Brake controller quagmire!

[Tagalong]

I guess I,m looking for some wisdom and experience out there. I really want to purchase the Jordon Ultima 2020 but my CB location prohibits me from placing the Ultima lower dash bracket in a straight line to the brake pedel arm. My next choice is the Prodigy but my first brake controller (many years ago) was an inertia type anb I never did manage to set it proplerly. Does the Prodigy cause your brakes to pulse when you use your 4ways? And, what about going down hills?



I've already spoken with Jordon (great to talk to) and he said you can offset the lower dash bracket a little. He even said buy one and if you can't make the hookup I'll refund your money. Everyone's really giving the Ultima high marks, which makes this decision really difficult.

Thanks in advance for your comments and suggestions.

 

[RustyJC]

Heck, this one's easy! Just get a Brolin CB mount and go with the Jordan. It's worth it!



Rusty

 

[Tagalong]

Sounds good

Thanks Rusty,

To be honest with you, I'm not familiar with the Brolin mount, but it must increase the space between the dash and CB... or something like that.

You bet I'll look into it.

Thanks again.

 

[RustyJC]

Tagalong,



Try doing a search for "Brolin" and "mount". He's a member of TDR who came up with a neat mounting arrangement for CB radios - you can order his mounting system directly from him.



Edit: You can contact him here:



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/member.php?action=getinfo&userid=446



Rusty

 

[Dkevdog]

As some of the others have stated, you could get a Brolin Mount. But I'm not sure why you have to have the 2020 Controller in direct line with the brake pedal. Mine is not, the cable is very flexible and is desegined to give you some flexibility in choosing a mounting location. I have mine attached with the screw that holds the bottom dash piece in place, just to the left of the fixed dash piece and have had zero problems. I can email a pic if you need it.



Kev

 

[RustyJC]

Kev,



Unless I misinterpreted the question, his problem wasn't putting the controller directly in front of the brake pedal. Rather, his CB is mounted under the dash in that location, and he couldn't put the end of the Jordan control cable outer sheath directly in front of the brake pedal arm per the instructions. I agree - it really doesn't matter much where the controller is mounted.



Rusty

 

[Tagalong]

Folks, when I spoke to Jordon, he told me the pedal bracket and the cable sleeve that mounts to the dash should be as much in alignment as possible. From there back to the controller you have alot of leeway with the cable. My problem is that the distance between my CB and the lower edge of the dash will cause the cable to be curved too much or I move the dash bracket to the side about 2" and I that's too much. I will check out the Brolin mount. Listening to all of you has convinced me that the Ultima is the way to go so... I will. Heck, one thing I've learned about being part of the TDR is... there's nothing you can't do with these trucks!! But, one things for sure,(and I know you'll all agree) we all want our installations to LOOK GOOD !!!

Thanks for all your help.

Dave

 

[Dkevdog]

Rusty- I guess I did misread his problem ... ... ... ... . sorry.



Kev

 

[rwilliams4]

Ashtray

I've got a 97 3500 and I put an Ultima in the ashtray receptacle. It looks good, there, and puts a use to that area. Also, a Prodigy will fit in the same area.

 

[Tagalong]

Clever!

The ashtray receptacal... nice one! I'll have to check it out.

Thanks R,

Dave

 

[JMichelson]

Prodigy Brake Controller

Tagalong. I just installed a Prodigy on my truck. So far so good. No problem on hills. I don’t have near the trailer you have, but it’s supposed to work with up to four axles. As to the brake pulse with 4 ways, I don’t know next time I tow I’ll see. I installed mine just under the ash tray. They can be installed just about anywhere. Go on Tekonsha web site and maybe they can answer any questions you have. Jeff



http://www.tekonsha.com/

 

[Tagalong]

Thanks for the info Jeff. I've read very positive reviews regarding the Prodigy and it sure is easy to install but the Ultima sure has turned some heads when it comes to stopping (no pun intended)!

I just about had the Camping World order form filled out when I started checking out what was being posted on the TDR and irv2 web sites about the various brake controllers in use. I sure like what they're saying about how the Ultima does it's job.

Dave

 

[Dsl_Duo]

Jordan install

Tagalong,

I just posted a reply to another post along the same lines, check it out here:

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=318292



Good Luck,



Erick

 

[Tagalong]

Outstanding Installation!

Erick,

Thanks for the "link" the pictures were excellent and I really liked the installation.

Now let's see... where's that phone number for Jordon?????

I'm callin' today.

Thanks to all of you for your help.

Dave

 

[GSchlegel]

?

I'm still confused (nothing new).



Finially got money donated so we can put new axles (w/brakes this time) under our troop's boy scout trailer and my truck is the un-official tow vehicle. Need to get a brake controller. I have read and re-read all the posts for the last 6 months on Jordan and Prodigy. Both sound good.



My question - does anyone have experiance with both?



What are your likes and dislikes?



You can get the prodigy for about $25. 00 less and since I'm still out of work, every dollar counts. I also know it doesn't pay to go second rate in the long haul.



Please help.



Gene

 

[Dsl_Duo]

Which controller

"I also know it doesn't pay to go second rate in the long haul. "



That's why I went with the Jordan, not worth the trouble for only $25. 00 difference.



Maybe the fathers of the kids can help pitchin to make up the difference? Afterall you do own the tow vehicle!



Good Luck,



Erick

 

[C Schomer]

It's such a close contest between Prodigy and Jordan, it's coming down to which one looks better for me! I don't care much for the 'Space Age' look of the Prodigy and having the adjustments on top when they are going to be up against the lower slope of the dash. Craig

 

[HRDROKN]

Which controller ~ Newbie thoughts

Well from a newbie standpoint... I "just" bought a 25' toybox TT and never in my life have pulled anything, so I was a bit nervous! I could tell that the trailer was there in every aspect of towing except braking. I installed the Prodigy in the ashtray location, easily within quick hands reach. I did not remove the ashtray as I didn't want a big hole in the dash just for the controller. I can send a pick of the install. So far I have no complaints, but I also have no experience with other controllers.



Mark

2001 Dodge/Cummins 2500, 4x4, 3. 54:1, AmsOil...

 

[FredNeise]

t



Tagalong:

I have replaced several Jordon brake controlers in the past few

months. From a professional point of view (rv tech ) Iwould rather have

have either a Tekonsha or Drawtighte Act. II. My choice being the

Draw-tight . The Tekonsha would activate the brakes with the 4-ways on.

I'm not sure whether the Prodigy has a cut off to deactivate 4-way brakes. .

Just my opinion!!!!!!



















from Fred

































tagalong:

 

[Tagalong]

Interesting!

Hi Fred,

Thanks for your input. You're the first person out of many I've read who said anything negative about the Jordan Ultima 2020. After looking at the instructions and getting acquainted with the installation the unit can be tricky and the first time adjustment certainly isn't as easy as the other controllers out there. I presently have the top of the line DrawTite and my first was an inertia type. The DrawTite is good but I've noticed there's very little extra braking when I've had to slow down in a hurry, and that's what I really want. The inertia type NEVER stayed adjusted and I ended up "eating" my front rotors back in '84 (of course brake controllers have come a long way since then). I plan to install my Ultima in a week or so and head out around the end of March for a shakedown run, I'll give a report after I've had some stopping experience with our 18K GCVWR.