Reese POD brake controller opinions

[TNhobbyfarmer]

I recently bought a trailer to tow my Kubota 3430. The weight of the tractor and FEL is approximately 4400 lbs. The trailer has two 3500 lb axles, brakes on one axle. I also just bought a new to me 2005 F150. It has a Reese POD brake controller on it. I did a little investigation on the internet and determined that this is a cheapo model. My first reaction was to replace it immediately; however I started looking on Amazon. There were several reviews of the POD. All reviewers but one gave it a 5 star. The only negative had to do with the installation. Apparently the guy had to buy an adapter for it to fit his Ram. He blamed Amazon for not alerting him of this. I think if he had used the handy application guide, it would have told him the need for the adapter. There were no reviews saying anything negative about the effectiveness of the controller once installed.

OK now on to the experts on TBN. Any experience with this controller? Thoughts and comments appreciated.

 

[Diamondpilot]

If you are towing say once every couple weeks or so just leave it. Its the controller I have in my Nissan Titan and I had it in my 07 F-150 before that and in my 04 F-250 before that. It works just fine. I have a much higher end controller in my other truck and in my 06 F-350 I have the best of the best factory pressure based system but that is a truck that does serious work almost weekly, talking loads from 15,000# to nearly double that.

For what you are doing just leave it.

If you want to spend any money to make things better you can add brakes to the second axle of the trailer for about $150.

If you want to step up one level on the controller get a P3 by Prodigy. Its a decent mid level controller and will run you about $150 with the wiring adapter for the Ford F-150.

Like I said though, for what you are towing and as much as the average guy tows what you have will work just fine.

Chris

 

[Soundguy]

I recently bought a trailer to tow my Kubota 3430. The weight of the tractor and FEL is approximately 4400 lbs. The trailer has two 3500 lb axles, brakes on one axle. I also just bought a new to me 2005 F150. It has a Reese POD brake controller on it. I did a little investigation on the internet and determined that this is a cheapo model. My first reaction was to replace it immediately; however I started looking on Amazon. There were several reviews of the POD. All reviewers but one gave it a 5 star. The only negative had to do with the installation. Apparently the guy had to buy an adapter for it to fit his Ram. He blamed Amazon for not alerting him of this. I think if he had used the handy application guide, it would have told him the need for the adapter. There were no reviews saying anything negative about the effectiveness of the controller once installed.

OK now on to the experts on TBN. Any experience with this controller? Thoughts and comments appreciated.

cheapest controller you can get is a hopp I think.. it works.. got one in my f250

every time I hit the brakes.. so does my trailer..

if you hauled every day.. or had a large trailer.. or an odd load.. i'd opt for a prodigy at least..

my trucks have drawtight activator II's, hoppy controllers, and prodigy.

all makes tires stop.. the prodigy is better than the hoppy and drawtight.. cost more too....

 

[sixdogs]

I've got a Reese POD in my Toyota Tundra and pull a 20 ft 12,000 Corn Pro trailer and 7500 lbs with no problems. It works great. BUT, i wish it had a volt display so i could know the setting it was at for a braking action on a specific weight load. If you tow the same, or similar weight frequently it's no problem but to change the setting takes some trial and error I don't want to be bothered with. Ironically, I liked the less-expensive Reese unit that had a display on it but I can't seem to find one and the POD is already installed so no big deal.
Same with yours...it's in so set it and forget it. It's plenty more than adequate.