the general consensus seems to be prodigy p3 is the way to go...a google search turned up a thread in a cummins forum, and they all raved about it too. if ford ppl and dodge ppl can agree, it must be good! lol, seriously, i've seen nothing but favorable reviews and the price is not outrageous either. a bit pricier than the Valley Odyssey we have on daddy's expedition, but if it's better, than money well spent imo.

who's a good reputable dealer with the best prices online to purchase through? the ones google turns up generally seem to be in the $130-$150 range.

thx!

 

We occasionally haul our horses so this is a topic of interest to me. Cheapest I found for the P3 was $119 with a $13 ship fee for a total of $132. Our 97 PSD has a brake controller but not sure what brand as we got it several years ago. My 96 PSD needs one.

I found this definition of brake controller types (below) - you're probably up to speed on these but just in case... Also, the Prodigy P3 is a proportion activated system and seems like its the best type of braking system (although I'm no expert just checking info on the internet).

I'm always trying to find U.S. Made products, and if they're competitive I go with them.

I saw the Hayes braking product line (they have a second generation Proportional Braking system) and they clearly state they are made in the U.S.A. using NASA technology. The Hayes G2 may be worth looking at it costs $116 which is the same as the Prodigy (Te90185) and less than the Prodigy P3 (TE90125 at $159).

Here's the Hayes G2 brochure Hayes G2 brake controller - they have a chart that shows that Tekonsha is also made in the U.S.A. and other helpful information including price comparisons and features. I like the way the Prodigy P3 looks, the menu screens seem easy to use, and the difference in price is "only" $40. Hope some of this helps.

Here's the descriptions:
There are four basic styles of brake controllers. The first style is a timing activated brake controller. This control works with your brake switch to activate the trailer brakes at a predetermined amperage output. It can be mounted from anywhere and generally will be used for a short hauls, or a low weight capacity trailer. Some versions come with digital display and direct plug in capabilities. The second style of brake controller is inertia activated. These brake controls function the same as the timing activated with the exception of a pendulum sensor. With this style of brake controller the pendulum senses the inertia of the vehicle deceleration and proportionally stops the vehicle at the same rate. These brake controls have to be mounted to a certain degree and perform the best in areas without many inclines and declines. Some models come with digital displays and direct plug in. The third style is proportional activated. Completely redesigned from any previous brake controls, the proportional units are fitted with accelerometers that measure the g-force of the vehicle stopping. With swift reaction times and the smoothest capable stopping, these brake controls can handle any trailer in any situation. These brake controllers can come equipped with digital displays, diagnostics, direct plug in, and self adjustment. The forth and newest style is the hydraulic over electric controls. Mini computers that convert hydraulic and brake pedal pressure into electrical current. These controls will be equipped to handle any condition.

 

I have the P3. I don't tow a lot but the P3 is very nice in my lightly experienced opinion. It could be considered a gadget but that's what I like. It has some great features like the voltmeter, braking voltage and amperage. Handy for diagnostics. Easily adjustable for trailer size and weight. I like having the read out of the settings rather than just a slide or ****. The display is very nice and can be made a few different colors. It matches the rest of my gauges nicely.

Price is high but not out of the ball park.

 

brakesmart here but i haul almost everyday too

 

I have some Voyager or something, i got it for free, and it works just fine.

 

I use the P-3 on my 99 F350 DRW to pull a 15K enclosed car trailer with the aerodynanics of a brick. The P-3 is real nice just set it up and drive it takes care of everything very smoothly, as long as you have it on thr right setting to start with. There are several settings that effect how much brakes it applies automatically depending on the # of tlr axles and weight. But like I said its great once you get it set right.

 

good stuff, red! i had the general idea...i know the odyssey on the expedition is a pendulum style. it'll be hard to compare when i put the prodigy in my truck since as-is she already tows and stops a trailer better than the expedition.

so the final pre-purchase question is- if i purchase the controller new in box, will that give me everything i need to install? i've found a few on eBay at good prices, but one seller said my truck would need a different wiring harness. she's got a factory trailer towing package

 

Seems that the harness is sold seperately. Do our model trucks come with a "factory Tow Package"? If they do then there is a specific harness for them. As for price all I've found (in 2 minutes) was they are not expensive...

Tekonsha tells about the harness model. A little more research to get the price. Also you can contact them from their site and ask them a question about installing it.

So, anyone out there knows how to tell if a OBS PSD has a factory tow package please advise.

 

U haul... paid 6.97 for a harness to connect to my brake controller.

 

i visited ford's customer service site, put in my vin, and in 3 days had my de-coded vin info, plus all the options including original color, tires, etc etc she rolled off the line with. "trailer towing package" was on the list. free of charge of course so i would say yes, that was an option. as far as how to tell...ya got me! she's got a plug for lights and frame-mount hitch...but i'm also the third owner, so...

 

That's pretty much it, Katie (if I may call you by your first name). My '97 has the factory tow package. Plug and hitch receiver were supplied by the factory.

I installed a Prodigy model (don't remember which one, but I think it's older than the P3) and the instructions were very clear as to what wire needed to be spliced into using the Prodigy-supplied pigtail and connector.

I tow a 24' travel trailer and the controller works great. IIRC, Tekonsha and Prodigy are pretty much the same thing.

 

i have several of the run of the mill tekonsha's that i got from trade in vehicles. i cant beat 'em.
http://www.trailerandtruckparts.com/...voyager-lg.jpg

 

See how these prices compare, http://www.etrailer.com/