Just ordered a 36' gooseneck tri axle with brakes on all axles. I currently have the Hayes Energize III, which states it is rated to handle up to 2 axles. Can I get by with this, or should I be upgrading my controller? What is the difference exactly, jus the amount of current the controllers can generate to the trailer?
Any and all info is appreciated, thanks!

 

No, your current controller will not work with your new triple axle gooseneck, you need a new controller.

I have the Prodigy brake controller and it is great, it can handle up to four axles

There newest one is the P3 about 50.00 more and can also handle up to four axles.

Also if you get a harness adapter so you don't have to solider any wires, plug n play.


Check out these two sites

Brake Controller
(you get the harness free from them and free shipping)

Trailer hitch, hitches and bike rack (800)298-8924
(they are a sponsor)

 

Your current controller has to be rated for 3 axles as said before. The P3 is a great controller, I highly recommend it.

 

I don't recommend it, stick to the plain ol Prodigy. It has the same features with a far simpler user interface that you really do not need. The only downside to it is it won't work with electric over hydrolic brake systems.

 

The P3 has a feature that to me makes it worth the extra $$$

It displays sourced CURRENT (amperage). The Prodigy simply displays VOLTAGE output.

Here's the difference.

As magnets wear and get weaker...the Prodigy will always show the same sourced VOLTAGE. Because unless there is a short...the output voltage will never change.

The P3 will show that your 'nominal' sourced current will actually decrease as things wear or worse open. Current is ADDITIVE...meaning if each brake magnet uses 3 amps under HARD stops nominally. You would see 12 amps for your stopping event with 4 tires/brakes...18 amps for a tri-axle trailer...

I always 'test' my brakes when I hook up my TT. I go about 5mph and manually activate my Prodigy...I see 'max' voltage and feel a 'tug' by the TT brakes...that tells me at least one magnet is stopping my TT...

With the P3 however...I would know that under that controlled test environment...I should nominally see say 10 amps (2.5amps per brake on my tandem axle TT). If I see 7.5 or 5 AMPS...I know I'm running low on a / or a couple of brake magnets...and I'd investigate further...

This simple test utilizing the sourced CURRENT feature on the P3...to me...makes it a step ahead...

Notice however I haven't thrown out my Prodigy...I still believe it is an EXCELLENT brake controller...but if I were in the market today...I'd go P3...

Now if I were in the market for a TRUE PROPORTIONAL controller (i.e. non-inertial)...I'd go BrakeSmart...but that $300 price tag is something I cannot justify yet...

This of course is simply my opinion...

joe.

 

Thanks guys, looks like I will be upgrading my controller...
Anybody need a good used Energize III?

 

Nope :P Love my prodigy!