the chaotic nature of storing and using trailer brake controllers inside a vehicle. Many drivers struggle with the fact that these controllers often come loose, slide across the dashboard, or get buried under gear when not in use. This bracket solves that issue by providing a dedicated, secure spot for your Tekonsha Primus IQ. Its primary function is to hold your existing controller in a fixed position, giving you support during use rather than leaving it loose among bags and supplies.
The engineering focus here is on precision fitment. The product features a "matching tab arrangement," meaning the mounting tabs are designed to align perfectly with the attachment layout of the Tekonsha Primus IQ. This is a crucial detail for anyone who wants a clean installation. You aren't trying to force a square peg into a round hole; the bracket is shaped specifically to hold the controller exactly where it is meant to be held. This ensures that when you hit a bumpy road or turn sharply, the controller stays put, allowing you to adjust braking power with confidence rather than fumbling with a shifting device.
This product is ideal for the organized tow driver. Whether you are hauling a travel trailer for a weekend trip or managing a work truck that goes out every day, having a dedicated location for your controller saves time and frustration. It turns the controller from a loose object into an integrated part of your vehicle's interior. However, there is a significant caveat: this bracket requires you to provide the mounting hardware. You must gather your own screws or bolts before beginning the job. If you are looking for a complete kit that includes everything needed for installation, this is not it. But if you already have the controller and just need a sturdy home for it, this is the logical choice.
• Best for restoring factory controls on a 2017–2022 Ford Super Duty → ESSELIVING Car Trailer Brake. If your switch is broken and you need to get back to OEM-style operation, this is the only path forward.
• Best for securing a Tekonsha Primus IQ controller → splash n color SplashNColor Brake Controller. If your controller keeps sliding or you want a permanent mount, this bracket provides the stability you need.
• Best for durability against wear and tear → ESSELIVING Car Trailer Brake. The design emphasizes long-lasting performance and resistance to physical degradation over time.
• Best for organization and preventing loss → splash n color SplashNColor Brake Controller. It gives the controller a dedicated location so it never gets lost in the backseat or glove box again.
• Best for immediate installation (if you have the right truck) → ESSELIVING Car Trailer Brake. It is a direct replacement that fits the specific part numbers for the mentioned model years.
• Best for customizing your setup with existing gear → splash n color SplashNColor Brake Controller. It works with what you already own, provided you have the necessary hardware to attach it.
• Best for cold weather stability in heavy trucks → ESSELIVING Car Trailer Brake. The robust construction is suited for the demands of Super Duty vehicles which often face harsh conditions.
• Best for keeping electronics steady on rough roads → splash n color SplashNColor Brake Controller. By locking the controller in place, it prevents damage from vibration and movement.
After weighing the specifications and intended use cases, I would buy the ESSELIVING Car Trailer Brake if I were restoring my own 2020 F-350. The need for a durable, direct-fit switch that resists wear is paramount for a vehicle I rely on daily, especially when planning for cold weather towing where every component must function without fail. However, if I were setting up a new trailer and already owned a Tekonsha Primus IQ, I would immediately choose the splash n color SplashNColor Brake Controller. The peace of mind that comes from knowing my expensive controller is securely mounted and won't slide around on the dash is worth the extra step of gathering some screws. Ultimately, the ESSELIVING unit is for fixing a broken part, while the splash n color unit is for optimizing an existing setup.
It is not listed as compatible with earlier models like the 2016 version.
No, the product information clearly states that mounting hardware is not included. You must supply your own fasteners to attach the bracket to your vehicle's interior before installing the controller.
It is highly unlikely to work well. The bracket is engineered with a specific tab arrangement that matches the attachment layout of the Tekonsha Primus IQ, so it may not fit other brands or models correctly.
No, this is a replacement switch component, not an electronic controller. It restores the ability to operate the system, but it does not add braking power or change the settings of the braking system itself.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites.
When you buy through links on this page, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon or its affiliates. This site is an independent third-party review and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Amazon or the product brands mentioned.