Trailer Brake Controller

[yooperdave]

Can anyone recommend a third party trailer brake controller to install in my 2008 F150?

The dealer let me know that the installation is just plugging the controller cable into the receptacle. Should not hopefully be a big deal.

This might be a good time of year to get one.

TIA

Yooper Dave

 

[Diamondpilot]

If you want the best go for http://www.maxbrake.com/

If you want what most have used and was the standard for the last 5 years use a Tekonsha

All the others sold at box stores are basically the same. I have a Reese in my F-150 and it is good but not great. The Prodigy I listed above is what I have in my F-250 and its a little better but the Max Break is 100% better than the Prodigy. It works like the Factory installed Ford Brake Controller like I have in my F-350.

The Max Brake takes 1 hr to install the others about 10 minutes.

Chris

 

[CurlyDave]

I have had two Tekonsha Prodigy controllers and have been very satisfied.

Have never tried the MaxBrake.

 

[yooperdave]

What is the difference between a Prodigy and a P3?

Thanks,

Yooper Dave

 

[txdon]

I was looking for the same info last week. I found there are basically Four types of controllers. 1. Time controlled 2. pendulum controlled 3. pendulum and time controlled and 4. Hydraulic over electric (has a pressure probe from the master cylinder). The Prodigy is a type 2 and the P3 is a type 3.

I think I got it right, anyway, I ordered a Prodigy a few days ago, I'll let you know if the plug and go installation works on the 2008 Ford 150. Thanks to TBN I found the plug under the dash.

The two places that are popular and etrailers and brakecontroller. With etrailers the prices are better but you have to order the double plug extra with brakecontroller the price includes the double plug for you vehicle so the end price is only a couple of dollars different. With etrailers if you order over $150 shipping is free and check the internet for a discount coupon.

 

[Willl]

Four types of controllers.

I understand how 'pendulum' and 'Hydraulic over electric' work.

But what do they mean by 'time controlled' ?

 

[txdon]

Here is a good website review that explains it and which one you might need for you particular situation.

"Basically what happens is that when you hit the brakes, they come on at a certain speed that you set on the brake controller......they have a sync switch that controls how fast it comes on and then a knob controls how much power it takes to stop the trailer."

Brake Controller Comparison Review - etrailer.com

 

[Soundguy]

Can anyone recommend a third party trailer brake controller to install in my 2008 F150?

The dealer let me know that the installation is just plugging the controller cable into the receptacle. Should not hopefully be a big deal.

This might be a good time of year to get one.

TIA

Yooper Dave

In my dodge 1500 and gmc yukon I have a drawtite II activator... both about 100$ units.. work fine.

In my work truck a ford f250 i wanted a controller.. but didn't want to spend a load of cash.. put in a 50$ Hoppy unit from TSC... works as good as my drawtite units.

has led readout.. control dial.. etc.

Install was simply adding the pigtail to the controller and then plugging it in to the truck that was 'tow ready'.. had it not been.. depending ont he make o fthe vehicle, you might have to add a maxifuse etc..

5 minute instal.. -0- problems.. cheap...

soundguy