Trailer Brake Controller questions

[Bob_Skurka]

The lovely Mrs_Bob went out of town and somehow a blue VW Touareg showed up in the driveway before she returned /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif I'm still trying to figure out how that happened /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Anyway, one thing I did not get arranged prior to her return was the trailer hitch set up.

There are 3 basic types of brake controllers:
Proportional
Inertia activated
Timing activated

I have 2 trucks now that have simple timing activated units but am wondering if there is any reason to step up to the more sophisticated units. I do not tow a travel trailer. I only occasionally tow a tractor, pallets of mulch or stone, etc. I've noticed on my timing activated controllers I have to adjust it for heavy loads and then when it is unloaded adjust it again for light loads, otherwise I can lock the brakes up on the trailer.

The most expensive units are only about twice the price of the cheapest units and none are overly expensive to begin with. So spending the extra $75 is not the issue. The issue is do the proportional units actually work? And do they adjust automatically like is claimed? And given that they are computer chip based controllers, then how reliable are they?

 

[Dargo]

Good post. Experiment for me and then let me know. I honestly have never checked out the differences. I have to replace the one in my truck. No matter how it is set, when I first touch the brake pedal, it initially slams on the trailer brakes. It's never fun, but at low speeds it is particularly troublesome. I just need an answer quickly. I wanted to get a new controller this weekend. You see, I'm planning on having my tractor back next week and am wanting to do some hoggin'. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[MossRoad]

Hi, Bob. Not knowing too much about trailer brake controllers, I went with the flow and bought a Tekonsha Prodigy . It was simple to hook up and is very easy to adjust if needed. I rarely haul anything, but when I do, it works. It has a nice little cradle that you can snap it into under the dash and is removed by simply sliding it out and disconnecting one wiring harness. You could easily add a second or third wiring harness to any of your other tow vehicles and move it from vehicle to vehicle.

It seems to work well. The harder you stop, the higher the number climbs and the harder the trailer brakes come on. If you let off the brakes slightly, the unit lets the trailer brakes off slightly. I'd say(with my very limited knowledge, of course) that it works as advertised.

 

[NewToy]

I recently fried the standard timed unit I had in my 99'F250. I replaced it with one of the inertial units and was impressed with the even, more controlled stops afforded by this unit. I pull a 24' tandem 12000# cargo trailer and I'd never want one of the cheaper timed units again.

John

 

[beenthere]

I'm in the same 'boat' and found the Tekonsha Prodigy to work well.

And I am pretty sure I learned about it from TBN members. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[NewToy]

I went out and looked at mine, I got one of them Prodigy's like Moss.


John

 

[Bob_Skurka]

Dargo . . . Take a look at the Tekonsha "Prodigy" and "Primus" controllers, or look at the Valley "Odyessy" or the Hayes "Genesis" controller. All are supposed to be proportional type inertia units as opposed to regular inertia units.

Prices are roughly $90 to $150 on line depending on model. All claim to be the best (sure they are). Not sure what the hitch shops charge for them? I just want to know what I should get bids on before I walk in and get another junky controller like I already have!!!


EDIT: WOW, you guys are quick!!! I guess while I was replying back to Dargo all you guys jumped in and gave me my answer! Thanks.

 

[KAB]

Bob,

I have a Pendulum and an Inertia controller. Both controllers require adjustment based on a loaded/unloaded trailer. The Inertia controller has a digital readout which lets me record the settings for different loads. Both adjust brake pressure based on how fast the tow vehicle slows down... it will still apply brakes when on ice just not to their full capability.

I found (about 6mo ago) the cheapest place to buy was Southwest Wheel. I called them and asked the same question that you're wondering about. Very good to work with. Included a cable to hook into the vehicle with and had it next day.

I find that when I follow the directions that the inertia controller is easier to set correctly.

BTW. Did you find a place to get your rims chromed or new rims. I think I found a place on the west side of Cleveland.

Kurt

 

[SnowRidge]

What Moss said. Mine works perfectly.

The only note of caution is never to trip the breakaway switch with the trailer still plugged into the tow vehicle while the Prodigy is connected. Doing so will back feed the controller from the breakaway battery destroying the controller.

FWIW, I understand most controllers are like this.

 

[jwstewar]

I've got a Tekonsha Voyager on my truck, but it needs to be replaced. The last time I used it I had to apply the trailer brakes manually. When I replace it (haven't had to tow anything recently so I'm being lazy /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif) I'll be replacing it with a Tekonsha Prodigy.

I just ordered one for my Mom & Dad's truck from here: PPL RV . I also ordered a water heater from them at the same time and I told them I had found it elsewhere for $99 (I really did find it elsewhere for $99 but only wanted to one order and the other place didn't have the water heater) and they matched it. I believe the truck specific cable was like 10 bucks, but you could just as easly "hardwired" it in with the included harness. I haven't towed with it yet, but I really like how it set up and its ease of use.

 

[cowboydoc]

I've tryed them all and I agree Moss and others the prodigy is about the best one out there and the simplest. I don't think it will be long before everyone is following Ford's lead and putting one in from the factory. That without a doubt was the best one I ever had.

 

[Dargo]

Okay, I don't have time and am taking everyone's expert advice. I just ordered the Tekonsha "Prodigy" for $79.00 plus $10 shipping. Thanks!

 

[Bob_Skurka]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Okay, I don't have time and am taking everyone's expert advice. I just ordered the Tekonsha "Prodigy" for $79.00 plus $10 shipping. Thanks! )</font>


Gee thanks, are you going to come up and install it in my Tourag too?

 

[Dargo]

No, because I might want one of those too. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[jwstewar]

Ok, where did you find it for $79? /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[Dargo]

This guy seems to sell a lot of trailer stuff trailer brake controller You may want to try there. I didn't look too long, but that seemed like the best price on a quick search.

 

[RobertN]

Do you have a tow package? My Dodge was the simplest setup I have seen. It came with a pigtail connector. It was as easy as connect the four wires on the pigtail to the four wires from the controller. Plug the pigtail in to the connector under the dash. Mount bracket to dash, and slip the controller in to the bracket. Done.

Richards last truck was probably the easiest though; it came built in to the dash /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Bob_Skurka]

Nope, I need the whole set up for towing. As the year end models were being closed out with amazing discounts, I had a hard time finding a Touareg spec'd with all the options I wanted, the factory installed hitch set up was sacrificed. They don't change the gearing on those for towing so it is as simple as adding the hardware & wiring. I'm just going to call all the local shops and see who can install it at the best price.

 

[RobertN]

Any idea what type the Teconsha Sentinal is? Mine works well, but I am always adjusting it. Sometimes the trailer is empty, sometimes the tractor is on it, other times pipe, or lumber. Every time the weight changes, it has to be adjusted...

 

[Devildog]

Bob,
The best one i have used so far that hasnt been mentioned is the Jordan Ultima It was easy to setup and has been working great for me for 3 years. It replaced a teconsha controller. I tow a 33' travel trailer and also for towing my tractor on a 18' trailer.