Need info on brake controllers
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2008
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Need info on brake controllers
I'm looking at getting a brake controller for my 04 F-250 because I haul my farm tractors and equipment on a 16 foot dual axle trailer. I found there are inertia brake controllers and timed brake controllers. What are the advantages and disadvantages of both? What type would you get if you had to use your truck to haul equipment over mountain passes?
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From: SW Virginia
Here's a link to a good write-up in Trailer Life's '08 towing guide. Hope it helps.
Trailer Life Magazine: Follow the Road to Adventure
Trailer Life Magazine: Follow the Road to Adventure
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: Paradise, CA
I've had fifthwheels since the late seventies and only last year FINALLY bought a Prodigy and learned I should have done that long ago. I finally bought when they started going on sale because the P3 came out.
But I thought the P3 was 'state of the art' and the best thing in controllers?
By the way, for the OP I'd recommend pplmotorhomes.com and have seen their name mentioned positively numerous times here and on rv.net forums. Their website is great for browsing but I found it cumbersome for the actual ordering and just call the 800 number after I've decided on the purchase.
Phil
CO River Rat
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From: Lake Havasu City AZ
Phil -
The big advantage of the P3 is that it can be used with electric-over-hydraulic brakes; if your trailer has regular electric brakes then the Prodigy is fine. Someone posted that the P3 shows amp draw; that's a nice feature but you would need to decide if it's worth the extra $$$.
Steve
The big advantage of the P3 is that it can be used with electric-over-hydraulic brakes; if your trailer has regular electric brakes then the Prodigy is fine. Someone posted that the P3 shows amp draw; that's a nice feature but you would need to decide if it's worth the extra $$$.
Steve
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Spokane, WA
Do a google search (p3 brake controller reviews) you will find lots of info. and the price is not much more. I really like my P3 have used a couple of others (Tekonsha's) for the $$ I think the P3 is great!! I must admit though that I don't tow all that often.
Tekonsha P3 Brake Control
Tekonsha P3 Brake Control
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From: Montana
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From: Home Base Nebraska
After running about every brand a time based and inertia based controllers I spent the money and bought a controller that works directly from master cylinder pressure. After installing and using a Brakesmart controller with our 16K trailer it's the only thing I would use. You can buy one at Dr. Performance - BrakeSmart a little expensive but worth it.
Denny
Denny
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Removal of Tekonsha Pilot?
I'm a newbie, so please be gentle if this is a hijack...
I just bought a used 2002 F-350 SuperDuty (7.3) that had a Tekonsha AccuPower Pilot installed. I suspect there are ground issues with it so I disconnected the under-dash harness and removed it (not going to be towing). Is this safe or do I need to do more wire removal/disconnecting?
TIA
I just bought a used 2002 F-350 SuperDuty (7.3) that had a Tekonsha AccuPower Pilot installed. I suspect there are ground issues with it so I disconnected the under-dash harness and removed it (not going to be towing). Is this safe or do I need to do more wire removal/disconnecting?
TIA
Last edited by greg.gentilini; Jan 19, 2009 at 02:03 PM. Reason: Additional Information
New User
Joined: Jul 2006
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Sorry - forgot to add that I checked the Tekonsha web site and the constant "c." display warning indicates a ground issue. I've been experiencing battery drain for the last week and this morning it finally didn't start. Did all the standard checks (battery charged, terminals cleaned, etc.)
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Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Garden Grove, Ca
I started with a Prodigy because everyone said I should get one. When I got my F250, i moved up to a Jordan 2020 Ultima because folks said that was the one. When the cable started binding and the Jordan folks were a tad rude to me I finally got a Brakesmart. Should have started out with it and saved myself a few bucks.
