Brake controllers
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 904
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From: PHOENIX
Brake controllers
I'm going to be buying a trailer soon, 20-30ft range, and most of them I've been looking at seem to have electric brakes.
What should I look for in a brake controller and what is needed to install them?
Which seem to be good ones?
I know nothing about these as my boat trailer had hydraulic surge brakes.
What should I look for in a brake controller and what is needed to install them?
Which seem to be good ones?
I know nothing about these as my boat trailer had hydraulic surge brakes.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 8,180
Likes: 669
From: Scio, OR
Either the Prodigy or the P3, by Tekonsha. The Prodigy is simpler, the P3 is a little more advanced but the actual braking technology of both is pretty much the same.
You can get a harness from Tekonsha that plugs into the brake controller and into a connector already wired into the truck. All you have to do is screw on the mounting bracket, plug in the wires and attach the controller to the bracket.
You can get a harness from Tekonsha that plugs into the brake controller and into a connector already wired into the truck. All you have to do is screw on the mounting bracket, plug in the wires and attach the controller to the bracket.
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From: Home Base Nebraska
Denny
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Laughing Gas
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From: PHOENIX
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Nampa, ID
The previous owner of my truck kept the factory brake controller when he traded in for whatever he got next. I bought a Prodigy and wired it in following the included instructions.
It took me (I have back hardware) about 20 minutes to do the install. That includes time spent reading the instructions (yes, real men DO read instructions now and then) and getting a cup of coffee. I thought the install was very simple and straight-forward.
I've had it several years now and have no complaints. I tow the trailer listed in my signature.
It took me (I have back hardware) about 20 minutes to do the install. That includes time spent reading the instructions (yes, real men DO read instructions now and then) and getting a cup of coffee. I thought the install was very simple and straight-forward.
I've had it several years now and have no complaints. I tow the trailer listed in my signature.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 65,938
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From: Millersville, MD
What the previous owner didn't realize was he also needed the brake booster...unless he had the next vehicle and it too was a Ford model that could accept the old booster AND the computer was able to be told to use it! It prob wasn't an economical move on his part!
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Scio, OR
If IDMooseMan is talking about the '97 in his sig, he didn't have a factory brake controller.
I've encountered this a number of times here on FTE. Apparently it was not uncommon for dealers to add an aftermarket brake controller to a truck, then sell it as "factory."
I've encountered this a number of times here on FTE. Apparently it was not uncommon for dealers to add an aftermarket brake controller to a truck, then sell it as "factory."
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: PHOENIX
Ive been researching the Prodigy P2 and P3, looking for best prices etc., and noticed that the difference between the Prodigy P2 and P3 is the P3 works with electric over hydraulic and electric.
I'm not sure what my trailer is going to have so now Im leaning towards the P3 since it works with both.
I'm not sure what my trailer is going to have so now Im leaning towards the P3 since it works with both.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Scio, OR
Electric over Hydraulic brakes don't appear to be that common, as far as I have seen.
However, I like my P3 for a lot of other reasons too. I like the more precise push button controls with the digital readout, vs the manual gain dial of the P2. I also like the diagnostic feature of being able to see the amperage to the trailer as well as the voltage.
However, I like my P3 for a lot of other reasons too. I like the more precise push button controls with the digital readout, vs the manual gain dial of the P2. I also like the diagnostic feature of being able to see the amperage to the trailer as well as the voltage.