Prodigy Brake Controller Question

[stevelauer]

After having a Prodigy BC installed, I read the small print and it said "not for electric-hydraulic brakes". I sent an e-mail query to Tekonsha asking why but they didn't respond. The brakes seem to function properly and since Newmar 5ers use electro-hyd, can anyone tell me what the technical reason is for not using this BC on a Newmar 5er (a Newmar dealer installed it and knew no reason to not use it).

Thanks,

Steve

 

[B.G. Smith]

I tried a Prodigy when I first got the Newmar(04), it would work a couple of times then quit. I tried a inertia tyupe controller and made some flat spots on trailer tires in panic stop situation, the set point plus the inertia was too much and locked up the brakes. I changed to strictly time ramp electric controller and seems to do ok. The one I have is a Reece I believe. The older Prodigy sensed the resistance in the brake circuit I believe to determine when the trailer was connected. The system on the Newmar has a 12 volt motor which applies the brakes throught hydraulic pressure, the motor speed is modulated by the amount of voltage it sees. The resistance in the motor won't be as low as it would be with four electric brake magnets. You also have to be aware that the motor will burn out if you get stuck in traffic and the motor is engaged too long. bg

 

[WestTN]

Time ramp controllers scare me. You always get the same response whether you are easing up to a stop or trying desperately to avoid crushing a school bus.

 

[Mark31]

I have a 22 ft McElrath 16k gooseneck equipment trailer equiped with electric over hydralic brakes with a Carlisle actuator. I also tried a Prodigy and ended up going back to a Voyager. Following is a paragraph out of their manual for the Hydrastar Actuators:

 

[B.G. Smith]

Time ramp controllers scare me. You always get the same response whether you are easing up to a stop or trying desperately to avoid crushing a school bus.

What you say is true. I know there are better controllers out there for this type system. I can set the brakes for major stopping without wheel lock up though and control routine stops with the brake pedal. bg

 

[Mark31]

Sorry Folks! I messed up. As Paul Harvey says "Now page 2!" Ford and Tekonsha Prodigy Controller fix--Carlisle has introduced an add-on module that makes the Ford OE in-dash controller compatible with the HydraStar line of trailer brake actuators. The Hydrastar Controller Adapter Module (model HBA-CAM) unit eliminates the false error messages and HydraStar "clicking" generated by the Ford Tow Command controller, an option on 2005 and later F250/350pickups. The HBA-Cam does not effect the operation of the Ford Controller. Braking performance is unchanged. The HBA-CAM unit also eliminates false error messages generated by Tekonsha Prodigy. The HBA-CAM is for use with Carlisle Actuators only. It is not designed to be used with other manufacturer's trailer brake actuators. Mark

 

[stevelauer]

Thanks all, I guess I will be shopping for a new controller this week.

 

[Mark31]

Steve, what brand of actuator do you have? If it is a Carlisle HydraStar, the HBA-CAM is/was about $80. Sooner or later, I will put one my trailer and put my Prodigy back on my Dodge. The Prodigy is better than most, and it's paid for. Hope you git 'er workin! Mark

 

[jelag]

I've got the new design Carlisle unit driving 2 12K disc brake axles... .

I use a brake smart so that when I really need them, they are there... ... more pressure, more brake, BUT its the lag time that scares me while the Carlisle unit comes up to pressure..... that electric motor takes a couple of seconds...

To help this out we've installed a 12 battery on the trailer about 15" from the Carlisle unit... it has all the voltage and current it needs to do the job... this battery also runs some lights and the emergency brake circuit on break away... we charge it with the charging system on the truck...

If the trailer is sitting for a while, (more than 2 weeks) we top the battery with a charge before we hook up... .

Trailer has weighed up to 22,500 axle weight with an additonal 2,600 on the gooseneck..... one heck of a load...

 

[stevelauer]

Thanks, Mark;

I am clearly out of my element here.

My actuator is a Dexter E/H1600 - the manual says:

1. That it is "... is compatible with any electric brake contoller but the best performance will be acheived using an inertial type controller... . " and;

2. "The electronic timer type of controller is not recommended ... "

Any thoughts?

Regards,

Steve