I am going to buy a 16' Maxey utility trailer. It has brakes on both axles, and a 7-way type plug. I was told I need a brake controller and the seller recomended the Tekonsha Prodigy. (97.00 on eBay and 14.00 for the harness) For all those who are in the know, is that a good choice? Also, I need some type of security for the trailer. What is the best device out there?
Mike, what's the hitch like? I have a really nice hitch lock on my lunette, it's a two piece steel shell that basically covers the whole thing. Got it from Northern Tools. I also have a couple of rings welded onto the chassis of the trailer so I can connect them with a chain and padlock through the wheel. I know it's a little crude, but that should be enough to prevent theft of opportunity. If you have a CO2 tank, you could also let the air out of all the tires if you're going to park it and leave it for a short period of time. Again, better against theft of opportunity than a really determined thief that really wants your trailer.
Last time I was in Moab I saw a wheel boot on one of the trailers, I wanted to ask the Cruiserhead responsible for it but never followed up.
Our fleet uses the Tekonsha units for brake controllers. No problems. And we wouldn't stay
with 'em if they didn't perform.
If the trailer's brakes are electric, use a brake controller.
If they're surge, haul that trailer straight to the landfill and leave it there.
The Prodigy is generally highly respected among electric aftermarket controllers. People that really get into it sometimes will promote one of two others (using a connection into the hydrauilc system, or a cable onto the brake pedal), but those discussions end up being like Democrats vs. Republicans... You'll most likley be very happy with the Prodigy.
For security I bought a bunch of key-d alike padlocks, I use two to lock the ramps onto the trailer, and two to lock the weight distributing clamps. I have a separate lock to lock the hitch, and I also use a locking hitch pin on the receiver.
So far these have kept my trailer unmolested for 10 years, including many multi-day times at Rubicon and other remote areas, out in the CA and Nevada desert and the Sierras.
We have always used Tekonsha controllers, seemed to last as long as the truck and I can't remeber any problems with the controller.
I would check out the wiring on your trailer as soon as you get it home and really make sure that the ground wiring is up to snuff. I had my trailer brakes went through and some welding done on my trailer at Maxey's shop in Ft. Collins and the wiring job they did flat sucked ass. I ended up doing a lot of it over and it was just a lazy job on thier part. The ground wires for the brakes themselves weren't heatshrinked or even taped and the ground screws into the trailer frame were a joke. I hope they do a better job in intial build but it is much easier to get the wiring figured out when things are still new and clean. Good luck, electric brakes suck ass in my experience. I wish someone would figure out air brakes for small trailers.
For grounds that just screw into the body or frame, use shakeproof washers. They're the ones
that look like throwing stars.
We rarely ever have to go after the same ground twice when we use them. And our units get
used hard at construction sites.
