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Hey everyone, Thinkin about takin ford up on this offer of trading in my '04 for an '06. If you had your choice would you have the Tow Command option or would you save your money and just install a Progidy or Brake Smart yourself.
Thanks for the input....
I have the brake controller and upfitter switches. Its integrated with the ABS and master cylinder so I think as an option on an order its a no brainer. But, I just bought my trailer and I have not started using it yet, so the real proof is in actual use. We shall see. I am sure others will chime in with experience, I have seen many glowing reviews.
I think the Tow Command is made by the same company that makes the Prodigy. I spent $99 and put the Prodigy in my 04 and it took about 10 minutes to install. I don't know how anything could work any better than the Prodigy has worked. I've towed about 4,000 miles in both mountains and interstate.
Having used both (Prodigy in a '94 PSD, Tow Command in current 05 PSD) on the same trailer(34'5th wheel 14,000#s), I would highly recommend the Tow Command system. I had an opportunity to "test" emergency stopping capabilities with both controllers.
The Tow Command is far superior. It appears that the Tow Command passes some of the anti-lock brake properties to the trailer. Panic stop (saw accident happening ahead with more vehicles being envolved) from 70mph was extremely quick and no tire lockup on the trailer. Both vehicles stayed inline with no sway or swerving. During normal operation, it's difficult to tell that I'm towing, by brake feel/pedal pressure alone.
Prodigy would lock up trailer tires during panic situations. That being said, the Prodigy was superior to other addon controllers that I tried.
Thanks for the info everyone!! Looks like if I get hooked on the deal Ford had going on, I'll look for a truck w/ the tow command system. From the internet shopping, looks like it's pretty much a 'standard' option on the XLT trim levels and up. I haven't come across a truck that didn't have it as an option, it and the upfitter switches...
I run a Prodigy in my 99, and the intergrated system in the 05 we have, and there is no comparison. I thought the Prodigy was the greatest thing going when I got it. Then I towed our trailer with the 05, talk about a difference. It is so smooth and seamless you dont even know teh trailer is slowing down behind you. In panic stops it is incredible how fast it pulls down, with no jerking or bucking, it just stops straight and true. I do think the Prodigy is the best bang for your buck aftermarket controller out there, but the Integrated Ford setup is hands down the best system Ive ever used.
Another vote for the tow command. I've used a prodigy on my previous vehicles, just took the new F250 and trailer out this weekend. Didn't know the trailer was back there, that's how smooth the tow command is.
BTW, the new 3V V-10 and torqueshift absolutely rock! I used to hate the 99 where the trans kept hunting for gears all the time. I didn't have the tow/haul mode on and it still stayed in OD and just kept accelerating up hills like nothing was behind it. Trailer is a 24 foot V-nose enclosed, guesssing between 6500 and 7500 with tools, car, etc.