controller recommendation
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 435
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
controller recommendation
I need a recommendation for a trailer brake controller.
I have an '89 F150 AOD 302. I have a 1k/10k hitch mounted to the frame rails. I have a 7 pin connector with brake line and all the wires needed for a controller to the cab. All the wires to the 7 pin connector are powered via solid state relays from the battery except the bu lights which are powered via a conventional relay. The brake wire has a self resetting 20 amp circuit breaker.
I will be towing a 20 foot trailer with 2-3k pounds loaded over flat city streets, on multiple trips over a 2 month period. I think the trailer will have 2 axles.
What type of controller should I get? The mounting location may be difficult to find, given that most of the under dash area is a removable panel for fuse access. I may need to put it in the dash "pocket".
Thank you.
I have an '89 F150 AOD 302. I have a 1k/10k hitch mounted to the frame rails. I have a 7 pin connector with brake line and all the wires needed for a controller to the cab. All the wires to the 7 pin connector are powered via solid state relays from the battery except the bu lights which are powered via a conventional relay. The brake wire has a self resetting 20 amp circuit breaker.
I will be towing a 20 foot trailer with 2-3k pounds loaded over flat city streets, on multiple trips over a 2 month period. I think the trailer will have 2 axles.
What type of controller should I get? The mounting location may be difficult to find, given that most of the under dash area is a removable panel for fuse access. I may need to put it in the dash "pocket".
Thank you.
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 909
Likes: 1
From: Hollywood
I'm using the P3 (same manufacturer as Prodigy) and it is a great controller.
Tekonsha Website - 90195
Tekonsha Website - 90195
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,837
Likes: 1
Bud,
While I agree that someone may not NEED the expense of the P3, it does offer a lot more than most Prodigy owners want to realize. My P3's ability to tell me the amp draw is what confirmed for me that I had a problem with the brakes that was more than just them needing to be adjusted (the voltage read normal). It has other diagnostics, too, that the Prodigy does not. In my opinion the P3 is well worth the extra money. I am glad that most Prodigy owners are happy with their controller. And I will agree that if you already have a Prodigy it may not be worth it to upgrade. But if you're in the market for a new controller anyways, for me it was a no-brainer to spend the extra $25 or so on the P3.
While I agree that someone may not NEED the expense of the P3, it does offer a lot more than most Prodigy owners want to realize. My P3's ability to tell me the amp draw is what confirmed for me that I had a problem with the brakes that was more than just them needing to be adjusted (the voltage read normal). It has other diagnostics, too, that the Prodigy does not. In my opinion the P3 is well worth the extra money. I am glad that most Prodigy owners are happy with their controller. And I will agree that if you already have a Prodigy it may not be worth it to upgrade. But if you're in the market for a new controller anyways, for me it was a no-brainer to spend the extra $25 or so on the P3.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,826
Likes: 101
From: Martinsburg, WV
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 435
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From: Los Angeles, CA
I can't find the "prodigy" model listed on the Tekonsha web site. However it is still listed for sale at several suppliers. The "P2" and "P3" are listed at the Tekonsha site as well as suppliers.
Is the "prodigy" model obsolete?
Thank you
Is the "prodigy" model obsolete?
Thank you
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FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 7,298
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From: Southern California
Another vote for the Prodigy or P2 as they are calling it now. They didn't offer the P3 when I bought my Prodigy but if it's an advancement on the P2 it sounds pretty sweet.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 167
Likes: 7
From: Fort Gratiot MI
Yes they no longer make the "Prodigy" The Prodigy P2 has taken its place and they added a few more features to it that the first generation Prodigy didnt have. Some are reverse battery andbrake cut out protection, 360 mounting, and a few more I cant think of right now.
I just got the P2 and really like it.
I just got the P2 and really like it.
