Brake controllers: the good, the bad, and the ugly!

Discussion in 'The Choo-Choo shop' started by SmallHurst, Jan 14, 2005.

  1. SmallHurst

    SmallHurst The Polyglas Pimp!

    What are you guys using for your trailer brake controls? I have seen Prodigy, Jordan 2020, and Brakesmart ($$$) being thrown around on RV websites as the best. What are you guys using to put the 'whoa' on your trailers?
     
  2. Steve Craig

    Steve Craig Gold Level Contributor

    I pull a 33' travel trailer in the summer months with an F150.
    Popular brand locally is Tokensha Voyager.
    Easy install, easy set-up, reliable.
    The controller is now in it's third truck.
     
  3. Brad Conley

    Brad Conley RIP Staff Member

    I'm using the Prodigy...best money I ever spent. Seems like it reads my mind when braking.
     
  4. GRNDNL

    GRNDNL Wannabe

    Ditto.....The best......
     
  5. L-88 CORVETTE

    L-88 CORVETTE Well-Known Member

    Rusty
    The Tekonsha Prodigy is by far the best brake controller I've used.Dont let the higher price scare you off,it's worth every penny!! I think list price is like 180$,we sell them for about 150$ I will cut you a better deal if your serious,call me 612-390-2871
    Wayne
     
  6. Steve Craig

    Steve Craig Gold Level Contributor

    Wayne,
    Will I see a big difference over my Voyageur?
    It's a '97 model, technology falling behind?
     
  7. GRNDNL

    GRNDNL Wannabe

    What else do you sell Wayne?.....
     
  8. Casey Marks

    Casey Marks Res Ipsa Loquitur

    My DrawTite Activator S U X !!! My next controller is gonna be a BrakeSmart .... I've almost gotten to the point with the Activator that I just turn it off and let the truck stop the whole mess .......... :af:
     
  9. L-88 CORVETTE

    L-88 CORVETTE Well-Known Member

    Stuff...

    I co-own a auto repair/towing business. We sell hitches,brake controllers,trans coolers in the summer months.We also sell race fuel (110 or 114) and methanol by the 55 gallon drum.
     
  10. L-88 CORVETTE

    L-88 CORVETTE Well-Known Member

    Controllers

    Steve
    I've never sold the one you have,But I'm willling to bet the Prodigy is far superior.Its the best one sold by Tekonsha!!Also the most expensive!
     
  11. BF2KNIGHT

    BF2KNIGHT Buickless for now

    one word...prodigy.

    I have the voyager as it was what was available at the time. While I don't tow cars around, I do tow a 3500# pop-up camper. The voyager works great. The major advantage to the prodigy is it ability to "sense" hills and adjusts breaking as needed. Since I live in the relatively flat lands of Minnesota, the Voyager works fine. However, if I ever need to replace it, it will be with the prodigy.
     
  12. Paul Vitale

    Paul Vitale Owner of a XXL SS

    I have the Tekonsha Prodigy self leveling brake controller it works fantastic here is a link if you want to check it out..

    Paul Vitale

    http://www.tekonsha.com/prodig.html
     
  13. Canuck

    Canuck Muscle Cars Forever

    Controller

    Prodigy Definitely!

    4000 mile trip Vancouver to Minneapolis with car and trailer through the Rocky mountains, never had to touch it once.

    The old Drawtight was constantly needing manual adjustment on my previous trip in 2002.

    A company called Kodiak now has Disc brakes for Trailers. Here is a installation guide, i did not find a web site for Kodiak.

    http://www.morryde.com/pdfs/Disc Brake Instructions.pdf
     
  14. Gmachine Lark

    Gmachine Lark Well-Known Member

    Hey guys,
    I tow a 44 foot goose neck with a 2200 lb race car,golf cart, big snap on box,compressor, spare motor, etc with mith my chipped up F350 (01) crew cab dually. I have the Prodigy controller on my truck and it works great. I have to say though that the truck makes a big difference too. With 12500+ gvw and four wheel disc brakes , the thing stops great and goes great too !
    Good luck with it . I think everyone agrees on which controller to get.
    George
     
  15. jaredyocum

    jaredyocum Well-Known Member

    jaredyocum

    Id agree that the tekonsha prodigy is the far supperios controller.My family and I own and operate YSS welding and fab here in our home town of canton IL and after 6 years Id testify that any thing tekonsha makes is worth useing.I install many brake controllers a week and Id have to say though that even though the prodigy it the best it allso is the most expensive.We sell a lot more of the Tekonsha Envoy ,It is half the cost and works well I have one in my own truck and its still inersha activated and works very smoothly but does require a voltage ajustment when the gross weight of the trailer changes (loaded vs empty) but its pretty cherry.Insidentyly if any of you would be interested in a trailer please let me know we build the best open trailers on the planet as far as ive run across.
    All box tube frame. thanks Jared Yss welding and Fab canton Il 309-647-1593
     
  16. gotbuick

    gotbuick What, me worry?

    Remember back 15-20 years ago. A trailer brake controller had to be plumbed into your hydraulic brake line... :shock:
     
  17. jaredyocum

    jaredyocum Well-Known Member

    jaredyocum

    Hey Jerry they still make those hydralic activated controllers but ive never installede one .My Dad has though. Jared
     

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