Brake controller.....which one? Why?
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,060
Likes: 12
From: arizona
Brake controller.....which one? Why?
Bought my truck new in 97 and received a controller harness but I never hooked it up until now. I'm just wondering which controller to use. I will never pull anything more than say 6k lbs so do I need a prodigy or can I get away with a cheap $50 unit?
I will be pulling say 3500lbs. My truck stops the 3500 lb trailer ok without a unit.
I will be pulling say 3500lbs. My truck stops the 3500 lb trailer ok without a unit.
CO River Rat
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,209
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From: Lake Havasu City AZ
When you're talking about towing safety, I don't think the word "cheap" should be used but that's MHO. I'd want a quality controller with 3 tons hooked up, and the Prodigy is definitely that. I've used 4 different controllers from 2 companies over the years and think the Prodigy's $100 is money well spent.
Steve
Steve
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 263
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From: Georgia
Generally considered Top 3 controllers in reverse order:
3. Prodigy ~$100,
2. Jordan Ultima 2020 ~$100
1. Brakesmart ~$300
For most people the prodigy is the best choice. Both the Jordan and Brakesmart have very good reputations but are more difficult to install and are usually left to people who tow regularly. Jordan has a cable to the brake pedal that controls current to the trailer brakes. The Brakesmart taps into your hydraulic brake system to measure application pressure
3. Prodigy ~$100,
2. Jordan Ultima 2020 ~$100
1. Brakesmart ~$300
For most people the prodigy is the best choice. Both the Jordan and Brakesmart have very good reputations but are more difficult to install and are usually left to people who tow regularly. Jordan has a cable to the brake pedal that controls current to the trailer brakes. The Brakesmart taps into your hydraulic brake system to measure application pressure
New User
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Ohio
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 4,788
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From: Mansfield, TX USA
Sorry guys, but I have a cheap controller in one truck and a Prodigy in the other. I really can't tell the difference (8000-10,000 lbs.).
Only hauling 3500 lbs., I doubt anyone can tell the difference. Maybe at 15,000 lbs., but not 3500.
Save your money.
Only hauling 3500 lbs., I doubt anyone can tell the difference. Maybe at 15,000 lbs., but not 3500.
Save your money.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 4,788
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From: Mansfield, TX USA
Originally Posted by Steina
Glad to hear the cheap one works for you, but the Prodigy was a definite improvement over the 3 controllers I've used in the past - JMHO.
Steve
Steve
Buying an expensive controller for a 3500 lbs. trailer just seeems like a waste of money to me, and I thought that he needed a different opinion. Experts on these boards tend to always recommend "the best" whether people need it or not.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 162
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From: Whistler, BC, Canada
I have a Drawtite Activator 2. Works very well for what I need it for. Adjustable for delay and power, easy to install. I haul skid steer loaders and construction material occasionally for short distances.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 263
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From: Georgia
My thoughts on brake controllers are like this. 1. You never know what your towing needs may be in the future so buy a good one. 2. People who only need a brake controller occaisionally are generally better off using the closest thing to plug and play, which means higher end, that they can get. 3. You don't know if you'll be happy with a cheap controller until you try it so why buy twice. 4. $100 dollars is cheap when talking about being able to stop safely. Tekonsha makes a new controller between the Prodigy and Voyager called the Primus which uses Prodigy technology and maky be a good choice but I haven't heard any reviews on it yet.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 4,788
Likes: 20
From: Mansfield, TX USA
Originally Posted by Steina
jschira -
Just curious - why do you have controllers in your trucks if your trailer doesn't have brakes?
Just curious - why do you have controllers in your trucks if your trailer doesn't have brakes?
16 ft
24 ft enclosed
32 ft
The 32 and 24 have brakes.
My X has a Prodigy. I bought a '96 Dodge 2500 that had a Drawtight Activator. I pull the 32 footer with that, and have grossed over 10,000 lbs.
The X usually pulls just the enclosed. The X replaced a '99 SD that had a Drawtight Activator. The Activator in my old '99 worked great. The one in my current '96 works fine.
For occasional light towing, the Activator is fine, and that's all he really needs. If he wants to buy something more expensive, that's up to him, but I doubt he will notice any benefit.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 109
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From: LaPorte, CO
Originally Posted by jschira
Not doubting you, but I haul 4000-5000 lbs. all the time on my trailer that doesn't even have brakes.