Brake controllers

[elamb]

I have been researching brake controllers for the last few days by the internet and doing searches here, but still have a few questions. I know alot of people say the Jordan is the best but I'm kinda looking at the prodigy. My questions are:



1. Is there that much difference between the voyager and the prodigy?



2. I read that the prodigy will not work on some setups. The stock trailer that I would be pulling is currently using the voyager. Since it is using the voyager will the prodigy work on my truck pulling the same stock trailer?



Thanks,

Eric

 

[Oil Ape]

Answers:

1. The answer is yes. The Voyager and the Prodigy are two completely different units and their abilities are much different. I used the Voyager for a number of years and really wasn't pleased with it's performance(not hot enough to stop big trailers) and constant adjusting. The Prodigy on the other hand self levels has several easy to control boost levels and a great digital readout. We pull a couple of big trailers and never had a problem with either. Our Voyager was only rated for two brake axles and even though our trailers only have two axles it never could get enough power back there to completely stop them. The Prodigy is rated for four brake axles.



2. The answer is yes. I don't know what kind of setups they won't work on... I think it is the electric over hydraulic systems or the surge brakes, and even the Jordan isn't recommended for that. If your stock trailer worked with the Voyager you will absolutely love the Prodigy.



Jordan vs. Prodigy... ... ... ... . hmmmmm. I think the Jordan sounds like a great system. I really thought long and hard between the two a few months back and finally decided on the Prodigy mainly for its warranty. I still wouldn't mind taking a Jordan for a spin... I know this forum is pretty evenly split as to which is better. A couple reasons I didn't get the Jordan is the connection looked like a bit of a hassle and might get in the way of my big feet and the limited mounting abilities of the Jordan due to its mechanical activation. The Prodigy installs instantly almost by itself especially if you buy the Dodge connector for it, which I recommend.

 

[elamb]

Connector

When I bought my truck (New) it came with a connector in the glove box that I am assuming is for the brake controller. With this when I decide to get a controller would I still have to buy the extra "Dodge connector".



Thanks,

Eric

 

[B.G. Smith]

Connector

The "Dodge Connector" and the one you got in the glove box when you bought your truck are the same, but beware, when you get ready to hook up the controller, the wire colors don't match, just follow the controller instructions. bg.

 

[Oil Ape]

You can use the one that you already have then spend a little time mismatching the colors, but for only $8 you get one that plugs directly from the truck into the back of the controller. No crimps.

 

[C Schomer]

If you're going from a Voyager, you'll love the Prodigy or Jordan, either one. I'm trying to be as objective as possible. I had a Prodigy and just switched to the Jordan. The Prodigy would lock the trailer brakes (just for an instant) in panic stops and the boost feature wasn't too impressive. The Prodigy would also surge the trailer brakes a little on roads that made the truck "porpoise". The boost is really nice on the hiway but made the trailer annoyingly jerky in crawling city driving, even on B1 because the Boost is actually an initial voltage surge to the magnets. You can also make the trailer lead the truck, if you want, with the Jordan by cable adjustment but it is smoother than the Boost surge from the Prodigy. The cable adjustment on the Jordan isn't nearly as touchy as I was expecting, as far as getting it installed "close enough" the first time. Don't let the cable thing scare you! My Jordan worked excellent on the first try but one tiny adjustment made it better. I spent more time on the Prodigy before I got it to work its best - trying different boost and voltage combinations. Craig

 

[elamb]

I believe I may try the prodigy. I will be getting a B & W turnover ball in the next few weeks or maybe a month and I'm trying to figure out what brake controller to go with. Thanks to all who replied.



Thanks

Eric

 

[Tagalong]

I tried them both!

elamb, I had the opportunity to try both the Jordan and the Prodigy. I posted a report on my experience with them. Do a search under my name in the Towing and Hauling Forum. Hope this helps.

Tagalong

 

[elamb]

Re: I tried them both!

Originally posted by Tagalong

elamb, I had the opportunity to try both the Jordan and the Prodigy. I posted a report on my experience with them. Do a search under my name in the Towing and Hauling Forum. Hope this helps.

Tagalong

Thanks for the information. There is a lot of information in those post. If I don't change my mind I am going with the prodigy. Right now I'm trying to find someone that sells them locally. Where did you get yours from and what is a reasonable price to pay for one?



Thanks again to all that replied,

Eric

 

[Tagalong]

Camping World

Eric, I purchased mine from Camping World. We just missed a really nice monthly offer but got a deal on the shipping. I see them in their Mag. at $116. 10. We've had very good luck with our purchases from Camping World.

Here is the Camping World web address... www.campingworld.com

Good luck with your purchase.

Dave

 

[Mingoglia]

Believe it or not Camping world is about the cheapest you'll find the Prodigy (at least when it's on sale). I can't believe I said that... camping world is actually cheaper than somebody. I personally love the Prodigy. I upgraded from a Sentinal when my wife wrecked our tow vehicle and I got my new truck. Even though I took the controller out, I can't possible put an old controller in a new truck... my wife didn't fall for it either. I had to tell her that I gave my Sentinal to my friend because he let me borrow his truck a few times after ours was wrecked so I gave it to him.



Well anyway, at least to me the Prodigy almost makes it feel like the truck and trailer have one braking system. I barely get any of the infamous around city gently applying the brakes and getting whip lash from the trailer brakes like only us trailer pullers (w/electric brakes) can appreciate. Yes, it occasional does happen; particularly when I'm gently braking and happen to get a sudden jerk from a bump... but it doesn't happen that often. It's a heck of a lot better than other controllers I've used. I can see how the Jordan could eliminate all the whip lash but to me it looked like a hassle to install and I'm very very very pleased with the Prodigy.



As for the Dodge connector... . although it's the same connector that comes with the Dodge truck, with the Prodigy if you buy the Dodge connector from them there's a connector on both ends. The wiring on the Prodigy isn't hard wired on the controller itself like past brake controllers. It has a proprietary connector on the controller itself which matches up with the Dodge connector from them. No more soldering or crimping... just plugs right in.



Mike

'01 3500