Prodigy vs. Jordan
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 110
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From: north east pennsylvania
Prodigy vs. Jordan
Just read the post on prodigy vs.tow command. I only wish I had tow command. My truck being an 03 I didn't get that option as it was not offered yet. Anyway my aftermarket brake controller is failing me at this point and I need to replace it. I hear good things about both Prodigy and Jordan actuator controllers. Anybody care to comment on their personal experiences with either of these units?
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Sunny SOCAL!
I have never used a "Jordan" but I do use a Prodigy when towing my 30ft travel trailer. I works great. I have never had a problem with it and you can mount it anywhere.
Although my new truck will have the tow command
Although my new truck will have the tow command
CO River Rat
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,209
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From: Lake Havasu City AZ
I've used 4 different controllers from 2 different manufacturers over the years, and the Prodigy is the best by far; easy to install and it works great. I've never used a Jordan nor known anyone who's had one, but it requires a cable hook-up to the brake pedal; sounds like something that complicates installation and could require occasional adjustment but that's just MHO. The Prodigy is all-electronic.
Steve
Steve
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2001
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From: Northern Va
Originally Posted by Steina
I've used 4 different controllers from 2 different manufacturers over the years, and the Prodigy is the best by far; easy to install and it works great. I've never used a Jordan nor known anyone who's had one, but it requires a cable hook-up to the brake pedal; sounds like something that complicates installation and could require occasional adjustment but that's just MHO. The Prodigy is all-electronic.
Steve
Steve
Yes, the Jordan Brakesmart uses a cable to modulate trailer braking. I think it's one more moving part that can wear, break and need replacement.
Those who have them according to www.rv.net, love them. I have never heard a complaint from a Prodigy owner either.
Pick which one YOU like and enjoy your camping, both are classified as the best.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Sunny SOCAL!
I had never heard of a Jordan brake controller until this post. It appears to be a more mechanical as opposed to electronic controller. I agree with Steina, it seems like you would need to adjust that cable.
Not to muddy the waters to much but I have also used a DrawTite Activator II brake controller and it worked fine for me. It is a little cheaper then the Prodigy if that is a consideration of yours.
And to echo what CmprSpecial said pick what suits your needs and price and enjoy camping. 4 days till my next trip and I can't wait.
Not to muddy the waters to much but I have also used a DrawTite Activator II brake controller and it worked fine for me. It is a little cheaper then the Prodigy if that is a consideration of yours.
And to echo what CmprSpecial said pick what suits your needs and price and enjoy camping. 4 days till my next trip and I can't wait.
Last edited by CAFordDude; Mar 13, 2006 at 03:33 PM.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Georgia
Originally Posted by CmprSpecial
Yes, the Jordan Brakesmart uses a cable to modulate trailer braking. I think it's one more moving part that can wear, break and need replacement.
1. Brakesmart Expensive
2. Jordan 2020 Complicated install
3. Prodigy Plug and play
The prodigy is the most user friendly and is very good for the occaisional user.
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 775
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From: Northern Va
Originally Posted by al_e._gator
Jordan is NOT Brakesmart, Brakesmart is a totally different design and works through your master cylinder like towcommand does. I have a brakesmart and wouldn't have anything else but they are $350 a pop new. I have driven with a Jordan 2020 and it works good but it needs adjustment when your load changes a large amount. Towed a tractor on a flatbed and it worked great but it locked the trailer tires after we unloaded the tractor. Had to readjust the gain to tow the empty trailer. Most lists I've seen rate the top three controllers as:
1. Brakesmart Expensive
2. Jordan 2020 Complicated install
3. Prodigy Plug and play
The prodigy is the most user friendly and is very good for the occaisional user.
1. Brakesmart Expensive
2. Jordan 2020 Complicated install
3. Prodigy Plug and play
The prodigy is the most user friendly and is very good for the occaisional user.
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Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Marion, VA
As was stated, go to rv.net and you will find the overwhelming majority use and recommend the Prodigy. I love mine and haven't touched any adjustment once I did my initial adjustment. Installation took fifteen minutes or less and the adjustments were complete before i was sout of sight of my house. Great product for $99.
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Elder User
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 775
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From: Northern Va
Originally Posted by osbornk
As was stated, go to rv.net and you will find the overwhelming majority use and recommend the Prodigy. I love mine and haven't touched any adjustment once I did my initial adjustment. Installation took fifteen minutes or less and the adjustments were complete before i was sout of sight of my house. Great product for $99.
I agree, for the price the Prodigy is a fantastic product.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 268
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From: Garden Grove, Ca
Just to muddy the waters. I started with a Prodigy on my 1st 5er, switched to a Jordan 2020 on my new 5er and love it. Yes the cable can be a bother, but I feel I have better braking control. Would love to have a brakesmart but I think the guy went out of business.
Last edited by squaredancer; Mar 14, 2006 at 12:33 PM. Reason: spelling error
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Colorado
Originally Posted by david.hawxhurst
is brakesmart still in business. I can't find anyting on them.
http://www.turbobrake.com/ProductDet...x?productID=45
CO River Rat
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,209
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From: Lake Havasu City AZ
The BrakeSmart sounds like a fine unit BUT:
Adding one to a new TV might lead to some interesting discussions with your service manager if you need warranty work on the brake system, especially the master cylinder;
The control buttons aren't back-lighted; pretty cheesy for a unit this pricey;
The above website shows a 10-12 week delay in getting one
Steve
Adding one to a new TV might lead to some interesting discussions with your service manager if you need warranty work on the brake system, especially the master cylinder;
The control buttons aren't back-lighted; pretty cheesy for a unit this pricey;
The above website shows a 10-12 week delay in getting one
Steve
Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 6,507
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From: Home Base Nebraska
Originally Posted by Steina
The BrakeSmart sounds like a fine unit BUT:
Adding one to a new TV might lead to some interesting discussions with your service manager if you need warranty work on the brake system, especially the master cylinder;
The control buttons aren't back-lighted; pretty cheesy for a unit this pricey;
The above website shows a 10-12 week delay in getting one
Steve
Adding one to a new TV might lead to some interesting discussions with your service manager if you need warranty work on the brake system, especially the master cylinder;
The control buttons aren't back-lighted; pretty cheesy for a unit this pricey;
The above website shows a 10-12 week delay in getting one
Steve
There is no need for lights on the control buttons because they are a true set and forget unit.
As far as the long lead time I'm sure that things have not changed the demand has always outpaced the supply.
Denny
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 263
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From: Georgia
Brakesmart was bought out by Dr. Performance. They can be ordered here http://www.drperformance.com/brakesmart.html The price has gone up to $435 
. It does work with electric over hydraulic brakes and it works in reverse unlike some other controllers
. It does work with electric over hydraulic brakes and it works in reverse unlike some other controllers