Brake Controllers

[Spargman]

It seems the Tekonsha line is pretty popular.

The Primus IQ is $78

The P3 is $128

Is there a benefit to one over the other?

My trailer is going to weigh at most 2klb when fully loaded.

Also, this is my first trailer so I'm still in research phase. What type of wire do I purchase to connect this brake controller to my trailer? (my vehicle did not come with the tow package) The trailer has a 7prog end and is completely wired up for its own battery and electric brakes.

Is there a 7prong adapter I can mount on my bumper so that I can run both power (to charge trailer battery) and the wires from the brake controller through this adapter? I found this, but wasnt sure if it's what I needed - Hopkins Multi Tow Adapter

If there is a link or article you can recommend for wiring a vehicle for a trailer, it would be greatly appreciated. I'm picking up the trailer on Tues and rushing to upgrade my truck so I can tow. Apologies I'm not armed better wish research, but I found this trailer last minute and jumped on it.

 

[orangeTJ]

The Prodigy is nice as well. I have it.

http://www.etrailer.com/Brake-Controller/Tekonsha/90885.html

Whatever you do, DON'T get a "time based" controller. Get one that is intertia/accelerometer based. I believe everything Tekonsha makes is intertia/accelerometer based.

I won't even buy a brake controller from a manufacturer other than Tekonsha, unless I was getting a high end controller to power brakes on a really heavy trailer, in which case those tie in to the hydraulic system of the tow rig, much like the integrated brake controller (IBC) does in my 3500HD dually.

 

[Spargman]

Found this:
http://www.etrailer.com/faq-wiring.aspx

Difference between P2 and P3

For $3.99 I'm having the P3 overnighted!! (I love amazon prime)

 

[brentbba]

I've been happy with my Prodigy for years. Tow a 4000lb trailer for our scout troop (or at least used to). It's been years, but somewhere you'll need to tap into your brake signal in addition to running power from your battery back to the truck side of the 7-pin.

 

[cnynrat]

Another happy owner of a Prodigy here. It's a bit cheaper than the P3, and I think the controls are a little easier to use. In my vehicle I couldn't find a location where I'd easily be able to see the display on the P3.

 

[gabepari]

Prodigy P2

 

[Spargman]

i went onto the manufacturer's site looking for install instructions but i couldn't find the wiring diagram.

B/c i don't have an OEM tow package, I'm using the P3's generic wiring harness. My question, how long is this harness, will i have to add/splice wire in to make it longer so it reaches the back of the truck? I'm assuming I wire the P3 directly to the adapter (that the trailer plugs into) under the bumper?

apologies for the newb questions...

 

[Titanpat57]

Have the Prodigy II also...but it came with the plug and play, vehicle specific harness.

May be helpful if you post the make, model, etc, about the vehicle...or better yet go to "vehicle specific" forums, and ask which wires to use. I'm sure the info is readily available.

Good luck,

Pat

 

[orangeTJ]

i went onto the manufacturer's site looking for install instructions but i couldn't find the wiring diagram.

B/c i don't have an OEM tow package, I'm using the P3's generic wiring harness. My question, how long is this harness, will i have to add/splice wire in to make it longer so it reaches the back of the truck? .

Yes, you will have to add wire. The pigtail harness on brake controller I've seen is at most, 2' long.

As far as running wires to the truck plug, only one wire from the brake controller is required - the brake signal wire. THe rest of the wires connect to the truck's systems (power, ground, brake activation)