Choosing a Trailer Brake Controller...

[jsmoriss]

So I'm looking at buying my first trailer soon (AT Chaser), and after researching 7-pin connectors, harnesses, etc., I realized that I also need a brake controller. There's a bunch to choose from, but this one seems to have good ratings:

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/t...matchall&Nty=1&Ntt=brake+controller&noImage=0

What do you think? Is there better?

Thanks,
js.

 

[Steve Curren]

If you are buying from AT, they have the whole setup. I am going to upgrade soon as I opted for no brakes at first and now I am needing them.

 

[jsmoriss]

If you are buying from AT, they have the whole setup. I am going to upgrade soon as I opted for no brakes at first and now I am needing them.

Ah. I didn't know that. Any idea which brake controller they sell? I figure they don't make their own...

js.

 

[flywgn]

My choice based on many miles of towing trailers from the AT Horizon to large fifth-wheeled versions is Tekonsha's Prodigy. I suspect that if you contact AT, they will make a selection available for you.

Allen R

 

[kjp1969]

My choice based on many miles of towing trailers from the AT Horizon to large fifth-wheeled versions is Tekonsha's Prodigy. I suspect that if you contact AT, they will make a selection available for you.

Allen R

+1 for the Prodigy

 

[TheGillz]

I don't have a break controller yet, but one of the things we are going to have to deal with, is the JK has terribly little area for such devices. One that required being level really woudln't work well, and the smaller the better.

 

[jsmoriss]

I don't have a break controller yet, but one of the things we are going to have to deal with, is the JK has terribly little area for such devices. One that required being level really woudln't work well, and the smaller the better.

For sure. Finding room for stuff in the JK is always a challenge.

Here's an article I found that mentions both the Odyssey and Prodigy...

http://www.trucktrend.com/features/consumer/163_0506_electronic_brake_controllers/index.html

"Our choice was between Valley Industries' new Odyssey and the Tekonsha Prodigy, the latter typically referred to as the benchmark of today's high-end electronic brake controllers.

The comparison chart shows that both units matched each other nearly feature for feature, but in the end it came down to how they functioned in the cab. We chose the Prodigy for its superior manual override control and mounting position flexibility."

Looks like another +1 for the Prodigy.

js.

 

[Dave]

I use a Tekonsha P-3. Works great, no hassles.

 

[Nuclear Redneck]

Prodigy is what I have.

It has a small form factor, can be mounted from 0-70 degrees (I think) and was an easy plug in for both my Tacoma and Tundra. I didn't see a harness listed for Jeeps, so you might have to do some wiring yourself.

Highly recommended.

 

[tdesanto]

Tekonsha P-3

You can get everything you need here.

 

[jsmoriss]

Tekonsha P-3

You can get everything you need here.

Done! :victory: Thanks!

js.

 

[tdesanto]

Done! :victory: Thanks!

js.

NP. Lemme know if you have questions.

 

[opie]

Tekonsha P-3

You can get everything you need here.

Ditto on the P3. Thats what I have and Ive logged some miles pulling various trailers with different controllers.

The P3 doesnt even let you know the trailer brakes are being applied. Very smooth, seamless and no jerking.

 

[IllianaXJ]

xwhatever on the P3. I run one in my Expedition, very smooth and easy to use. The LCD screen makes setup a snap, plus it looks cool

 

[jsmoriss]

Excellent! Thanks everyone for your replies. The P3 is on the way...

As for mounting locations... It looks like the preferred setup is semi-vertical mounted to the dash in front/above of the driver's right knee?

Is the only concern in placement, aside from the unit's vertical/horizontal mounting limits, being able to access the emergency brake button?

Thanks,
js.