brake controller types???
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Senior User
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brake controller types???
what are the differences and pros and cons between the 3 types of brake controllers? ive alwys used proportional but what about the timing and inertia?
i have a 2000 expedition and i tow a 2400 lb travel trailer with one axle and a 17' car hauler with my jeep on it. (not at the same time of course)
what would be the best/easiest/no worries! way to go???
i have a 2000 expedition and i tow a 2400 lb travel trailer with one axle and a 17' car hauler with my jeep on it. (not at the same time of course)
what would be the best/easiest/no worries! way to go???
CO River Rat
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,209
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From: Lake Havasu City AZ
Here's a breakdown on the different types: RV Towing Tips - Brake Controllers
For the price, I think Prodigy is your best choice.
Steve
For the price, I think Prodigy is your best choice.
Steve
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 12,237
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From: Florida
Steina posted a great write up...
I'll throw the Prodigy in as my recommendation as well.
I've pulled 17,000 miles in the last 3 summers using a Prodigy and have no complaints. I also tow a much heavier trailer too...
But hind sight being what it is...given the weights I tow...if I had to do it again...I would likely go Brakesmart...
But for your application...you canNOT beat the Prodigy...and I'm still using mine and have NO plans on swapping her out either...
Joe
I'll throw the Prodigy in as my recommendation as well.
I've pulled 17,000 miles in the last 3 summers using a Prodigy and have no complaints. I also tow a much heavier trailer too...
But hind sight being what it is...given the weights I tow...if I had to do it again...I would likely go Brakesmart...
But for your application...you canNOT beat the Prodigy...and I'm still using mine and have NO plans on swapping her out either...
Joe
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 80
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From: Oak Hills, Ca
Instead of starting a new thread, I'll post in here.
I have an 03 F250 and am going to be towing an enclosed trailer with electric brakes on it. (tandem axle trailer with drums on both axles, 7 plug connector) Total trailer wieght will only be about 6,500 lbs. Obviously my truck is not equipped with the factory tow command, so...
Is a brake controller like this all that I need?
Which brand/type do you guys recommend?
Are these easy to install? (hoping to do it myself)
Almost all of the trailers I have pulled in the past had a hydraulic/surge brake set up, so this is new.
Thanks for any help
-Mike
I have an 03 F250 and am going to be towing an enclosed trailer with electric brakes on it. (tandem axle trailer with drums on both axles, 7 plug connector) Total trailer wieght will only be about 6,500 lbs. Obviously my truck is not equipped with the factory tow command, so...
Is a brake controller like this all that I need?
Which brand/type do you guys recommend?
Are these easy to install? (hoping to do it myself)
Almost all of the trailers I have pulled in the past had a hydraulic/surge brake set up, so this is new.
Thanks for any help
-Mike
CO River Rat
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,209
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From: Lake Havasu City AZ
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Junior User
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Oak Hills, Ca
Well, I figure if serveral FTE guys recommend it, I should give it a shot.
Now I just gotta find the place that has the best price, online or local.
I was under the dash this morning looking around to see if I would have to hard wire this bad boy. Ford didn't even have a hitch factory installed on my truck, so I wasn't expecting much. Although I think I lucked out, I found a 5 plug harness (red, white, black, blue, green) up there.
Am I looking at the right harness?
And if so, what is the green for?
(white is negative, black is positive, blue goes to the trailer, and red goes to the brake pedal)
Hope this is the right harness
-Mike
Now I just gotta find the place that has the best price, online or local.
I was under the dash this morning looking around to see if I would have to hard wire this bad boy. Ford didn't even have a hitch factory installed on my truck, so I wasn't expecting much. Although I think I lucked out, I found a 5 plug harness (red, white, black, blue, green) up there.
Am I looking at the right harness?
And if so, what is the green for?
(white is negative, black is positive, blue goes to the trailer, and red goes to the brake pedal)
Hope this is the right harness
-Mike
CO River Rat
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,209
Likes: 0
From: Lake Havasu City AZ
Mike -
Is that connector 6-pin (3 over 3)? If so, I believe the green wire is hot with the dash lights on; not needed with the Prodigy. Get the Ford-specific harness while you're at it.
Steve
Is that connector 6-pin (3 over 3)? If so, I believe the green wire is hot with the dash lights on; not needed with the Prodigy. Get the Ford-specific harness while you're at it.
Steve
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 107
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From: Paradise, CA
I'll second the Prodigy. I used a Voyager (also made by Tekonsha) for years, then last summer finally changed over to the Prodigy because of forum posts (mostly at rv.net). Much better. The Voyager had to be constantly readjusted when going through the mountains, the Prodigy is "set once and forget".
Even better is Tekonsha's P3, but it costs more of course. The best prices I've found are at pplmotorhomes.com. I suggest you only use their site for prices and comparison as it's cumbersome to submit online orders. Just use their toll-free number to order.
They'll also have the pigtail to connect into your Ford plug.
Phil
'03 F250 7.3L SC 2WD
Even better is Tekonsha's P3, but it costs more of course. The best prices I've found are at pplmotorhomes.com. I suggest you only use their site for prices and comparison as it's cumbersome to submit online orders. Just use their toll-free number to order.
They'll also have the pigtail to connect into your Ford plug.
Phil
'03 F250 7.3L SC 2WD
Postmaster
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From: Waterford, CT
well I was going to ask about the type of brake controller to get, but im pretty sure my question was answered for me. my question is I have a 94 F150 with the factory tow package and i located the under dash brake controller hookup wire, but would it be plug and play? and also, i only have a 4 way out back but have the 7 way adapter (not yet installed) is there a specific wire i have to look for out back? asked the local steaslership to no avail, and similiar results came for my search of the haynes manual. any help?