The best brake controller under $75?
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,665
Likes: 4
From: Terre Haute, IN
I would stay with the proportional ones like the Tekonsha.
Any of these are good:
Tekonsha Proportional Controller Automatic Leveling Vehicle Mount Brake Controller | etrailer.com
EDIT: You asked for experience... I've towed with both a Reese TowPower (time based) and a Tekonsha Prodigy (proportional). Between the two I'd go with the Prodigy every time for ease of setup and fine tuning, and because it stops so much smoother, with no sharp tugs like the Reese does.
The Reese is a pain to setup for one trailer, let alone if you tow multiple trailers...
Any of these are good:
Tekonsha Proportional Controller Automatic Leveling Vehicle Mount Brake Controller | etrailer.com
EDIT: You asked for experience... I've towed with both a Reese TowPower (time based) and a Tekonsha Prodigy (proportional). Between the two I'd go with the Prodigy every time for ease of setup and fine tuning, and because it stops so much smoother, with no sharp tugs like the Reese does.
The Reese is a pain to setup for one trailer, let alone if you tow multiple trailers...
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 65,938
Likes: 1,432
From: Millersville, MD
I agree with proportional : Look here for a pretty good buy. If you are a Good Sam member even cheaper price. Primus IQ Brake Control - Cequent Performance Products 90160 - Braking Controls - Camping World
Personally, I'd opt for the Prodigy. http://www.campingworld.com/shopping...-control/50057
I had one and it was excellent!
Personally, I'd opt for the Prodigy. http://www.campingworld.com/shopping...-control/50057
I had one and it was excellent!
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Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Charles Town, W bygod Va
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,665
Likes: 4
From: Terre Haute, IN
It seems the prodigy has better software and diagnostics and can handle 2-8 brakes where the primus can only handle 2-6.
Both feature the Boost feature and can be mounted within 70° of horizontal.
Both feature the Boost feature and can be mounted within 70° of horizontal.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 858
Likes: 2
From: Chico,CA.
Don't bother with time based controllers. Its absolutely impossible to get any form of synchronization between the truck and trailer. With smaller trailers you can get away with them but with a bigger trailer you'll continuously be getting either pushed or pulled by the trailer. Tekonsha is the only brand I use. They also make the components for the Ford integrated controllers. The Primus looks like a good unit for a decent price. They have the Voyager for a little less money but it doesn't have the boost feature. The boost provides an initial current to the brakes immediately upon pedal application, so there is no delay while the pendulum/accelerometer activates and really harmonizes the braking between the truck and trailer.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 20,361
Likes: 822
From: Mi'kma'ki
what do you think of this guys.now that iv already ordered it anyway lol.
Amazon.com: Curt Manufacturing 51130 Reflex Brake Control: Automotive
hey price went up already.i just payed $84.71 couple days ago. ship and sold by amazon llc w/free shipping.
stuff's going up overnight.don't ya love it.
http://www.curtmfg.com/part/51130/
looks like it's curts best anyway.
http://www.curtmfg.com/Category/200/Brake%20Controls
Amazon.com: Curt Manufacturing 51130 Reflex Brake Control: Automotive
hey price went up already.i just payed $84.71 couple days ago. ship and sold by amazon llc w/free shipping.
stuff's going up overnight.don't ya love it.
http://www.curtmfg.com/part/51130/
looks like it's curts best anyway.
http://www.curtmfg.com/Category/200/Brake%20Controls
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,565
Likes: 2
Tekonsha is the way to go. I've used their cheap one with good results. I currently use the ProdigyP3 and I can honestly say for the money it's the closest controller to the Ford IBC that you'll find. I really liked the Ford IBC that my 05 SD had. This Prodigy is really close to it. Biggest difference that I've found is that ABS won't go to the trailer like the Ford IBC will. That's the only thing I have discovered missing on the Prodigy that I have.
