What Brake Controller do you use?

[Willman]

Their is a lot of brands out their.........What Brake Controller do you use? And why???

And any helpful information as always would be great......

Thanks,

:coffee:

[Martyn]

Their is a lot of brands out their.........What Brake Controller do you use? And why???

And any helpful information as always would be great......

Thanks,

:coffee:

We have been using the Tekonsha Prodigy and have found it to be very reliable.

Some of it's features are ;

* Applies power to the trailer brakes in proportion to vehicle's deceleration.

* No level adjustment necessary - it adjusts itself to varying terrain as you drive.

* The only inertial control that works proportionally in reverse - great for backing into tough spots.

* Exclusive "boost" feature gives users the ability to apply more initial trailer braking power when towing heavier trailers.


I saw this Max Brake unit at SEMA and thought it looked interesting, it's a Hydraulic Over Electric Brake Controller, www.maxbrake.com

[kbellve]

I use this one:
http://www.campingworld.com/browse/skus/index.cfm?skunum=20535&src=SRQB

It has a boost function that I like.

[mountainpete]

The Prodigy is by far the best I have ever towed with for all the reasons mentioned above. From a little cargo trailer to a 30 foot 6000 lb travel beast, it works excellent. You really do get what you pay for.

Pete

[LandCruiserPhil]

The Prodigy is by far the best I have ever towed with for all the reasons mentioned above. From a little cargo trailer to a 30 foot 6000 lb travel beast, it works excellent. You really do get what you pay for.

Pete

X2

[njtaco]

I have always liked the Tekonsha products. I still use a 10 year old brake control, never a problem. It is a Voyager model, basicly the same as the one offered today. It has been in 4 trucks now, and has towed from 1000 # singles to 15K # triples without a problem. Our shop installed several Tekonshas daily, and never an issue. I think we had one bad one, and I'm still not convinced the mechanic had it installed correctly.

I've not used the Prodigy, but the specs look good, and I would not hesitate to try one.

The "maxbrake" looks interesting, but I'd be reluctant to tap into my brake lines when I'm satisfied with products that don't require it. my 2c ...

You probably know this, but when it comes time to install the BC, be sure to run the + and - exactly as the instructions say (probably to the battery). A loose ground (for example) makes for some "unpredictable" results.:smilies27 Proper wire guage is also important.

[adventureduo]

I've been reading up on the boards about what people have been using. The general consensus is the Prodigy unit. Im heading in Wednesday to have out 80 series wired/brake controller installed and im like 99% sure im going with the Prodigy.

[robert j. yates]

I've been reading up on the boards about what people have been using. The general consensus is the Prodigy unit. Im heading in Wednesday to have out 80 series wired/brake controller installed and im like 99% sure im going with the Prodigy.

A Prodigy will work real good with your specific trailer ;)

[Martyn]

I've been reading up on the boards about what people have been using. The general consensus is the Prodigy unit. Im heading in Wednesday to have out 80 series wired/brake controller installed and im like 99% sure im going with the Prodigy.

Dave

Make sure you have a 7 wire RV style socket at the back of your vehicle, and that you have 12 volt running to the + outlet on the socket. If you don't have the power have them run it when they do the brake controller.

Make sure the 12 volt + is at least 10 gauge and it has a fuse or breaker in the line (+ and – should be the same gauge).

If you have any questions give Mario a call at the shop.

[adventureduo]

Dave

Make sure you have a 7 wire RV style socket at the back of your vehicle, and that you have 12 volt running to the + outlet on the socket. If you don't have the power have them run it when they do the brake controller.

Make sure the 12 volt + is at least 10 gauge and it has a fuse or breaker in the line (+ and – should be the same gauge).

If you have any questions give Mario a call at the shop.

Sounds good Martyn. Im going to have the truck wired up 'after' i pick it up , the next morning. I'll make sure they follow these tips to the 't'.

[Willman]

Right guys!

Is this the one??????

http://www.brakecontroller.com/prodigy1.htm

:wavey:

[spressomon]

Yes...that's the one: Prodigy. It's the one I am currently using on my Horizon. There is another thread about brake controllers...I couldn't find it though: Someone posted up another electronic brake controller that is even better than the Prodigy (per the author of the post)...sorry I can't remember the name.

Anyone else?

[Tucson T4R]

I run the Odyssey with my King Kamper. It has worked flawlessly. I like it and all the adjustments it gives me for towing a wide vareity of wieghts. The inertial sensing (as in the Prodigy) works great both on and off road.

http://www.brakecontroller.com/valleyodyssey.htm

[Redline]

x3 Prodigy


X2

[Robthebrit]

x4 for the prodigy. We use it with our airstream and it works awesome.

Rob

[Willman]

Well.....That was a easy thread!

Case closed!

Prodigy it is!

Thanks guys for the input as always!

:ylsmoke:

[kb7our]

x5 for the Prodigy with a Horizon!

[Scott Brady]

Yep, Prodigy... I talked to Mario from AT, he said get the Prodigy, he was right (usually is :) )

I really like the manual brake slider that is easy to modulate. It allowed me to do trailer drifts on the frozen river. :shakin:

[Willman]

It allowed me to do trailer drifts on the frozen river. :shakin:

Pictures?

;)







:REOutShootinghunter

[adventureduo]

The guys at the hitch shop (fellow offroaders) put the Draw Tite Activator III on our rig today. They insisted that the prodigy unit was more than we ever needed and was too complex for offroad use. Who knows. I told them to put in whatever they feel best.

http://assets.iqestores.com/product_img/highres/5520.jpg


So far it works great and has the manual slide brake like Scott's talking about. Im happy with it. Simple and to the point. I have pretty much figured out how to use it just on the way home tonight.

[Willman]

Very nice!

For half the cost......let us know what you find!

:D

[Scott Brady]

Pictures?


:roost:
http://www.expeditionswest.com/image1/drift.jpg

[Martyn]

The nice thing about the Prodigy is you can mount it at almost any angle. Some of the brand have a maximum mounting angle, some of them have to be mounted as close to level as possible. I know it's never easy to find the ideal spot for mounting and having that flexibility makes it easier.

I thought I'd found the best spot for mine and later found out I banged knee against it all the time.

[Willman]

The nice thing about the Prodigy is you can mount it at almost any angle. Some of the brand have a maximum mounting angle, some of them have to be mounted as close to level as possible. I know it's never easy to find the ideal spot for mounting and having that flexibility makes it easier.

I thought I'd found the best spot for mine and later found out I banged knee against it all the time.

Has anybody found a ideal spot to mount these pigs????.....under the seat.....behind the dash.....and etc.....

Being the big guy that i am:shakin: .........It would be nice to get it out of the way!...It doesn't seem that you would always be messing around with it like vs. ham radio?????.....

Any thoughts?

:jumping:

[Martyn]

Has anybody found a ideal spot to mount these pigs????.....under the seat.....behind the dash.....and etc.....

Being the big guy that i am:shakin: .........It would be nice to get it out of the way!...It doesn't seem that you would always be messing around with it like vs. ham radio?????.....

Any thoughts?

:jumping:

You have to be able to reach them with your hand to manually activate them if required, and it's also helps to be able to see them so you can read the digital read out. Apart from that you can super glue them to the roof :)

[Tucson T4R]

Here's where I mounted mine. I never bump into it and can easily see and manualy control it when needed.

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m125/bgarland40/DSC02728.jpg

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m125/bgarland40/DSC02727.jpg

[Redline]

Mine is in about the same spot as Brad's. On the opposite side of the wheel I hit it with my knee getting it.

[adventureduo]

Yep, the Draw Tite can be mounted in any position also.

I told them i didn't want it anywhere near my knee.. so they stuck it over the center console.

http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/7730/cimg3004aj2.jpg

[robert j. yates]

Here is mine in the TJ......worked out perfect and I can still use the tray.


















......I see that Maxim hiding out there in the door LOL.

[adventureduo]

......I see that Maxim hiding out there in the door LOL.

I knew someone would see that hahahha

Im very lucky... Yosh subscribes to those with her free awards points!!! I act like i dont care, but when they come in i check them out for sure lol

[kcowyo]

... Yosh subscribes to those with her free awards points!!! I act like i dont care, but when they come in i check them out for sure lol

That's how I get mine too, via the gf's comped sub. What mortal man can resist Eva Mendes?

Give us some feedback on that Draw Tite, when you get a few miles on it with the new AT. Looks like a good unit -

[Willman]

On the Prodigy.......

What size fuse do you need to power the unit......

I'm trying to plan out my in cab fuse block....

Thanks!

:jumping:

[adventureduo]

On the Prodigy.......

What size fuse do you need to power the unit......

I'm trying to plan out my in cab fuse block....

Thanks!

:jumping:

I'll have to check for you.... i haven't looked yet. They tap'd right into my bluesease fuse block. I'll have to see what size they used for a fuse.

[Willman]

On the Prodigy.......

What size fuse do you need to power the unit......

I'm trying to plan out my in cab fuse block....

Thanks!

:jumping:

Bump for anyone with a Prodigy......

:chowtime:

[Redline]

Nic:

If I remember correctly on my '06 4Runner it was a very easy, almost plug-n-play procedure using the stock Toyota harness & wiring under the left driver's kick panel by the parking brake. I did connect a couple wires, but they were ready and pre-wired by Toyota on the other end, I didn't add any fuses. Is the Tacoma with towing package similar?


Bump for anyone with a Prodigy......

:chowtime:

[TheMike]

I used the Tekonsha Prodigy for a couple of years and sold it with my previous trailer. It was the best out there!

When setting up for my Chaser, I discovered the newest Tekonsha model, the P3 (http://www.tekonsha.com/p3.html). It was the latest so I called Tekonsha and discussed the Prodigy and P3. Both are AWESOME controllers but the one major advantage to the P3 over the Prodigy is that the P3 can be mounted at 90° and the Prodigy a max of 70 (if I remember correctly). Even if mounted within the max angle, if the controlled ended up over that in a downhill configuration, the controller might not function as designed. The P3 wasn’t limited the same way.

You decided on the Prodigy but I didn’t see anyone mention the P3. There are other functions to it that are above the Prodigy as well but I didn’t need another reason to go to the P3.

You can't go wrong with any Tekonsha product though!

[adventureduo]

Bump for anyone with a Prodigy......


Dang , guess i was tired the other night and missed the 'prodigy' word lol

[Willman]

Nic:

If I remember correctly on my '06 4Runner it was a very easy, almost plug-n-play procedure using the stock Toyota harness & wiring under the left driver's kick panel by the parking brake. I did connect a couple wires, but they were ready and pre-wired by Toyota on the other end, I didn't add any fuses. Is the Tacoma with towing package similar?


Thanks......I was looking for what size fuse it takes to run the prodigy???????

Anyone????

:chowtime:

[TheMike]

Thanks......I was looking for what size fuse it takes to run the prodigy???????

Anyone????

:chowtime:

From the instructions (http://www.tekonsha.com/instructions/BC%20Wiring.pdf):

"Connect BLACK (+) wire through an automatic reset circuit breaker (20 amp for 1-2 axles, 30 amp for 3-4 axles) to the POSITIVE (+) terminal of the battery. The BLACK wire is the power supply line to the brake control."

[Willman]

From the instructions (http://www.tekonsha.com/instructions/BC%20Wiring.pdf):

"Connect BLACK (+) wire through an automatic reset circuit breaker (20 amp for 1-2 axles, 30 amp for 3-4 axles) to the POSITIVE (+) terminal of the battery. The BLACK wire is the power supply line to the brake control."


Thanks Mike!

:)

[njtaco]

Ya know, I wasn't going to go here, but because Mike posted it from the instructions...

I have always used a self-resetting circuit breaker on brake controls. That way, if it is overloaded while underway, it should reset in short order and get back to helping you stop. Blown fuses just won't do that...:oops:

[Willman]

Ya know, I wasn't going to go here, but because Mike posted it from the instructions...

I have always used a self-resetting circuit breaker on brake controls. That way, if it is overloaded while underway, it should reset in short order and get back to helping you stop. Blown fuses just won't do that...:oops:


Thanks!...

Never thought about doing that!

:)