I've been tossing around buying a brake controller for my SD (see sig)...and noticed that Tekonsha has an ALL new controller called the P3.

http://www.tekonsha.com/p3.html

Has anyone installed and towed with it? Any opinions .vs the Prodigy?


Thanks,
biz

 

biz4two,

I have not used one as i have the FMC factory unit, i have used the Prodigy with great success in my other vehicles.

The new "P3" appears to be an updated Prodigy with more features and diagnostics. This looks like the Prodigy on steroids. IMO if i was in the market for a new controller i think i would jump all over the P3.

 

Right now there is also a $20 rebate on some of there controllers.

 

I use the orignal controller and love it. Easy to use and setup. I wouldnt have a problem using any of there products.

 

The P=Prodigy 3=Marketing. Good upgrade of a Prodigy, internally they are the same. Instead of digital read out they came up with a LCD monitor, put a new bracket on it, and put an on/off switch to the diagnostic check to allow older electric/hydraulic actuators to work (mainly Carlisle pre Feb 07').

 

Well thanks for the responses.

I was doing an internet search on the P3 in relation to cost. I found that it ranges from $133 - $174...pretty reasonable I thought. Then I find it for $127.00...and YES the $20 rebate is in the box. Plus FREE shipping.

So...for $107.00 I just ordered a P3! The only thing...is it's on backorder and will not ship until June 14th, but NO worries here...not in a rush.

Thanks again for the replies...

biz

 

biz4two,

Sounds great, report back with how the new upgraded prodigy works.

 

I've been searching craigslist and eBay for a P3 for weeks. finally found them in San Antonio. a quick call and had one for $60, and a buddy brought it to me...... but, I don't get the rebate.

 

That is a good idea. I certainly will...

biz

 

***UPDATE***

Installed my new P3 brake controller and all went smooth! I installed in the typical location for the SD trucks: on the dash under the storage hole. I did purchase the plug-in-play wire adapter...so no issues with the wiring.

I am able to "play" with the LCD display colors (good color options...IMO) and changed to the green...so it matches my SD. Was able to get a voltage reading of my battery...but that was about it...so far.

Unfortunately...I have not towed with it yet. My TT is at the RV shop for warranty work. They've had it now 2 wks...so itching to get it back and test the P3.

When I tow...I will have another Update.


biz

 

Sorry to bring the dead back up, but has anybody installed one of the P3s on a 2003 6.0L 350? Tekonsha is saying that I have to have Ford reflash the ECU to recognize the trailer, Ford tells me they have no updates for the ECU to flash. Need help asap please! I have to tow in three days. Thanks!

 

??? that doesn't make any sense to me. The P3 plugs in...and off you go. I didn't realize that the P3 and ECU communicate? Doesn't sound logical to me. Especially since the FORD integrated brake controller was not introduced until 2005.

You should have no issues with a 2003 SD with a 6.0L PSD. Good luck...


biz

 

I just want to share a thought about calling manufacturers as this is something I have to do almost daily. Just as with tech support for everything else, sometimes the person on the other end of the line knows a great deal. At other times, you would be better off asking the small terrier, Jean Luc Picard, who rides with me everyday in my service truck.

Just because someone at the factory says something, doesn't necessarily mean it is correct. I haven't installed this particular unit in your model truck, but why would it be only the P3 that would require a reflash? I haven't read a think from a single manufacturer that says anything about reflashing including the installation instructions I have been sorting through. Does it say that in the instructions that come with the controller? If it does, in my opinion, that is a heck of a design flaw. Who on earth would design a controller that required the consumer to take their truck into a dealer after installation and what RV dealers would install it. It just sounds nuts!

My two cents worth,

Steve