Brake controllers
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 3
From: Simpsonville, KY
Brake controllers
I use a 2002 F150 to haul my 6000lbs gooseneck stock trailer routinely, and I'm wondering if it'd be worth my while to "upgrade" my brake controller. There are so many new digital models avalible now I'm wondering if my older (but still nice) Voyager would be worth retiring. Has anyone used both the voyager and one of the newer ones, and how did they compare? I'm looking for a more smooth stop... more braking power to the trailer but no abrupt releases of pressure lurching the truck forward. Thanks!
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 42,683
Likes: 3,152
From: Fraziers Bottom, WV
I had a Voyager in a van and liked it very well. Sold the van and let it go when I sold the van. I never towed a heave trailer with the Voyager so I can't tell you any thing about the weight you are going to tow. However I have 2 (one in each truck) Prodigy controllers and have towed 5 ton with it and had no problems. I looked at the newer controllers when I purchased the SD Crew and feel that many are note worthy. But with my past knowledge of the Prodigy, that is what I stayed with for the following reasons.
1 ease if set-up
2 functions
3 multi-weight trailers and the ease of adjustment to each
4 already know how to use them
5 snap-in mount to change the controller to another vehicle and only need to purchase a wire harness and mount and not the controller
1 ease if set-up
2 functions
3 multi-weight trailers and the ease of adjustment to each
4 already know how to use them
5 snap-in mount to change the controller to another vehicle and only need to purchase a wire harness and mount and not the controller
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: SW Chicago Burbs
Originally Posted by grafekie
I'm looking for a more smooth stop... more braking power to the trailer but no abrupt releases of pressure lurching the truck forward. Thanks!
I upgraded from a Voyager to Prodigy a year ago with my new truck. I hated the voyager for the same reasons you want to upgrade.
The first time pulling it was strange. I was so used to the trailer slowing the truck down around town that I was worried the first time I stopped because I didn't feel the trailer brakes.
But once you get used to difference the controller is so much better. It was well worth the money to upgrade.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,199
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From: High Point, NC
I haven;t used the Voyager - but I think it falls in to a "standard" controller - that is, when you apply the brake, it starts applying voltage to the trailer brakes and doesn't stop until it reaches the max voltage set. That's they way my old controller worked.
I finally broke down and got a Prodigy (after hearing so much postitive about them) off of ebay. I got installed and we did a ~400 trip to the beach - WOW, what a difference. Smooth as could be and when I had to make a denfensive move on the interstate, it responded appropreiatly.
The prodigy applys voltage based on an accelerometer - that is, is adjusts the voltage by sencing how fast the tow vehicle is stopping. If you are slowly stopping, it applys less breking - if you are aggressively stopping, it applys the brakes faster. And once you are stopped, it reduces the voltage - this is supposed to reduce longterm wear on the brake hardware (magnets).
I would suggest the Prodigy to everyone. Definately worth the price.
I finally broke down and got a Prodigy (after hearing so much postitive about them) off of ebay. I got installed and we did a ~400 trip to the beach - WOW, what a difference. Smooth as could be and when I had to make a denfensive move on the interstate, it responded appropreiatly.
The prodigy applys voltage based on an accelerometer - that is, is adjusts the voltage by sencing how fast the tow vehicle is stopping. If you are slowly stopping, it applys less breking - if you are aggressively stopping, it applys the brakes faster. And once you are stopped, it reduces the voltage - this is supposed to reduce longterm wear on the brake hardware (magnets).
I would suggest the Prodigy to everyone. Definately worth the price.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
From: Upstate NY
I bought mine at a RV Store. Anyone how sells trailers, trailer hitches should be have them available to sell. Try looking on line like etrailers or other online retailers, they should be easy to come by! Good Luck
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 147
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From: Upstate NY
Camping World, Thats it! I couldnt for the life of me remember the name!, Yah with the 10% Discount i think it was around 90-110 for everything. Works better than any other brake controller ive ever had.
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 82
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From: SW Chicago Burbs
Camping world for me. I think it was more than I saw online but I was able to get it, install and go camping the next day.
If you watch e-bay there seem to always be a few for sale. Just know what you will pay for it from a local store and don't overbid.
If you watch e-bay there seem to always be a few for sale. Just know what you will pay for it from a local store and don't overbid.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,756
Likes: 38
From: Nampa, ID
I bought my Prodigy from an RV supplier. I paid about $85 four years ago. Did the install myself. The factory Ford tow-package was already wired in and the previous owner kept the controller.
The Prodigy instructions made it very easy to splice into the wiring harness and get the connections done right the first time. By no means am I an electronics moron, but I'm no electronics genius either.
Read the instructions BEFORE you start cutting wires, and have them with you when you're ready to rewire.
I doubt I'll ever sell my truck, but I'm sure I'll never sell the Prodigy.
The Prodigy instructions made it very easy to splice into the wiring harness and get the connections done right the first time. By no means am I an electronics moron, but I'm no electronics genius either.
Read the instructions BEFORE you start cutting wires, and have them with you when you're ready to rewire.
I doubt I'll ever sell my truck, but I'm sure I'll never sell the Prodigy.
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 22,436
Likes: 17
From: Louisville,Ky.
I have a controller in there now. It works fine except the way the brake lights are on the F150, after pushing down on the pedal, if you lift any at all, the brake lights go out and the trailer brakes release. The you get a jerk when you apply more brake again. It's annoying in slow traffic. I have heard that the Prodigy doesn't do this.
I also have an extra factory harness that plugs into the truck under the dash to wire into a new controller. I too have the factory tow package with a 4 pin and 7 pin plug. So wiring it isn't a problem.
I have installed a few of these now.
I also have an extra factory harness that plugs into the truck under the dash to wire into a new controller. I too have the factory tow package with a 4 pin and 7 pin plug. So wiring it isn't a problem.
I have installed a few of these now.
Last edited by LxMan1; Apr 16, 2007 at 09:10 PM.