Trailer Brake controller

99kon · December 9, 2013

After reading up and figuring out that there is no way i can retrofit the factory brake controller on my truck, i need to look after market.

Im reading the Tekonsha P3 is a pretty good choice but at about $140 is a little on the high (ill get it if need be though) side for me.

Ill be towing an 18ft car hauler with a single cab chevy, and a polaris ranger about 80% of the time, not t the same time.

I am a visual person and if i dont like the way it looks ill keep looking.

I like how the P3 looks just wondering what else is out there?

99kon · December 9, 2013

Also mounting ideas?

I just dont like something just hanging from under my dash!

Beer Belly · December 10, 2013

I just installed a Prodigy P2 and it seems to work well.....set it once, and other than setting the boost level depending on needs, you don't have to touch it again. My truck is a 2013 Silverado, and I found that there is not a plug and play option as it was in my '06, as a matter of fact, they only give you a short run of wire to hook up to, which may limit where you can mount your Brake Controller

Rick boomer · December 11, 2013

Here is another option. I have no experience with it. The Tuscon anti-sway trailer brake system had a very positive review on TFLTruck/MrTruck

http://www.direclink.com/

MikeNH · December 11, 2013

Don't skimp on a brake controller. Spend the money on that Prodigy unit and be done.

Roscopcoletrain · December 11, 2013

Got a P3 in my rig and very happy with it.

CKNSLS · December 11, 2013

The Prodigy brake controller is the unofficial standard when it comes to brake controllers. They are worth every penny. Do you really want to scrape by when it comes to braking performance?

I have had mine 5 years on two different vehicles without any issues whatsoever.

Chris · December 11, 2013

I love my p3

99kon · December 12, 2013

Well looks like I'll be getting that p3

Now to look for the best possible deal.

I don't mind spending the bux if it gives me years of service

c4cruiser · December 15, 2013

Don't skimp on a brake controller. Spend the money on that Prodigy unit and be done.

This!! The Prodigy is about the best controller out there. Both the P2 and P3 have automatic leveling anywhere within a 360 degree range. It can mount level, straight up, down or anywhere in between.

For the most part, you won't have to play around with the controller. Adjust it for the load you will be hauling after you hook up and it can be left alone after that. The controller does have the ability to use the trailer brakes alone, but in most cases, there is no real reason to energize them separately.

The bottom of the dash is a good spot as it's out of the way and it makes wiring the controller an easy job. Tekonsha has plug and play harnesses for your truck so the hardest part is the installation of the bracket for the controller.

CKNSLS · December 16, 2013

In reality-the bottom of the dash is a terrible place. Don't get me wrong, I have mine mounted there too. However, in the event of a "bad sway incident" the text book way to correct it is to apply pressure to the trailer brakes only, via the brake controller. Hopefully, the few extra seconds it take us to reach down there FIND THE LEAVER underneath the brake controller-and then apply it-will not leave us sprayed across the Interstate. JMHO!

grampadirt · December 17, 2013

Scored a P2 for free last week,anxious to install it.Maybe tomorrow

hzhardy · December 17, 2013

I am running the primus iq in both of my trucks. I do a lot of towing in my silverado and I am very happy with this controler. I have two trailers, one is a 18ft flat bead that weight 2200 empty and a 18 ft enclosed that weighs 3600 empty. I have towed many loads upwards 10k with great control. I do use a weight distribution hitch as well which helps a lot.

I mounted mine with a piece of double sided tape on the screw already there for the knee panel. There I can still see it through my steer ing wheel and can still easily access if I need to work the slide bar in an emergency. I hear the factory on sucks anyway.

hzhardy · December 17, 2013

To clairify there is no longer a plug in harness like the 800s. The four wires are taped up under the dash if you have the tow package.

You also have to cut loose two bundled up wires under the hood and place them on the two lugs on the fuse box. When I boight my trailer it is illegal to tow a trailer that is equiped with trailer brakes with out a controler in the truck per dot.