which brake controller (1 Viewer)

[OswaldtheBold]

Just bought a small tent trailer (Fleetwood Neon, about a thousand pounds), to tow with my FJ60. What brake controller should I get?
I did a search, and the Tekonsha Prodigy and the Jordan seem to be mentioned a lot. Any comments?

 

[lx450landcruiser]

Tekonsha P3 is the best controller i have ever used. SImple easy to adjust on the fly if you need too and you can tow any size or weight trailer with it. Not a single thing i dont like about it.

 

[Brentbba]

Several of us here do run the Prodigy. I've had mine for several years. I set it back then and have left it along since then. It's worked great. Nice thing is that both I and one other dad in our scout troop both have the Prodigy cradle in our respective trucks and can move it from one to the other.

 

[e9999]

yup, got a Prodigy too. Everything I read about it was great. Solid state. Mine has been on in the truck for something like 2 or 3 yrs. I don't even bother to unplug it (not that that's very smart...) and it still works great. And yes, I also move it from one truck to the other when needed. Just worked some pigtails that are compatible.

 

[Clutchee]

Several of us here do run the Prodigy. I've had mine for several years. I set it back then and have left it along since then. It's worked great. Nice thing is that both I and one other dad in our scout troop both have the Prodigy cradle in our respective trucks and can move it from one to the other.

yup, got a Prodigy too. Everything I read about it was great. Solid state. Mine has been on in the truck for something like 2 or 3 yrs. I don't even bother to unplug it (not that that's very smart...) and it still works great. And yes, I also move it from one truck to the other when needed. Just worked some pigtails that are compatible.

Prodigy!

Got one in each of the rigs & they are worth it.
We pull a 2800 lbs camper with our 60 & 80...... works flawlessly in both.

 

[trainrech]

If you may use the controller in more than one vehicle I'd suggest wiring it in with a standard 4 wire trailer connector - makes it easy to swap into another vehicle.

 

[kyot4x4]

Prodigy is what i run works perfect for all of my trailers

 

[John E Davies]

Jordan Ultima, but unfortunately it is no longer being made and its "remote display" replacement has been in the works pretty much forever. This mechancally linked controller beats ANY electronic doo-hickey by a significant margin, especially on rough surfaces and off road.

I have a P3 on my wife's RAV4 and it just doesn't compare to the Jordan, but I admit that it is probably the best of the electronic ones for street use.

John Davies
Spokane WA

 

[larsdennert]

Another vote for Prodigy. The inertial system they work off produces really good brake results. Don't settle for a time delay or fixed force unit.

 

[OlympiaFJ60]

If you may use the controller in more than one vehicle I'd suggest wiring it in with a standard 4 wire trailer connector - makes it easy to swap into another vehicle.

Or use the supplied wiring with the prodigy in the 60 and get a vehicle specific one for each other to rig. Most newer (mid 90's to current) trucks have a socket you can plug the wiring into directly, as long as it supports a tow package.

I have the Prodigy in my Ford for bigger trailers. I towed a tent trailer with the 60 using the Voyager from Tekonsha and it always has worked just fine too, just requires a little bit to set up but haven't touched it since.

 

[John E Davies]

Or use the supplied wiring with the prodigy in the 60 and get a vehicle specific one for each other to rig. Most newer (mid 90's to current) trucks have a socket you can plug the wiring into directly, as long as it supports a tow package.

Most, but not all (for example, my RAV4 V6 with Tow Package) - but you can still splice in the supplied "universal" 4 wire connector and still be able to swap the controller to a vehicle like a Tundra that does have the mating connector installed at the factory.

This also allows you to remove and store the controller in the Tekonsha Nifty Leather Pouch supplied in the box.

The following is a page on installing the P3 into a RAV4, but it might be of interest here....

RAV4 Brake Control

John Davies
Spokane WA

 

[boctor12]

I used a prodigy in my toyhaluer and plan on using it in my tent trailer as well. I have one question. The instructions said to mount the controller at a max angle of I think 45 degrees. If I use this controler in my jeep when off roading, does the terrain have any effects on how the brake controller works?

 

[John E Davies]

I used a prodigy in my toyhaluer and plan on using it in my tent trailer as well. I have one question. The instructions said to mount the controller at a max angle of I think 45 degrees. If I use this controler in my jeep when off roading, does the terrain have any effects on how the brake controller works?

I have a Jordan on my LX and a P3 on my RAV4. NO way would I want the P3 or any purely electronic controller in a purely off-road situation. Compared to the direct response of a mechanically or hydraulically linked controller, no electronic unit will do much more than piss you off.

Even on potholed or washboarded forest roads, the electronic units get too confused and don't respond right when you want them to.

I think it's a shame that the Jordan is currently unavailable, since it works so durn well. maybe you could give them a call and see what the holdup is,,,,,
Best Brake Controller

John Davies
Spokane WA