Brake controller recommendations?

[gsganzer]

I need to add a brake controller to my 4Runner. Anyone have any recommendations? The trailer is a tandem axle with electric brakes on one axle. Gross trailer weight is 4500 lbs.

 

[MarkLeininger]

I have a Tekonsha Prodigy that I'm happy with. I researched them a fair bit before I bought it about a year ago, and they have a good reputation. I'd recommend etrailer as a source for this stuff, they have good technical information including installation videos on everything from trailer brakes to brake controllers. Here's their page on brake controllers:
Electric Trailer Brake Controller Installation

 

[hammer1995]

Tekonsha Prodigy or P3, although I prefer the P3. Search around on some travel trailer forums and you will see these two as the preferred models by a wide margin. Don't bother with anything else.

 

[cperky]

I have the Tekonsha voyager. It is a very basic and simple controller from the top brand of controllers. The p3 and prodigy are probably alot better but I am happy with my voyager.

 

[CurlyDave]

Prodigy

 

[gsganzer]

Thanks for the replies. I'll pick up a prodigy.

 

[tlbuser]

I recently got MaxBrake™ - Hydraulic over Electric Variable Brake Controller
So far, more than happy with it. Easier to install than it looks and works great.

 

[tmc2318]

I would only get a proportional controller - I have a Prodigy. Here is a simple blurp that I found elsewhere that explains why:

"There are four basic styles of brake controllers. The first style is a timing activated brake controller. This control works with your brake switch to activate the trailer brakes at a predetermined amperage output. It can be mounted from anywhere and generally will be used for a short hauls, or a low weight capacity trailer. Some versions come with digital display and direct plug in capabilities. The second style of brake controller is inertia activated. These brake controls function the same as the timing activated with the exception of a pendulum sensor. With this style of brake controller the pendulum senses the inertia of the vehicle deceleration and proportionally stops the vehicle at the same rate. These brake controls have to be mounted to a certain degree and perform the best in areas without many inclines and declines. Some models come with digital displays and direct plug in. The third style is proportional activated. Completely redesigned from any previous brake controls, the proportional units are fitted with accelerometers that measure the g-force of the vehicle stopping. With swift reaction times and the smoothest capable stopping, these brake controls can handle any trailer in any situation. These brake controllers can come equipped with digital displays, diagnostics, direct plug in, and self adjustment. The forth and newest style is the hydraulic over electric controls. Mini computers that convert hydraulic and brake pedal pressure into electrical current. These controls will be equipped to handle any condition."

 

[AlanB]

Don't know if you have bought yet or not, but southwest wheel is a sponsor here, and gives you a discount if you put in the code and order online. Now I need to remember the code, I think it is TBN, but hopefully one of those guys will chime in.

Anyway, I run several Prodigy's and really like them, and was buying another for our new to us truck (I had forgotten how bad a non-digital control was)

Anyway, they reccomended I think about a Odyssey II

Brake Controller

It has the same features of my Prodigy's plus it has 4 presets. For me with multiple drivers in the truck, it is GREAT!

For our dump trailer (that is normally hooked to that truck, we have the brake controller set up that 1= empty dump trailer 2= dump trailer full of mulch and 3= dump trailer full of stone.

It lets me tell anyone (even over the phone) how to set the brake for what they are hauling.

This may not be a big deal for you, but it was for us, and with brakecontroller.com being a sponsor I wanted to throw them into the discussion.

I think the P3 had direct read of problems instead of codes, and that would be nice, but it does not have the pre-sets which I needed. To be honest, if one is throwing a code, I am going to be the one working on it so I have to figure it out, but too darn many folks drive it pulling the trailers and they are just too numb to realize that the brake controller is set up wrong.