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Old 12-10-2016, 11:14 AM   #1
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Brake Controller - Use Existing or Buy New???

Hello,

I spent most of the morning learning about brake controllers on the forum. I am new to towing, so I do not know much on the subject.

I currently have a Hayes Energizer III which was already installed on my 2008 Avalanche when I purchased it used in 2010.

I have never used it and truthfully did not even know what this device was until we started shopping for a TT.

So my question is...
Would you trust and keep the Hayes Energizer III (I have read it is proportional) or would you purchase a new one? Seems a lot of folks like the Prodigy P3.

TV is a 2008 Chevy Avalanche 2WD 5.3L V8
TT is a 2017 Flagstaff Shamrock 23IKSS
Hitch Weight 588 lbs.
Unloaded Vehicle Weight 5418 lbs.
Cargo Carrying Capacity 1170 lbs.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts and inputs.
vr
Ron
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Old 12-10-2016, 12:18 PM   #2
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Personally I would spring for the Prodigy. Not cheap, but really is the best. Mine is a 2005 version and will not use anything else. The only one that ever came close was one of the old hydraulic models that took its informarion from the TVs brake system.
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Old 12-10-2016, 12:41 PM   #3
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I had a Suburban with the after market controller sold by Chevy. Turns out that was time based. I then installed a P3 because I was tied of the jerky stop and go traffic response. Worked great. If yours is proportional I would try it first. Only if the stopping isn't smooth or you're unhappy with the brake response in an emergency (try it first before a real emergency) would I pay to switch. Or if you just have the extra money and want the best.
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Old 12-10-2016, 12:41 PM   #4
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We didn't have any controller in our 2010 sequoia, so I naturally sprung for the P3 based on so many great reviews. Installation was a breeze, pretty much plug and play in my case, just had to route wires so they didn't get pinched by the automatic steering column.

The controller itself is very smooth and the adjustments are simple. Each increase in voltage was slightly more braking at the trailer. I felt it was a very "fine" control with small increments if you really want to dial in the balance with the TV. Downhill was a breeze, I thought I would want to use the Boost function, but whatever the gyro has built in the unit seemed to take care of controlling the weight just fine. I dropped to a lower gear and the controller did the rest in managing the weight. It's a fantastic device and worth every penny in my opinion.

I don't know if your current Hayes unit has a factory install look in the dash, but that is probably the only downside to the P3. Getting that "factory built-in " look is a little difficult given the form factor.
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Old 12-10-2016, 01:12 PM   #5
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Get the Prodigy.
I've had the P2 in my Avy for over 10 years and love it.
You can get the P2 for around $100.
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Old 12-10-2016, 01:23 PM   #6
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I had the Prodigy and it worked great. I have the built in Ford brake controller now and it's even better. But for after market I believe the Prodigy is the way to go.
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Old 12-10-2016, 02:23 PM   #7
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I would opt for the installed controller first. Do some investigation as to its features. On my Chevy Silverado it's integrated with the traction control, antilock braking, stability control and antijackknife control. Need I say more?
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Old 12-10-2016, 02:27 PM   #8
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PRODIGY!
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Old 12-10-2016, 03:09 PM   #9
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Try it, if it works satisfactorily great! If not, get a new one. I've had a Hayes Genesis that I've moved into 3 trucks and still works great. After you get any of them adjusted correctly, you forget they are even there...
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Old 12-10-2016, 05:03 PM   #10
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I almost wish my truck didn't have a factory controller in it. I had the P3 in my previous truck and it was much better than the factory controllers.
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Old 12-10-2016, 05:22 PM   #11
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Read you owners manual. Mine is specific about NOT using an after market controller. 2013 D/A 2500.

Had a Prodigy. Really liked it
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Old 12-10-2016, 05:34 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tiggerdad View Post
Read you owners manual. Mine is specific about NOT using an after market controller. 2013 D/A 2500.

Had a Prodigy. Really liked it
My brother and nephews all stopped using the built in controller and added their own... No problems.
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Old 12-10-2016, 05:38 PM   #13
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I would try the one you have first and see how you like it.

I had a Tekonsha Voyager that worked well for many years and multiple trailers until it finally died one day on a trip. I replaced it with a new Tekonsha P3. If the Voyager had not given up the ghost I don't think I would have replaced it though as I don't feel like the P3 works $120 better. No slam on the P3 as it is really nice, just maybe not that much $ nicer.
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Old 12-10-2016, 05:53 PM   #14
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I run the stock controller on my 2009 2500hd it works just fine.
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Old 12-10-2016, 06:52 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sterlingsilver View Post
I would opt for the installed controller first. Do some investigation as to its features. On my Chevy Silverado it's integrated with the traction control, antilock braking, stability control and antijackknife control. Need I say more?
The OP's Avalanche doesn't have a factory brake controller.
In fact, none of them ever did.
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Old 12-10-2016, 09:02 PM   #16
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RV.Net Open Roads Forum: Towing: More brake controller questions... argh

https://www.etrailer.com/question-84418.html

I had a P3 and loved how it performed. Just like anything else there's lots of energy around topics like this and many pros or cons to features of each manufacturer. The two links I provided will either help you decide, confuse you more as to what you should do, or help educate you even more with your search to select the existing controller or purchase a new one. I've heard that the Hayes is a good controller so maybe using it first, since it's already there, may be a good option that will be beneficial and help you decide. Good luck and enjoy your new adventure.
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Old 12-10-2016, 10:06 PM   #17
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Prodigy 2 is what I have and it works great.
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Old 12-10-2016, 11:21 PM   #18
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Bikendan is correct. The previous owner had the Hayes installed. I never used it. Don't even know if it works. But the red light comes on when I do hit the brake.

Was just curious if I should spend the money on a new controller or not.
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Old 12-10-2016, 11:28 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ron045 View Post
Was just curious if I should spend the money on a new controller or not.
YES!
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Old 12-11-2016, 12:17 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ron045 View Post
Was just curious if I should spend the money on a new controller or not.
Hayes are good controllers. Why spend $$$ if yours works (and if you have a braking red light it looks like the chances are good). Just look up the manual online so you know how to set it for your rig.
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