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Old 01-14-2013, 05:19 PM   #1
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Brake Controllers

We are buying a Windjammer trailer and will tow it with a Silverado pickup. The dealer will install a Hayes Energize III brake controller as part of the deal. Any opinions on this unit?

We are relatively new to the RV scene and don't know much about the equipment other than the brake controller applies the trailer brakes when initiated by the tow vehicle. Thanks.
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Old 01-14-2013, 06:04 PM   #2
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My brake controller failed last year while on a trip to MD and the only thing I could find was a Hayes unit. So far it has performed without any problems at all, although if I had a choice I would probably select one of the Prodigy models as they seem to be the most popular from what I read on the forums.
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Old 01-14-2013, 08:57 PM   #3
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go with a Prodigy. best controller for the money.
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Old 01-17-2013, 04:44 PM   #4
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Prodigy P3 is excellent!! Worth the few extra dollars.
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Old 01-17-2013, 05:12 PM   #5
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I inquired about a P3 at a dealer not too long ago, they had none in stock, but have the P2. For a 2 axle travel trailer, Does the P2 behave exactly the same as a P3? Oviously don't need some of the extra fetures of the P3 for a single travel trailer, but wondering if the controller electronics and algorithms are the same otherwise.

They also fed me some story that the P3 has been obsoleted, and only make the P2. I don't beleive it...unless there is a new prodigy comming?
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Old 01-25-2013, 10:44 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SCOC View Post
I inquired about a P3 at a dealer not too long ago, they had none in stock, but have the P2. For a 2 axle travel trailer, Does the P2 behave exactly the same as a P3? Oviously don't need some of the extra fetures of the P3 for a single travel trailer, but wondering if the controller electronics and algorithms are the same otherwise.

They also fed me some story that the P3 has been obsoleted, and only make the P2. I don't beleive it...unless there is a new prodigy comming?

P3 is obsolete? Yeah, you certainly were fed a story! I would take my business elsewhere. You can go on Ebay and find a P3 brand new in the box. The displays are different than the P2 and it is colorized to your liking. I brought mine to the TT dealer and he put it on in 10 minutes for free.
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Old 01-25-2013, 11:19 AM   #7
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Another vote for the P3, I won't have anything else after using it.
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Old 01-25-2013, 12:26 PM   #8
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I've attached a link to Hayes web site. The Energize III is a proportional controller...don't know how it rates compared to the Prodigy P2 or P3.

Brake Controllers | Hayes Brake Controllers

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Old 01-25-2013, 01:37 PM   #9
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I went with a prodigy and it's been great.
Getting a new silverado next week that has the factory brake setup on it. No idea about it but heard the ford ones are good. I guess I'll find out.

The expedition was factory wired for a brake controller and installation took 10 minutes - 4 to find the plug under the dash and 5 to install 2 screws and 1 to attach things. If your truck is prewired i'm sure you can do it yourself. There is 'adjustment' per se- you hook up and hit the brakes and adjust the knob on the unit per the instructions.
I leave mine alone and when in our hilly graveled campground manually add more trailer brakes
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Old 01-25-2013, 02:08 PM   #10
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I have a Prodigy P2, ordered from Etrailers.com. I watched their video on installation and had mine installed with an hour, that includes getting tools, drilling two holes and cleanup. No problem to adjust. I tested mine out good when my left rear tire blew on my PU. Everything worked as it was supposed too.
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Old 01-25-2013, 10:32 PM   #11
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Thanks for all the responses. I decided on the Prodigy P3. Watched a youtube video; mount the bracket and hook up to four wires already under the dash. The dealer said he would install it for no additional charge.
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Old 01-25-2013, 11:59 PM   #12
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You'll be happy with your P3.

I love mine, and when I'm not towing, I use it to monitor my electrical system's voltage.

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Old 01-26-2013, 01:52 AM   #13
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I have the Tekonsha Primus and I like it, easy to operate and install.
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Old 01-26-2013, 07:14 AM   #14
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Had a P3 for years and loved it. Only issue I ever had was it would lockup once in awhile when it wasn't used for a longtime (a month or so). So I would just unplug it, wait 10 sec and plug it back in and all was fine.
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Old 01-26-2013, 10:53 AM   #15
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I have a P3 and love it, I mounted mine in the middle
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Old 01-26-2013, 11:08 AM   #16
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I have the P1 and like it better than the Reese activator3 which I also have for my truck
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Old 03-31-2013, 12:49 AM   #17
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I currently have a Redline brake controller that is a solid state time-delay type. It's pretty basic with the thumbwheel and emergency brake slide switch. It works...but needs frequent adjustment as driving conditions change. I would like to see about moving up to a higher-end controller that has a display and uses an accelerometer. I have been told by some to go with a Prodigy and others have said Hayes. Any input? Should I just splurge on a Prodigy P3 and be done with it?
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Old 03-31-2013, 07:02 AM   #18
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Go with the P3 .... Best brake controller I've used in 20 years of towing!
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Old 03-31-2013, 08:03 AM   #19
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Love my P3
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Old 03-31-2013, 08:36 AM   #20
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I agree with Raceday the only way to go, But raceway what are all those switches for? Do you have after burners installed or something? on the left of your dash. Just curious.
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