Integrated Brake Controller vs. Add On
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New User
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 19
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From: Birmingham, AL
Integrated Brake Controller vs. Add On
Hello all - New F250 owner and i had a quick question about Brake controllers.
My previous TV did not have an INTEGRATED Bake Controller so i purchased a Tekonsha P3 Electric Brake Controller. It work great. My new (to me) 2008 F250 SD has the integrated controller.
The question... Which controller do you guys think will work the best?
My previous TV did not have an INTEGRATED Bake Controller so i purchased a Tekonsha P3 Electric Brake Controller. It work great. My new (to me) 2008 F250 SD has the integrated controller.
The question... Which controller do you guys think will work the best?
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,591
Likes: 14
From: Pflugerville, tx
the builtin one wins hands down.. it knows LONG before the external one how much pressure u are exerting on the brakes.. it also can do the ABS hammer on the trailer brakes in synch with the truck..
I have a prodigy on my suburban.. thought it was amazing too..
the 08 just out performs every time..
you can only adjust the power level, everything else controlled by system programming.
Sam
I have a prodigy on my suburban.. thought it was amazing too..
the 08 just out performs every time..
you can only adjust the power level, everything else controlled by system programming.
Sam
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 91
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One thing I noticed going from a Prodigy to the built in one on my 08 SD is I need much more gain with the built in one compared to the prodigy. The built in one is basically a set it and forget it really, but so was the prodigy, so I the only different to me other than the higher gain is that you don't have to drill holes to mount an aftermarket one.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
Likes: 491
From: Bristol, TN.
I never have owned one, so I can not comment on the built-in controller.
From responding to multiple requests for help with the integrated controller, however, it seems to me like when there is a problem, it is harder to troubleshoot than the high-end add-ons with the self-diagnostics built into the controller. For example, by simply hitting a button, I can read the exact amp output and the voltage feeding my controller, which tells me immediately not only am I connected, but all my magnets are active and at what strength. Am I wrong about this point? It also seems to me, again from posting, that Ford dealers are not very good at diagnosing issues with the integrated controller. Is that an issue?
I'm not trying to argue for or against here. I am just looking for feedback about a component with which I have only limited familiarity.
Thanks,
Steve
From responding to multiple requests for help with the integrated controller, however, it seems to me like when there is a problem, it is harder to troubleshoot than the high-end add-ons with the self-diagnostics built into the controller. For example, by simply hitting a button, I can read the exact amp output and the voltage feeding my controller, which tells me immediately not only am I connected, but all my magnets are active and at what strength. Am I wrong about this point? It also seems to me, again from posting, that Ford dealers are not very good at diagnosing issues with the integrated controller. Is that an issue?
I'm not trying to argue for or against here. I am just looking for feedback about a component with which I have only limited familiarity.
Thanks,
Steve
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,171
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From: SE Texas
I've towed trailer with several inertia and time delay controllers, and also the IBC on my F250. There is no comparison in braking response and control when the controller knows exactly what you are doing in the truck with the tow vehicle's brakes. By matching output and timing with the tow vehicle's brakes,the IBC's ability to stop the combination of truck/trailer fast and under control is like you've tied the trailer's brakes directly to the brake pedal in the truck.
JL
JL
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Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
Likes: 491
From: Bristol, TN.
I've towed trailer with several inertia and time delay controllers, and also the IBC on my F250. There is no comparison in braking response and control when the controller knows exactly what you are doing in the truck with the tow vehicle's brakes. By matching output and timing with the tow vehicle's brakes,the IBC's ability to stop the combination of truck/trailer fast and under control is like you've tied the trailer's brakes directly to the brake pedal in the truck.
JL
JL
I certainly accept your appraisal as to function. My concern is the difficulty folks have trouble shooting it. It seems to be common place and the Ford dealers don't seem able to do any better than owners. Is it one of those things that is great when it is working, but watch out when it is not? Normally I think of assessing controller function as a pretty simple task, but the integrated controller appears to present a more challenging task than after-market controllers. When it isn't working, it just doesn't seem to provide much in the way of built-in diagnostics.
Steve
Steve
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Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
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From: Bristol, TN.
I am sure your are right. I am trying to put together a very basic troubleshooting guide to at least help with the task of deciding if it is the trailer or the brakes. I know most folks don't have clamp-on meters or test boxes like I carry and am testing some other ideas I have.
Steve
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New User
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Birmingham, AL
It sounds like from a performance standpoint, I should stay with the IBC in the TV. I can always sell the P3 or keep it in my old TV as a back up. Thanks!
I love the forum! Being a new Deisel Owner you can imagine the questions I have. This site seems to have a lot of great input from all angles.
I love the forum! Being a new Deisel Owner you can imagine the questions I have. This site seems to have a lot of great input from all angles.
Elder User
Joined: May 2004
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From: Northwest Florida
My sentiments exactly. I started learning here way before I bought my diesel. It REALLY helped me make better decisions. And as far as since I've bought it, this site has been priceless.Welcome to a great forum. Visit frequently, and good luck!
Bunky
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Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Frederick, MD
I have had both the P3 in a previous truck and the IBC's. The interated wins hands down. Best thing in the world to help keep that trailer where it belongs.
Works extremely well in those critical situations when some pulls out in front of you and they think you can stop on a dime.
Works extremely well in those critical situations when some pulls out in front of you and they think you can stop on a dime.
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,591
Likes: 14
From: Pflugerville, tx
I have had both the P3 in a previous truck and the IBC's. The interated wins hands down. Best thing in the world to help keep that trailer where it belongs.
Works extremely well in those critical situations when some pulls out in front of you and they think you can stop on a dime.
Works extremely well in those critical situations when some pulls out in front of you and they think you can stop on a dime.
last year with the prodigy controller in the suburban we had to fast stop for a light change.. ended up sliding midway into the intersection after the light changed..
the two pull outs were worse.. and with the IBC/ABS and Tow/Haul, we stopped well short..
Sam
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,591
Likes: 14
From: Pflugerville, tx
Hi JL,
I certainly accept your appraisal as to function. My concern is the difficulty folks have trouble shooting it. It seems to be common place and the Ford dealers don't seem able to do any better than owners. Is it one of those things that is great when it is working, but watch out when it is not? Normally I think of assessing controller function as a pretty simple task, but the integrated controller appears to present a more challenging task than after-market controllers. When it isn't working, it just doesn't seem to provide much in the way of built-in diagnostics.
Steve
I certainly accept your appraisal as to function. My concern is the difficulty folks have trouble shooting it. It seems to be common place and the Ford dealers don't seem able to do any better than owners. Is it one of those things that is great when it is working, but watch out when it is not? Normally I think of assessing controller function as a pretty simple task, but the integrated controller appears to present a more challenging task than after-market controllers. When it isn't working, it just doesn't seem to provide much in the way of built-in diagnostics.
Steve
I see over and over not knowing about fuses and relays.
why there is ANY fusebox hidden in the kick panel where you have to be at MOST 12 inches tall to work on it, is beyond me.
Sam