I currently use Draw-Tite Activator II brake controllers on both my trucks. It seems like I cannot get either one set for smooth operation. If I have it adjusted for light or frequent braking, such as city driving, the braking level at higher speeds is too light. If I have it set for better braking at highway speeds, it grabs too hard in city driving. I have adjusted the brake output level and the sync but cannot get it adjusted so one setting works well in both driving conditions. This is the same trailer, just driving at different speeds and/or conditions. BTW, I pull a tandem axle 32' travel trailer, ~9,000# loaded.

I have been looking at the Tekonsha Prodigy brake controller with the inertia-activated controls. Would this controller allow me to set it and forget it? It sure would be nice to have just one setting for both my driving conditions. I hate it when I turn down the brake level, then forget to turn it back up and have to stop from a higher speed

 

Take a hard look at the Jordan Ultima. I was in this position and bought the Prodigy only to later find out about the Jordan. Prodigy was real good but the Jordan is awsome. If you can find people that have tried both, they will always favor the Jordan, at least from what I read.

 

Thanks for the tip Gunfighter09,

While searching for info on the Jordan Ultima, I found a lot of user feedback about "the best" brake controllers. It seems like the Tekonsha Prodigy, the Jordan Ultima, and BrakeSmart are the top three from the reviews and posts I read. I found that all three offer proportional braking features, but in different methods.

The Tekonsha Prodigy (http://www.tekonsha.com/product1.html) uses an accelerometer to measure vehicle braking and apply a proportional amount of trailer brake. This is a simple hook up, electrical only to the factory wiring harness, and the least expensive I found ($99, but also as high as $143).

The Jordan Ultima (http://www.jordanbrake.com/INDEX.html) uses a mechanical linkage to the vehicle's brake pedal arm to control a proportional amount of trailer brake. A little more involved install, hook-up to the factory wiring harness and a cable and bracket to the brake pedal. The manufacturer's website states that it even works with adjustable pedals. $140 MSRP, $119 on-line.

The BrakeSmart (http://www.brakesmart.net/) taps into the vehicles hydraulic brake system at the master cylinder to convert hydraulic pressure to electrical voltage thru a pressure transducer. All hydraulic connections stay under the hood, just a wire for the voltage signal from the pressure transducer is passed through the fire wire. The install is fairly involved (not overly though), but the controller is the most expensive at $350 (from manufacturer) with special REQUIRED wiring harness.

I haven't tried any of these, but think they all look like good products. Personally I think I would go with either the BrakeSmart or the Prodigy, only because I don't like the mechanical linkage involved with the Ultima. This is my personal gut feeling based on no feed-back or experience, so please don't flame me. I used accelerometers and pressure transducers everyday at work and know that failures with our sensors are very rare, so I would feel perfectly comfortable using either. Accuracy with either sensor would obviously depend on the initial quality of the sensors, but either can offer precise measurements.

Personally I am leaning toward the BrakeSmart at this time, but cost and availablity could steer me toward the Prodigy. My current Draw-Tite Activator II works well enough right now, other than the annoying surge under light braking, so I may keep it for my next tow and research the other 2 products more in depth.

 

I have been using ( and installing) Tekonsha controllers for 20 plus years and have always had good luck with them. I personally use the Envoy. the Prodigy is A real nice controller. I have never used any other brand, so I have nothing to compare to, but I have had no problems with them.

 

The thing about trailer braking is that you are really stopping two different vehicles. Individually, each vehicle would take a different amount of braking to stop. What I like about the Prodigy is that the braking effect is not dependant on the amount of pedal travel or hydraulic pressure of the tow vehicle. Instead it senses the deceleration rate and applys the trailer brakes accordingly. There may be a drawback to this system, but someone will have to point it out for me. I havn't experienced any compromise with this system.

 

If you get the prodigy you can remove it and put it in the other truck. Simple plug in.

 

I read that it would even fit my existing Draw-Tite bracket. The pocket mount box accessory looks like it would work well for sharing it between two trucks also. Does anyone have experience with the pocket mount box?

 

I have the Prodigy brake controller and it works much better than then the old Kelsey that I was using. As far as the pocket mount goes I would bet it is different than your Draw-Tite. So far it looks to me like it is a great break controller.

 

Twin -

Don't know what year your trucks are, but I'd be a little leery of tapping into the hydraulic system (JMO). I use the Prodigy and, as horsepuller said, it's a good controller with no problems shown yet.

 

Both trucks are brand new, but I don't think I'd really worry about it. I'm sure I could do it safely and without problems.

I called a local vendor today and he wanted $160 for the Prodigy. I can order it on-line for $100 + shipping, so about $120, but wouldn't get it in time for my next tow. Still stewing it over in my mind. I get home Monday night, then leave Tuesday for a trip towing my TT. Might just keep what I got for this trip or be down at the dealership Tuesday morning Or I'll have a few more weeks to think about the BrakeSmart.

 

Hi
this is the price at amazon.con/auctions. Search for prodigy brake
You can probably call them and have it shipped overnight for a few dollars more.

Take-It Price: $85.99 plus $8.00 s&h fee
Description: This is a brand new V2.4 software, in box, never used Tekonsha prodigy trailer brake control. This item has the full factory warranty.
I got mine from them for less than $100 including shipping

Ron

 

Twin -

If you decide to go with the Brakesmart, please let me know how the install went and how you like it. Hope you had a good trip!

Steve

 

I have the Prodigy. It works fantastic. No surge, grabbing or jerking. I pull two different trailers (each between 7-10k lbs) and have never adjusted it since the first pull. Bought the plug and play harness and installed it in less than an hour. There may be one better out there, but I can't imagine how it could be better. I don't really even notice the trailer back there.

 

I've been towing for over fifteen years and I was always fussing with the controller until I bought a Prodigy. It's great. Virtually sets itself up.

 

The prodigy has the boost feature for other than flat/city driving. You can set the boost so the trailer brakes initiate braking at a % higher than the tow vehicle (less wear on TV). When doing campground or stop and go you can turn the boost feature off (touch the button once or twice) and the TT will brake proportionally to the TV.

You will need to buy the vehicle make specific wire connector unless you want to hardwire the Prodigy. It comes with a connector, but you will need to hardwire this. You can get the vehicle specific connector for $8.

You shouldn't pay more than $120 for Prodigy, Connector, and shipping.

Good Luck.