Brake controller

[Blue Ox1]

Hi guy's quick question ,I just bought my first travel trailer and need some advice on a brake controller. I'm looking at the tekonsha prodigy,also the jordan ultima,Don't know which one is better thought I would ask some people who have used these products. I would like to pop for the brakesmart but that's not happenin ,thank's for the replies

Joe

 

[jkalchik]

I've got a Prodigy, and my Dad & brother both have them as well. Loads range from

 

[jkalchik]

I've got a Prodigy, and my Dad & brother both have them as well. Loads range from a 1 ton pop-up to a 24' gooseneck with 20,000 lbs. of cargo.



The Jordan will probably be better in slick conditions, and when hauling liquid loads. For most of us, the Prodigy is a good controller.

 

[Oasis-3]

Free

Joe

I have a Tekonsha Voyager it is a good controler.

It is almost new in the box with all paper work and mounting bracket and best of all it's FREE if you want it. Just PM me your address and I will send it tomarow.



I had just got a new one because I thought the old one was bad but it is not, something is wrong with my trucks wiring.



Good Luck

Cliff

 

[Jefff929]

Prodigy,& Jordan ultima, both great controllers. I have the prodigy, after purchasing others. By far a better choice than others, wish I'd spent the money once and not gone cheap.



I wouldn't get a Voyager even for free, except as a backup. They do work I'd rate them fine.

 

[jwduke]

I have a Jordan, bought it off Ebay for $76 (new), I really like it. the braking is true apportioned from rear to front.

 

[HBarlow]

[I wouldn't get a Voyager even for free... ... ..... [/QUOTE]



I agree. I installed one on a '94 Ford F-250HD when it was new. The controller caused the trailer, a triple axle Airstream, to lurch and buck or failed to apply adequate braking. After stopping in the middle of a few intersections with white knuckles gripping the wheel and foot pressed to the floor I contacted Tekonsha. They graciously arranged for me to receive a free replacement from a local dealer. The replacement produced identical symptoms. Then Tekonsha helpfully explained that my controller's ground return wire was inadequate for the current draw and suggested I install a larger gauge wire back to the negative battery post. I did. Same symptoms.



After that experience I "installed" the Tekonsha Voyager on a shelf in my shop. It has worked great and I haven't had any further problems with it. It has been sitting there reliably for about six years.



Tekonsha is a good company but the Voyager was/is a poor product. It relies on the truck's ability to create enough braking force without trailer brakes to swing the pendulum in the controller which, after a short time lag, activates trailer brakes. That may work fine with a light trailer behind but with 15,000 pounds or more of combined weight, relying on the brakes of a truck with rear drum brakes, even a HD 3/4 ton with properly adjusted brakes, to create deceleration sufficient to swing the pendulum simply doesn't work well. I adjusted the pendulum and gain on each of those controllers a thousand times. It would stop reliably once or twice then the the next time I tried to stop it would either lurch and overbrake or brake insufficiently to stop the truck and trailer. It was really exciting when I applied brakes while on a slight up or down grade or crossing bumps or railroad tracks. I think it was sensitive to voltage also. I'm not sure but it seemed to react differently with the state of charge of the truck's battery.



For those of you who like Tekonsha Voyagers, I offer no argument. It is your money, your truck, your trailer, and your choice. I'm simply reporting my experiences.



I would be happy to donate my Voyager to anyone who wants to use it but, in my opinion, it is not worth the time and labor to box it or the postage to mail it.



Harvey

 

[sarj]

Harvey's right, Voyager is trash. I have it in my flatbed for emergency tows, but I cringe when I stop. I have a prodigy in the CTD, and it's very smooth.



sarj

 

[Eldon]

Don't know anything about the Voyager but the Prodigy is a great controler. Easy to mount, easy to adjust, and smooth stops.

 

[SCosgriff]

Brakesmart

How much is it worth to not worry about stopping power. Most of the people only worry about go pwr not stop pwr. The braksmart is worth the dough. It only takes one accident (avoided) to pay for itself. My 2 cents

 

[HBarlow]

Yep, I agree completely. Those who haven't used a BrakeSmart just don't know what they are missing. They're not the cheapest brake controller sold but are the best by far. What is not commonly known is the BrakeSmart has other handy features. It displays day of the week, date, and time. It also measures battery voltage to let you know how your battery(s) and charging system are performing. It measures current draw when braking and will tell you whether all brakes are actually working. It will sound a warning if your trailer wiring plug is disconnected.



Nope, don't sell them, don't own stock in the company, just admire the product.



Harvey

 

[Rd.Runnr]

I completely agree with Harvey. My Brakesmart paid for itself in Houston traffic. (I even asked the man who I paid to return my money--no point in me & Brakesmart paying. ( :lol:

 

[klenger]

Brakesmart: ... and if you are intested in spiritual things, it has an option for a verse of the day. I just wish it had the full text of the verse instead of just the reference.



My biggest gripe with the brakesmart is that you cannot turn off DST. Hello BrakeSmart, the whole world does not honor DST.

 

[OTRPU]

My vote is BrakeSmart also, but I do it bout everyday. If it were double the money it would be worth it to me.



Cheers,

Steve J

 

[klaybus]

I had the Voyager, it works... . Just not near as smooth as the Prodigy. I wish I had spent a little more the first time & had just gone with the Prodigy. This controller is awesome by comparison. Buy a Prodigy! You won't regret it.



Clay :-laf

 

[Blue Ox1]

Well I think I'm gonna go with the prodigy,sounds like for the money it is the best out there. just want to say thank's for the replies guy's and also to cliff for his offer of the controller. I will say one thing getting the new trailer to camp in is definitely expensive getting it set up with all the cords hoses and what not.

Joe

 

[ChrisTucker]

Brakesmart: ... and if you are intested in spiritual things, it has an option for a verse of the day. I just wish it had the full text of the verse instead of just the reference.



My biggest gripe with the brakesmart is that you cannot turn off DST. Hello BrakeSmart, the whole world does not honor DST.

What's DST??

 

[klenger]

What's DST??

Daylight Savings Time

 

[DaveK98]

Brakesmart would be great IF you could buy one. I was told a few weeks ago by the company it was going to be a few months before they were in stock.



Wound up buying a prodigy

 

[Blue Ox1]

Welll I bought a prodigy,one other question on the wire that runs back to charge the battery whay size fuse is used on that? I would think like a ten amp fuse should be enough to charge it ,also since I have a first gen with the headlight switch that is prone to melting when the trailer wiring power is pulled through it I think i will add a relay for the running and clearance light to take some of the load off of the switch. let me know if you guy's have any other suggestions.

Joe