Brake controller

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Mar 9, 2014 | 06:53 PM

bigredtruckmi

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From: Huntington Indiana

Brake controller

What brake controller are you using? How good is it working for you?
We are going to upgrade to a new one from one which is 11 years old. Thought we had better upgrade because of the heavy fifth wheel.
Thanks for your input.

Mar 9, 2014 | 07:29 PM

RV_Tech

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From: Bristol, TN.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigredtruckmi

I think any of the modern electronics work equally well and the only real difference between old and new will be response time and smoothness of operation. There is no change in absolute braking ability as long as they are working.

Steve

Mar 9, 2014 | 08:40 PM

matt1751

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I run the Prodigy P2 and been happy with it for the past 10 years or so,,

Mar 10, 2014 | 06:54 AM

Rovernut

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From: Georgia

I have a Tekonsha P3. Lifetime warranty. It's been working well for me for the last 4 years or so.
I did have an issue with it last spring the day I was supposed to leave for a trip. I called Tekonsha support and the tech spent a fair bit of time on the phone with me running diagnostics and when it was still acting up he cross shipped one to me when I explained at needed to leave the next day. Since I was towing an empty flat bed I asked him if he'd ship to my destination address and he even did that for me.
Tekonsha is definitely a winner for me when it comes to support, which for me is the real test of a company.

Mar 11, 2014 | 08:18 PM

TexasRebel

Cargo Master

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From: Stillwater, OK

I'm using the Ford controller. Seamless, smooth... makes electric brakes feel like air.

Mar 11, 2014 | 10:29 PM

Archion

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From: Martinsburg, WV

P3 here, love it.

Mar 12, 2014 | 01:05 AM

dkf

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From: Pa

Have had the Tekonsha P3 since it first came out. No issues with it and much prefer it over the Prodigy.

Mar 12, 2014 | 02:13 PM

BPofMD

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From: Millersville, MD

Quote:

Originally Posted by TexasRebel

I'm using the Ford controller. Seamless, smooth... makes electric brakes feel like air.

Mar 12, 2014 | 04:47 PM

#10

seventyseven250

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From: Calgary Canada

So is that the general consensus on the stock Ford unit? Works as good as the Prodigy?
I'm buying a new truck this year, and if the factory unit is good, I'll make sure to get it.

Mar 12, 2014 | 05:00 PM

#11

RV_Tech

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From: Bristol, TN.

Quote:

Originally Posted by seventyseven250

So is that the general consensus on the stock Ford unit? Works as good as the Prodigy?
I'm buying a new truck this year, and if the factory unit is good, I'll make sure to get it.

I would certainly get it, as I think it beats hanging something off the dash and works as well as any of the aftermarket controllers.

Steve

Mar 13, 2014 | 07:33 AM

#12

Rovernut

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From: Georgia

One consideration might be warranty. I have no idea on the Ford unit. The P3 is lifetime.

Mar 13, 2014 | 08:23 AM

#13

RV_Tech

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From: Bristol, TN.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rovernut

One consideration might be warranty. I have no idea on the Ford unit. The P3 is lifetime.

You know, that is a worthwhile point. My hunch is, like many things electrical, if there is a problem, it most often occurs immediately or very early in a component's life, so maybe it works out the same for either, but that is just a guess.

Steve

Mar 13, 2014 | 11:02 AM

#14

snowdog79

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From: Tri-Cities, TN

There is little comparison between an aftermarket unit and the factory-installed ones now that the OEM controllers utilize the tow vehicle's ABS and stability control systems to keep the trailer behind the truck. I love my Prodigy, but I'd take Ford's factory unit hands down.

Mar 13, 2014 | 12:13 PM

#15

seventyseven250

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From: Calgary Canada

I hadn't realized they had those features. Interesting. If that's the case, I will for sure be getting the factory unit. I know someone who had a "wag the dog" situation with his trailer, and the resulting accident nearly killed him. I like to think that would never happen to me, but in reality, anything is possible. I will take all the help i can get.