Brake Controller

[brussum]

I'm acquiring a small trailer that has electric brakes on it and I would like to install a brake controller in my '08 200 series. I'm looking for brand/model recommendations from the group. I had a Tekonsha Prodigy on my F350 and it worked well, but was about 10 years old. Anything newer or better that you all would recommend?

For those who have installed such a controller in their 200s, where did you mount it? Any pictures?

Thanks!

 

[5ForFighting]

I have the Prodigy, but haven't had a chance to tow our trailer with the 200 yet. Can't wait to hear some mounting options!

 

[77TLCFJ40]

Our '08 200 had the plug for the brake controller already built into the harness. The plug is high in the driver side kick panel. Pretty sure it was wrapped up in tape. The controller had a harness that plugged into the factory plug.

 

[Dozer in AU]

Hi John,
I removed the ash tray & the surround, then made a new face plate out of 3mm black acrylic & mounted my controller in that. It is easy to reach recessed in, & out of the way when I don't need it.

Pete

 

[elkaholic]

To the OP, the prodigy is till a very good controller. The P3 is a bit better. I have used both and once they are setup, they are comparable in performance. The P3 is a little easier to setup and have a few more display options than the Prodigy

As far as connecting the controller, Tenkonsha has a direct plug harness for our trucks and there is a good write up on this forum with pictures on where the factory harness plug is located.

Sent from my iPhone using IH8MUD

 

[brussum]

Thanks! I ordered a Prodigy P3 with the Toyota wiring harness from etrailer.com today. It looks like it'll mount along the knee panel, but I need to get down there and see what's hidden behind that plastic panel (besides the airbag). Toyota didn't leave much space down there for mounting accessories. And, it's NEVER fun twisting the body around to work under the dash.

 

[elkaholic]

I actually put industrial strength Velcro on the dash and the "pocket" for the controller and only mount I up for towing, the black Velcro is almost invisible on the black dash knee bolster

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[brussum]

That's a good idea that I might just steal. Thanks.

 

[elkaholic]

If you do so, let the Velcro adhesive set for about 48 hours before hanging the weight of the controller off of it. Don' ask me how. I learned that lesson.

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[LCHardriver_02]

Bringing up an old thread...

This is something that I need to do to my new-to-me LX. Can someone who has the brake controller mounted post a picture, so I can see where you guys ended up mounting the thing?
Thanks,
Jonathan

 

[InkMing]

Here is where I mounted mine and so far so good.

 

[mtnracer]

I don't have a pic handy but we mounted ours with velcro on the left side by the knee area. It doesn't really get in the way and the harness reaches no problem. The P3 comes with a nice storage pouch so we disconnect it and keep it in the glove box when not in use.

Also, we have the tan interior so I bought some tan velcro tape at ACE to match.

 

[LCHardriver_02]

Thanks for the replies. InkMing - For some reason, I cannot see the image that you posted.

Mtnracer - I was thinking of the same location (I think), but doesn't the controller need to be level and straight forward to back to allow it to control properly?

Jonathan

 

[mtnracer]

Ideally it is supposed to be level but it works fine at the slight angle. I think most people mount it at an angle because otherwise you would not be able to read the LCD screen.

 

[InkMing]

Let me see what is going on. Looks like none of my images today are viewable... Hmmm...

 

[InkMing]

 

[LCHardriver_02]

Now that is a great photo! I had not thought of mounting it that low. Can you reach it sitting in the driver's seat?

 

[InkMing]

Yeah, can reach it. Just haven't gotten a chance to fully test it out yet. Keep running out of hours in the weekend.

 

[mtnracer]

The problem with mounting it that low may be that it will be difficult to find the "lever" at the bottom of the unit to manually apply brakes to the trailer in an emergency. If something happens you need to be able to very quickly get your hands on the lever to straighten your trailer back out and stop sway. It would be very unsafe to fumble around that low trying to reach the brake controller while steering your truck.

 

[LCHardriver_02]

So since I already own the Prodigy P2, I ordered an extra mount and the vehicle specific cable. They should arrive on Friday. So, now I am wondering how hard it is to find the connector the cable plugs into under the dash. Could someone either post an explanation as to where to look and what to expect or more pics? Thanks in advance!
Jonathan