braake controllers...again :)

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Mar 14, 2009 | 09:34 PM

MissIndependent

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From: Blackwater, VA

braake controllers...again :)

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 http://www.brakecontroller.com/valleyodyssey.htm 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. it looks like most of them include the wiring harness/all components needed for install

thx!

Mar 14, 2009 | 10:38 PM

dchamberlain

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From: Scio, OR

I think you'd be very happy with the P3. I have one and it is a nice controller. I will say though, that the P3 is basically the original Prodigy, with a push button interface and an LCD display, instead of a dial control and a two digit LED display. The only thing the P3 really offers over the Prodigy is that it works with hydraulic trailer brakes.

If you don't need a controller for hydraulic trailer brakes, you'd be very happy with the Prodigy and save a little money. I've towed with both and functionally they are pretty equal.

I can't say where the best place is to buy one. I don't even remember where I got mine. I'd just look for the best price.

Mar 15, 2009 | 10:41 AM

Steina

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From: Lake Havasu City AZ

I think the P3 also shows amp draw, but supposedly the menu is more complicated than the Prodigy. Unless you have electric-over-hydraulic trailer brakes, like DC posted, or want the amp feature I'd stick with the Prodigy; I've used 7 different controllers over the years and it's clearly the best - JMHO.

Steve

Mar 15, 2009 | 01:04 PM

bpounds

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From: Whittier, CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by MissIndependent

who's a good reputable dealer with the best prices online to purchase through?

brakecontroller.com has been good to me. Free 2 day shipping, and free interface cable.

Mar 15, 2009 | 01:46 PM

myschultz

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I think I have used just about every one on the market over the past thirty sum years and the p3 is the best by far. got mine on ebay for less than a hundred bucks (brand new,no harness).

Mar 15, 2009 | 08:38 PM

MissIndependent

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From: Blackwater, VA

i found several on eBay for a little over $100...but the seller says my sig truck, with a factory tow pkg, would need an oem wiring harness (sold separately, of course)

Mar 16, 2009 | 09:49 AM

dchamberlain

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From: Scio, OR

You need the Tekonsha part # 3035 wiring harness. Some sellers sell them with the unit, some sell them separately. They aren't expensive though.

tekonsha 3035, eBay Motors items on eBay.com

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Mar 17, 2009 | 01:17 PM

bpounds

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From: Whittier, CA

Here is a Prodigy on sale for $99.

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

Mar 17, 2009 | 05:35 PM

#10

dchamberlain

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From: Scio, OR

Quote:

Originally Posted by grafekie

I've heard a lot of people say NOT to buy the P3 unless you have electric over hydrolic brakes, and to stick to the regular Prodigy for most people. I love my Prodigy, P3 is too complicated.

I have the P3 and I really don't think it's that complicated. It basically works exactly like the Prodigy, except you have an up and down button instead of a roller to adjust the output power. One thing I do like, is that the P3 displays the maximum output power as you adjust it, without actually moving the manual control lever over like you have to do with the Prodigy. So if I have a trailer that I know generally works at a particular setting, I can go back to that setting simply. And if I am increasing or decreasing the power, I know in exact increments how much I am.

There is a menu but unless you want to change the display color, or setup for hydraulic brakes, you aren't going to use it much. It is a bit cheaper, however.