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brake control ideas

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Old Feb 25, 2009 | 02:03 AM
  #1  
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brake control ideas

I was just wondering if anyone had any good ideas about what trailer brake assist controller I should look into. I do a lot of towing but have never had to get one myself. Kindof want a plug and play one with no ***** or such. Any idea???
 
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Old Feb 25, 2009 | 04:09 AM
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The easiest brake controller i know of is the Tekonsha Prodigy. Pt# 89746
Is has a smart technology feature when hooking up to different trailers & backing-up trailer brakeing.
Pick up the Tekonsha / Ford harness #89740 and installation is a breeze.
The next price level down is the Tekonsha Primus #89753.
It has most of the Prodigy features and uses the same "quick harness".
Just pull the trash bag hook 2 bolts in your dash and screw the bracket in those existing holes and plug it in. Your done in 10min. (If you can reach up & under for OEM female connector for harness connection).
 
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Old Feb 25, 2009 | 06:50 AM
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Tekonsha Prodigy
 
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Old Feb 25, 2009 | 07:59 AM
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I got a Tekonsha P3 which is Tekonshas top of the line controller. Has a good size LCD screen which you can change the colors of and it also has a troublshoot menu where you can monitor truck voltage, output voltage and etc. With the P3 you can adjust the brake power while braking and see the value with the prodigy you can't. Get the premade harness for the controller from Tekonsha and its just plug and play.

Heres mine mounted.


 
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Old Feb 25, 2009 | 01:53 PM
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I also love my Prodigy.
As electronics get cheaper, newer models get fancier and even more "intelligent", but the Prodigy does a darned fine job with my trailer, which is about the same weight as truck. If your trailer weight is more than your truck, you should consider a smarter controller.
Here's what appears to be a great deal worth checking out:
TruControl Silver Features List
 
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Old Feb 26, 2009 | 01:04 AM
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Thanks guys. I do appreciate all the help with the ideas. I noticed that the truck has a mount installed for a brake controller that they must have taken with them when they sold it. Thanks again!!

Luke
 
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Old Feb 26, 2009 | 11:56 AM
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Thread moved from the V10 to the Superduty forum.

Because trailer brake controllers are the same for diesel or gas, you'll get LOTS more experienced users answering this question.
 
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Old Feb 26, 2009 | 02:09 PM
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i am buying a prodigy and harness this week. Who do you recomend to buy from online?
 
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Old Feb 26, 2009 | 02:16 PM
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Not a bad price here...

Tekonsha PRODIGY Brake Controller - Proportional 90185 : Trailer hitch bike rack and trailer hitches - etrailer.com

You'll want one of these also, assuming you have an '04 or older Super Duty.

Tekonsha Wire Replacement for Ford Vehicles 3035-P : Trailer hitch bike rack and trailer hitches - etrailer.com

Same as above for 2005 and newer Super Duties.

http://www.etrailer.com/p-3065-p.htm

You may want to do some searching also. You may be able to find a much better price.
 
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Old Feb 26, 2009 | 02:34 PM
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Camping World has a nice price pretty much all the time. http://www.campingworld.com/search/i...d&Nty=1&Ntpc=1 Another 10% off if you are a member.
 
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Old Feb 26, 2009 | 03:47 PM
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The only plug and play I am aware of is Hoppy's Impulse 2. You buy the Impulse controller than the vehicle specific plug, I think we used to charge $125 for both. It's not that hard to wire one, but the PNP made it a quicker install. Run two self tapping bolts into a body panel, connect the harness and start towing. I never needed one, so I don't know who makes a better one, if the hoppy isn't all you'd ever need.
 
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Old Feb 26, 2009 | 07:40 PM
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Originally Posted by ReAX
The only plug and play I am aware of is Hoppy's Impulse 2. You buy the Impulse controller than the vehicle specific plug, I think we used to charge $125 for both. It's not that hard to wire one, but the PNP made it a quicker install. Run two self tapping bolts into a body panel, connect the harness and start towing. I never needed one, so I don't know who makes a better one, if the hoppy isn't all you'd ever need.
As a few people have already mentioned, their are plug and play harnesses made for the Tekonsha line. The Prodigy and P3 both being excellent inertial controllers.
 
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Old Feb 26, 2009 | 07:49 PM
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if you look in the pictures from DKF you will see a small pocket just above his controller. if you cut a small hole in the back of the pocket to run the wires through, the pocket is a great place for the controller, and your not screwing holes all over your dash.the pocket snaps out pretty easy to work on and the ford harness is right behind it. ooops on the older truck the pocket is integral, on 05 and up its removable, but its still a nice handy place without being in the way
 
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Old Feb 26, 2009 | 08:44 PM
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got the prodigy... in my desk drawer. just haven't put it in yet. think it was $103 shipped to the house from etrailer or some such business.
 
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