Brake controllers: which are you using, and why did you choose it?

XPADREX

The topic says it all... ...but I am looking at brake controllers that range from a $40 seemingly basic unit, to $200 units that may even drive my tow vehicle for me. What is needed to use the electric brakes is what I am after. Thanks for the insight!

Corfu

I'd recommend a good, basic proportional electric brake controller. The much less expensive time-delayed controllers have much less control when you really need it, and can cause excessive wear on the trailer brakes.

I have a Tekonsha Prodigy P2 controller. It's a great controller for the price. Install for this controller and all the other wiring for the 7-way took me a few hours.

Here's a nice comparison video:

http://images.etrailer.com/Merchant2/Graphics/00000001/video/brake-controller-comparison-faq.webm

Wanderoo

I also have a Tekonsha.  It's the Primus IQ, which I believe is about $90.00.  I definitely wanted the proportional brake controller after reading about it in Trailer Life's Towing Guide.  It has good information on brake controllers starting on Page 33 that describes both the timer-based controllers and the proportional.

http://prodcontent.s3.amazonaws.com/trailerlife.com/digital_editions/TrailerLifeTowGuide2014.pdf

:-?

XPADREX

They will be installing the Primus (Les Claypool fans, anyone?) On Thursday, when I pick up my new T@b!

scuba

Activator II by Draw-Tite. This is what local RV place installed, seems to work well. Make sure to get one that charges your trailer battery while driving.

Deltaboy59

Tekonsha here also... Works well so far... EZ to level and adjust.

Rad

Corfu said:

I have a Tekonsha Prodigy P2 controller. 

I have the same one.  Let me see if I can lay out the complicated and detailed research process I used.  Here goes, I asked my RV repair shop guy what he recommended, he said Prodigy, I then said..."OK" 

Am I good at research, or what

mawebb

I have the Tekonsha, Prodigy P3. I really like the display as it is very easy to read and lets you know exactly what is happening. There are also built in diagnostics that allow you to check voltage etc. The unit also warns when it senses the trailer is not attached. While is seems like a bit of overkill for the T@B, I am willing to pay a few extra dollars for piece of mind.

mawebb

Oh, and my method of research was Google "best trailer brake controller". The articles I found seemed to support the P3 as the best.

wizard1880

Ditto, I have the P3 in mine as well, braking is one area I'll never skimp on especially since my TV is on the smaller side. Nothing but praise and it stops the trailer quickly without drama.

DABWCA

I'm not surprised that so many of you are using Tekonsha P2 or P3 controllers.  I'm thinking that I'll try Tekonsha's Prodigy RF controller, which costs more but doesn't require much wiring and is mounted on the T@B rather than under the dash.  It also allows the T@B to be towed by any TV that has a 7-pin connector.  Are any of you using the RF?

DurangoTaB

I hacpve thev
Tekonsha P3...be careful who installs it...our incompetent Toyota dealer installed it sideways; I had to move it to be level.

Bgkirk

I am using the RF.  It works great. We tow with two different vehicles, so it greatly simplified the install plus we don't have the controller mounted in the vehicles/ when not towing.