Brake controllers
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FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 3,862
Likes: 5
From: Beachville, Ontario
Brake controllers
Looking at getting a trailer brake controller for my truck. Are they all compatible, or will certain controllers only work with certain trailers?
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,414
Likes: 22
From: Tucson USA
You want to buy the best you can afford for towing. Not saying the high $$ are any better than the discount ones. Many have recommend the predator I think it is runs around $100-150. I was going to get one but had two already and decided just to reinstall into the new truck and did. One was bad, the other works good.
So yes you can make your choice and they all will work on the trailers. Some I have read indicate 2 or more axles so I would get one that has multi axle capability.
So yes you can make your choice and they all will work on the trailers. Some I have read indicate 2 or more axles so I would get one that has multi axle capability.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,081
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From: Eastern Oregon
If you have electric brakes the Prodigy is your best value. They can be had for $125 including the wiring harness and shipping. If you don't need the harness, as I doubt you would, take off $12.
Posting Guru
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From: Eastern Oregon
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Thread Starter
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FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 3,862
Likes: 5
From: Beachville, Ontario
Thanks for the input guys. Referring back to my original question, will the Prodigy be able to activate the brakes on any trailer? Are the plug sockets for most trailers the same?
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 755
Likes: 0
From: Meriden Ct
If the trailer has electric brakes, the electric brake controller will work. If it has some other type of brakes the controllers will not work. Most trailers now have electric brakes. Except maybe boat trailers.
Most trailers are usually wired with a flat four plug (no brakes), or a 7 way plug with flat spades.
Most trailers are usually wired with a flat four plug (no brakes), or a 7 way plug with flat spades.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 1,264
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Originally Posted by huntercgr
Actually, the total came to 120.24. Sorry, my bad. hehe
New User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Auburn, CA
thanks Kieth w, you just answered the question I was going to ask.. I've already shelled out loads to Trucksmart and could save $50. For my 04 F250, do I need to get a harness? I found a 5 wire harness with "Electrical trailer tow installation instructions" in the glovebox.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 638
Likes: 7
From: Birmingham, AL
New Jim,
I will also recomend the Tekonsha Prodigy. I just got back from a 1000 mile tow and mine worked flawlessly.
My van came with the same pig tail that you found in your gloove compartment and the Prodigy will come with a pig tail that you can splice to it if you like....BUT... read the instruction sheet if you choose to go this route because you don't simply match the colors from one pig tail to the other. Also, if you need extra length you will need a couple of different wire gauges.
The optional three foot custom wiring available for your particular vehichle is a bargan at 10 to 12 bucks and makes it plug and play.
Gene
I will also recomend the Tekonsha Prodigy. I just got back from a 1000 mile tow and mine worked flawlessly.
My van came with the same pig tail that you found in your gloove compartment and the Prodigy will come with a pig tail that you can splice to it if you like....BUT... read the instruction sheet if you choose to go this route because you don't simply match the colors from one pig tail to the other. Also, if you need extra length you will need a couple of different wire gauges.
The optional three foot custom wiring available for your particular vehichle is a bargan at 10 to 12 bucks and makes it plug and play.
Gene
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: LAYTON, UTAH
The Prodigy Is Definity The Way Too Go. I Work In A Rv Parts Department And Have Personaly Used Many Differant Brake Controls. Many People Like A Pendulum Controler, Hayes Lemmerz For Example, Because They Claim To Be More Sensitive ( Not As Much Jerking ) As An Electronic Control. Electronic Brake Controls Have Become Very Popular In The Last Few Years Because They Are Very Predictable. I Can Set It To Hit Just How I Like It No Spending The First Five Miles Of The Tow Messing With It. I Tow Several Trailers A Week And Have Been Completly Satisfyed With The Prodigy. Prodigy, The Best Brake Control.