trailer brake controller?

77ITA

77ITA

New member
What type/brand of trailer brake controllers are all of you using? My trailer has single axle brakes and I'm looking for something affordable (because I spent way too much on the truck :D )

Any suggestions?

thanks!
 
I'm very satisfied with my Tekonsha Prodigy. The proportional braking is very smooth and predictable. It wasn't the cheapest unit out there when I bought it a couple of years back, but still reasonable at about $95. Not sure what they're selling for these days.
 
TroyM857 said:
I'm very satisfied with my Tekonsha Prodigy. The proportional braking is very smooth and predictable. It wasn't the cheapest unit out there when I bought it a couple of years back, but still reasonable at about $95. Not sure what they're selling for these days.
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+1
 
Great controller if you switch vehicles just get a new harness and you are back in buisiness. Ebay has them listed about 95-100 some with free shipping. Maybe someone board can help. TW
 
I had an el-cheapo controller from the local farming store and towed to Atlanta with it. It puked when I got into Atlanta traffic, ultimately resulting in me nearly rear-ending a semi!! It was not a good trip.

Three days after I got back, I ordered the Tekonsha Prodigy. I will never go back to the other kind. Not only is the brake controlling really good, but it tells you what is going on in terms of connection, ground fault, etc.

Yes, it's a bit more expensive (close to 2X the other one, iirc). But, like a good helmet, the price is small with the peace of mind you get.
 
So I already have a brake controller from another vehicle. A Drawtite Activator II

http://www.etrailer.com/pc-tda~5500.htm

My "to do" list includes installing the brake controller on the E-350 here.

I used this controller on a Ford van in the past and had no issues.

My question is this. Is it worth getting the Tekonsha Prodigy when I already have this one? Basically to replace it. I am wondering if the Tekonsha is preferable and better than the Drawtite?:shrug:

I do like the pre-wired connection harnesses available from the Tekonsha.
I have to hardwire the Drawtite.

Is it worth spending the extra $130 for the harness and the Tekonsha when I already have a controller?

I believe that towing the race car and trailer is the most dangerous part of a race weekend. A 5,000 Lbs fulcrum/lever attached to your a$$ and ready to fling and flip you if you wag your a$$ too hard. So if it is an upgrade and worthwhile, I don't really have a problem with changing.

Thanks for any war stories you may have with the Drawtite....

Don
 
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40 dolla reese timer based controller, never had an issue towing an open, enclosed, or a boat with electric hydrolic (weird)
 
I purchased the Prodigy based on recommendations here and I couldn't be happier. It was very easy to install and has so many high quality features including self diagnostics.

I bought it from www.etrailer.com (although they are local, so I picked it up in person). For what it's worth, they are a great company to deal with.

I installed it into an '08 Ford F250 and it was very easy. The truck came with a wire harness to facilitate install. One end had a plug for under the dash and the other end had four bare wires that I connected to the standard four wire harness from the Prodigy. I soldered all of my connections and had it mounted and working within about 30 minutes.
 
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I had an Activator, and before that some similar (cheap) brake controller. After driving someone else's setup with the Prodigy, the Activator got replaced. Yes, they are that much better!
 
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