Brake controllers

[Paul Darold]

What are the advantages/disadvantages of the various controllers? Will they all send full power to trailer brakes in emergency with the slide bar?

[thebrakeman]

In an emergency, you do not want to send full 12-13 volts to the brakes. For most of us, this would lock up the trailer brakes, which would increase stopping distance. You want to apply the maximum amount of braking, without actually locking up the brakes. To do that, you need to find the point just before lockup, and set that at your maximum. For me, this seems to be around 8.5volts.. After properly set, when you apply the manual control lever fully, the controller sends back that set-maximum.

But in an emergency, you do not want to have to think about reaching down and applying the manual control. You need to keep both hands on the wheel so you can carefully steer around the emergency. To instantly apply full-set-max voltage when you slam on the brake pedal, you need a good proportional brake controller, NOT a time delay controller. Time-delay will start at a low voltage (no matter how hard you press the pedal), and slowly increase the voltage whether you want it to or not. Very old school. Avoid at all cost.

To simplify all of this, the top-recommended brake controller on sites like these are the Tekonsha P2 or P3 controllers. These are around $110 and $140 (respectively). Up to twice the cost of a cheap time-based controller, and perhaps 20-30% more than pendulum-actuated proportional controllers (Voyager?).

P2 and P3 are accelerometer-based, which means there are no moving parts to calibrate or wear out. They have a very wide range of mounting angles, to the point that they are considered self-leveling.

P2 has a more standard digital readout, giving codes and dots to indicate function and diagnostics.
P3 is functionally the same as P2, but has an LCD display with actual words for function and diagnostics.

The Tekonsha P2 is nearly identical to the Tekonsha Prodigy that it replaced. I have been using the same Prodigy, now in it's 13th camping season. I think there are some knockoff brands that do the same thing, likely because the Tekonsha patents may have run out. But I trust the brand history, and customer service.

[bikendan]

One word-Prodigy

[thebrakeman]

I always think about the 1-word answer, but my fingers just start typing on their own!

But to clarify, Tekonsha does not sell the Prodigy anymore.
It's P2 or P3, if you want the same stellar performance as the original Prodigy.

[Knightrider955]

Hayes G2 Brake Boss. Best brake controller in the business Period. Or the Hayes energize XPC. Both great controllers and Made in the USA!!

[f5moab]

Originally Posted by thebrakeman

I always think about the 1-word answer, but my fingers just start typing on their own!

But to clarify, Tekonsha does not sell the Prodigy anymore.
It's P2 or P3, if you want the same stellar performance as the original Prodigy.

Agree that the P3 is not labeled as a Prodigy, but they do sell "Prodigy" named products....
From the Tekonsha site
Prodigy® P2 Electronic Brake Control, for 1 to 4 Axle Trailers, Proportional
Tekonsha!

Prodigy® RF Electronic Brake Control, for 1 to 3 Axle Trailers, Trailer Mounted, Proportional
Tekonsha - Prodigy® RF

But I'll agree Tekonsha controllers are the best....

[Paul Darold]

Thanks to everyone who answered. Lots of good advice I had not considered. 40 years ago I was using the Hayes controller where we "tee-fitted" into the brake line.

[pappcam]

Originally Posted by bikendan

One word-Prodigy

One word - Integrated

[thebrakeman]

Originally Posted by f5moab

Agree that the P3 is not labeled as a Prodigy, but they do sell "Prodigy" named products....
From the Tekonsha site
Prodigy® P2 Electronic Brake Control, for 1 to 4 Axle Trailers, Proportional
Tekonsha!

Prodigy® RF Electronic Brake Control, for 1 to 3 Axle Trailers, Trailer Mounted, Proportional
Tekonsha - Prodigy® RF

But I'll agree Tekonsha controllers are the best....

Thanks. I just noticed that on some images. P2 has "Prodigy P2" on the lens. Makes sense. It's pretty much a Prodigy with blue display instead of red, and I think it can handle electro-hydraulic brakes where before it could not.

[thebrakeman]

Originally Posted by Paul Darold

Thanks to everyone who answered. Lots of good advice I had not considered. 40 years ago I was using the Hayes controller where we "tee-fitted" into the brake line.

Yeah, I think the days of tapping brake lines, or installing some mechanical device under the brake pedal are gone. Unless you can get a factory-integrated system (or have it retrofitted at the dealer), stick to the accelerometer-based controllers. Even the pendulum-activated proportional controllers are now outdated, although they were a huge improvement.

I'm shocked that the Hayes site still shows time-based controllers for sale. Such outdated technology should be outlawed.

Tekonsha only shows proportional controllers, only 1 of which (Voyager) is pendulum-based. The other 4 are accelerometer units (Primus IQ, Prodigy RF, Prodigy P2, and P3).

[Knightrider955]

There are ALOT of companies that still make entry level time based controllers. Time based controllers are great for smaller pop up and utility trailers and once they are set right, even on larger units still work just fine. Proportionals are great. The Hayes Brake Boss is a 3 Axis Accelerometer Brake controller with all the bells and whistles including an audio alarm if there is ever a problem. For 120.00 you cant go wrong. My Dad used the old Tee fitted Hayes controller when I was a kid. So I decided to stick with what works.

[thebrakeman]

No problem with the G2. Seem like a great unit, as good as the best Tekonshas.

But after you recommend the OP get the best, I can't understand why you would feel that a time-based controller would be OK for any trailer. My first controller was the same one I have now (Prodigy). And it was for a popup camper we pulled for 7 seasons.

No matter the weight of the trailer, a proportional controller will help you stop shorter than a time-delay. If set too low, you will simply be waiting for the controller to ramp up. If set too high, the system will slam on too hard, forcing you to lift your foot, then have to start the process over again. Set it in the middle, and you will be....somewhere in the middle, but not enough for the shortest stopping distance.

I'm only continuing this discussion because I think it's a proper response to the OP. Technology has gone far beyond their prior experience. There is a reason why Tekonsha no longer markets time-delay. The only reason anyone else must be marketing them, it to sell to somebody that just wants the cheapest thing they can find, and does not know any better. I personally think that is irresponsible.

[Knightrider955]

Originally Posted by thebrakeman

No problem with the G2. Seem like a great unit, as good as the best Tekonshas.

But after you recommend the OP get the best, I can't understand why you would feel that a time-based controller would be OK for any trailer. My first controller was the same one I have now (Prodigy). And it was for a popup camper we pulled for 7 seasons.

No matter the weight of the trailer, a ntrollproportional coer will help you stop shorter than a time-delay. If set too low, you will simply be waiting for the controller to ramp up. If set too high, the system will slam on too hard, forcing you to lift your foot, then have to start the process over again. Set it in the middle, and you will be....somewhere in the middle, but not enough for the shortest stopping distance.

I'm only continuing this discussion because I think it's a proper response to the OP. Technology has gone far beyond their prior experience. There is a reason why Tekonsha no longer markets time-delay. The only reason anyone else must be marketing them, it to sell to somebody that just wants the cheapest thing they can find, and does not know any better. I personally think that is irresponsible.

Well lets see, before newer technology was available, time based controllers WERE ok for anything and everything. Although they aren't Ideal compared to better units, that doesn't make them a bad choice for certain setups. Never did I say that proportional weren't a better choice nor did I recommend a time based. You recommend Tekonsha because that's all you have probably ever owned. Myself, who has years of real hauling experience with several different controllers suggested a Hayes unit because Ive tried them all. And I tow a big 5th wheel, not a little hybrid. Hayes is a quality USA made product. In another thread you had made a comment that the hayes looked dated and not as fancy appearing. You sound pretty desperate to try to find something wrong with Hayes. Pretty funny....

[thebrakeman]

Originally Posted by Knightrider955

Well lets see, before newer technology was available, time based controllers WERE ok for anything and everything. Although they aren't Ideal compared to better units, that doesn't make them a bad choice for certain setups. Never did I say that proportional weren't a better choice nor did I recommend a time based. You recommend Tekonsha because that's all you have probably ever owned. Myself, who has years of real hauling experience with several different controllers suggested a Hayes unit because Ive tried them all. And I tow a big 5th wheel, not a little hybrid. Hayes is a quality USA made product. In another thread you had made a comment that the hayes looked dated and not as fancy appearing. You sound pretty desperate to try to find something wrong with Hayes. Pretty funny....

I won't follow you into personal attacks, and "mine is bigger than yours" arguments.

But I will direct you to my previous posts, which clearly state that I think the Hayes G2 is a fine option, performance-wise, likely on-par with the best Tekonshas (plus a nice audible alert system). My concerns are not about brand, but about the technology.

My grandfather used a time delay controller and I don't fault him for that.
He also had an outhouse before indoor plumbing came along.

See ya!

[bikendan]

Knightrider, you seem to need to promote Hayes in many of your posts.
The fact is that Tekonsha's Prodigy is the most recommended BC on all the 8 RV forums I belong to.
Not saying Hayes isn't a good product, but the Prodigy has been #1 on the forums.