Electric brake controllers

RosieW · Guru

Electric brake controllers

ozjohn · Guru

Tekonsha Prodigy2 or even better, the P3.
Then it steps down to the Tekonsha Primus IQ and Hayman Reese Guardian IQ.
After that there a loads of different brands and models on the market, but they're well behind in performance to those shown above.
What price do you place on safety?
Cheers, ozjohn.

PS> best prices are eBay.

-- Edited by ozjohn on Sunday 21st of August 2011 12:12:39 PM

Cupie · Guru

Read up on the relative merits of the solid state ones & the older pendulum type. I would have a talk with a Coast to Coast dealer who will explain the relative benefits & costs.

As in all things you usually get what you pay for.

Those that have been round for a while include

- Hayman Reese ... Choice of either Solid state or pendulum types

Tekonsha .. Again solid state or pendulum models available. A lot of people go for their Prodigy (expensive) model.

Kelsey put out a pendulum type.

Mine is an older Hayes Energise that includes a pendulum. It has been great for several years ($120)

I check its set up before each trip. I don't think this is necessary with the solid state ones.

Of course getting them fitted by an expert is recomended .. but not a hard job for the automotive electrics literates among us.

(edited to clarify that HR & Tekonsha have both types)

-- Edited by Cupie on Sunday 21st of August 2011 05:01:43 PM

ozjohn · Guru

Prodigy and Primus IQ (Guardian) are not pendulum controllers like the Hayes etc.
They are proportional intersia sensing controllers that can be mounted at almost any angle and don't have a pendulum that has to be set each time the angle is altered.
They are true 'Set and Forget' controllers are worth every single extra cent.

the Primus/Guardian IQ are basic models of this technology while the Prodigy represents the top of the range with a boost feature to suite van and vehicle weights.
The P3 has additional diagnostic features over the P2 and can asssertain if a wire to the magnets etc has lost contact etc.
OJ

gst · Senior Member

I had the same Tekonsha controller for 13 years between 4 patrols just keep changeing

from one to the other veh and had no worries with it always works.

Onedodger · Guru

biggrin Another vote for the Prodigy.

However it must be wired in correctly according to vehicle requirements.

It can be mounted at almost any angle as long as it is in line with the vehicle from front to back.

RosieW · Guru

Thanks all, looking at the Tek P3's. Troy was already looking at those before I asked the question......

Also, we need a battery isolator, so we can charge house batteries (in the rig) while towing. Any recommendations?

We've heard that using 13mm cables right through is better - truth or myth?

jimricho · Guru

Onedodger wrote:
Another vote for the Prodigy.
However it must be wired in correctly according to vehicle requirements.
It can be mounted at almost any angle as long as it is in line with the vehicle from front to back.

Another endorsment for thr Prodigy from me..... also take note of the above comment re correct installation. If having a sparky install one make sure he/she is concious of this, especially regarding the negative (earth) connection requirements.

Re charging the house battery, have a look at one of these...http://www.bainbridgetechnologies.com/vmchk/chargers/ctek-d250s-dc-dc-20a-battery-charger

Note that I haven't had any first hand experience with this unit so you need to assess it's suitability for the job yourself. Bainbridge should be able to help here.

russhenn · Veteran Member

jimricho wrote:
Onedodger wrote:
Another vote for the Prodigy.
However it must be wired in correctly according to vehicle requirements.
It can be mounted at almost any angle as long as it is in line with the vehicle from front to back.
Another endorsment for thr Prodigy from me..... also take note of the above comment re correct installation. If having a sparky install one make sure he/she is concious of this, especially regarding the negative (earth) connection requirements.
Re charging the house battery, have a look at one of these...http://www.bainbridgetechnologies.com/vmchk/chargers/ctek-d250s-dc-dc-20a-battery-charger
Note that I haven't had any first hand experience with this unit so you need to assess it's suitability for the job yourself. Bainbridge should be able to help here.

Another endorsment for thr Prodigy from Us2. 20,000km from Qld to Tas to WA and back to Qld. 3 Ton van behine 3ton patrol. We even putted our way down the Alpine way from Thredboe. The easiest set and forget unit around EVER...

DesertRat · Newbie

Another vote for the Prodigy. I have had it professionally wired in and had no problems. I tow an Ultimate Camper trailer and my prodigy unit can be adjusted to apply differing forces for larger trailers. Great unit with manual over ride as well. Can get from Camec then take to an auto elec for fitting. Worth every cent.