Installing Prodigy Brake Controller
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New User
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Tallahassee, FL
Installing Prodigy Brake Controller
Received my 2004 Expedition with tow package last week, and am attempting to install a Tekonsha Prodigy Brake Controller. I have no probs with the wiring, but darned if I can find an easy place to fasten either the bracket or the holder so that the unit will be relatively level. The plastic dash isn't strong enough, and it is vertical only. I don't see any horizontal metal piece behind it that I can use. Has anyone been this route, or am I just missing a mechanical gene?
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 736
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From: Texas, USA
Although I don't use a Prodigy, I intend to get one with the next vehicle so I'm interested in your problem. I've been told that they are not required to be mounted horizontal. Does the instruction manual require it? If not you can mount it face up on the side of the tranny tunnel on the driver's side at an angle where you can reach the manual control and see the display.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 191
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I'm not sure if the dash for the 04 is similar, but in my 99 there was a nice cubby hole just to the right and below my steering wheel. I drilled two holes (ouch....it hurt but no one will ever see them) in the roof of the cubby hole and mounted the pocket mount in it. When I'm not towing, I pull the controller out.
philip
philip
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New User
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Tallahassee, FL
According to the accompanying instructions, the front-rear axis of the Prodigy can be at an angle of up to 70 degrees, but the face of the Prodigy must be horizontal and at right angles to the front-rear axis of the vehicle.
I don't see any kind of a cubby hole on the 04's dash, though there is a capped slot to the right of the steering column (prob for some optional devise I don't have) that I will explore today.
I don't see any kind of a cubby hole on the 04's dash, though there is a capped slot to the right of the steering column (prob for some optional devise I don't have) that I will explore today.
New User
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Georgia
I have a Prodigy in an '03. Mounted to the right of the steering wheel, just above where my knee is. It is probably angled about 60 degrees. Works fine.
After you have wired it up, but before you have attached the mounting bracket, you can test the angles. As you rotate the Prodigy, the display will go from "0.0" which is okay to "--" on either the bottom or top which shows too much initial angle.
After you have wired it up, but before you have attached the mounting bracket, you can test the angles. As you rotate the Prodigy, the display will go from "0.0" which is okay to "--" on either the bottom or top which shows too much initial angle.
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New User
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Tallahassee, FL
I took Prodigy and Expedition back to the dealers, and found that the mechanics were as puzzled as I about how and where to mount it. I don't think Ford thought any further than the $358 or whatever it charged for the trailer package.
I am going to attach it to the metal strip that is underneath the glove compartment. Not handy for manual operation, but my knees will be clear.
I am going to attach it to the metal strip that is underneath the glove compartment. Not handy for manual operation, but my knees will be clear.
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 281
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From: Missouri
You should really not mount it that far away, if you would need manual control for an emergency and to initally set it up, it will be a problem.
I have never hit mine with my knees !
I have never hit mine with my knees !
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Elder User
Joined: Nov 2002
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From: Texas, USA
I"d advise doing what you have to to put the manual control within easy reach unless you never drive in anything but fair wether. In slippery conditions, you will want to brake the trailer slightly before you brake the truck to keep the rig straight, especially going down hill.
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New User
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From: Tallahassee, FL
I thought brake controllers should be set so that the trailer brakes always come on slightly befor the tow vehicle's? I never used the manual control of the two controllers I had on former vehicles, thinking that it was for emergencies only (if tow vehicle brakes failed). Anyway, I will abide by6 a 2-1 vote and mount the Prodigy on driver side, using velcro until I determine whether it ever gets in the way. Thanks for comments.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 327
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From: Midwest
I'm new to the electronically braked trailer scene, having my experience with larger trailers with air brakes, smaller trailers with surge brakes, and agricultural trailers with no brakes...(disclaimer disclaimer disclaimer) BUT...I thought electronic trailer brakes were set so the vehicle brakes were applied first and the trailer brakes came on a very short time thereafter...not trailer brakes first and then vehicle brakes. I'm not sure how you could set it to have trailer brakes first, since when you push the brake pedal, you get vehicle brakes (and that is the first signal to the brake controller to add trailer brakes).
Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Mississippi, USA
Mounted mine below the steering wheel at the bottom of the dash right above and in front of the brake pedal. Used one of the existing dash-mount screws and just made a bracket out of a piece of metal to compensate for the angle. Drilled a couple holes in the plastic "pocket" mount that came with the Prodigy, attached a piece of metal for added stability, and mounted my homemade bracket to that.
It's completely out of the way of the drivers' legs, is easily seen through the bottom hole in the steering wheel, and is within easy reach.
It's completely out of the way of the drivers' legs, is easily seen through the bottom hole in the steering wheel, and is within easy reach.
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New User
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Tallahassee, FL
I always thought the trailer brakes should come on slightly before the tow vehicle's to ensure that the trailer stays in line. I'm no expert though, and would be happy to hear from others. In any event, I have mounted mine on the dash, attaching the Prodigy holder to the dash with velcro at what I figure is a 50-55 degree angle.. I'll be traveling a couple of thousand miles next week and will see how it works.
I will look for that screw hole above the brake pedal though. Would prefer a more solid and permanent mount than velcro.
I will look for that screw hole above the brake pedal though. Would prefer a more solid and permanent mount than velcro.
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: SacTown - Home of the Kin
I put a Draw-Tite controller in my 00 Eddie and mounted on its side on the the center console: this one can be mounted in any position...
The only problem is that when I'm towing the trailer, my AM receptions gets some (lots) static when I hit the brake pedal. That never happened when I had the same controller mounted in my 98 Explorer. That little prob has me stumped...
The only problem is that when I'm towing the trailer, my AM receptions gets some (lots) static when I hit the brake pedal. That never happened when I had the same controller mounted in my 98 Explorer. That little prob has me stumped...
