Is the Voyager controller OK?

[zachv]

I have a basic Voyager on my current tow rig, a '96 Grand Cherokee, and it works fine, but now I have an '02 2500 CTD and need a new controller. Can I just do the Voyager XP since I am thinking of getting a tree-axle gooseneck or is the Prodigy "that" much better??



Thanks for your help. Also, is there a write-up on installing one of these in a tow package equipped truck?



:edit: NEW PRODIGY INSTALLED

 

[RustyJC]

The Voyager is an inertia-type controller that has some dangerous deficiencies. In addition to time-ramped controllers, I previously used a Tekonsha Sentinel but changed it out for the Jordan Ultima 2020 after the Sentinel nearly caused an accident. I would highly recommend the Jordan for your consideration with the Prodigy in second place. Brake controller performance is critical to us since we tow a 13,500 lb 36' triple slide 5th wheel that puts our rig at 21,180 lbs GCW (21,500 GCWR).



Rusty

 

[Prairie Dog]

I don't mean to argue but if your Voyager is working fine in your Jeep then it will work exactly the same in you CTD. You may wan't to upgrade if or when it starts to fail.

 

[zachv]

Well, I plan to keep the Voyager in the Jeep and get a new one. I will primarily be towing a dual axle trailer weighing around 7K, but down the line I plan on buying a tri-axle goosneck two car hauler so I thought I may as well get a good one, but I did not understand the benefits of the Prodigy until I searched a little more. I dig the Jordan, but think I would be better served by the Prodigy and for the price I found it for I am just going to buy that.



One question, though. If my 2002 has the towing package does it automatically have the plug under the dash if I get the connector for that year to mate directly to the Prodigy? That seems pretty convenient if so. My GC was a serious pain to hook up.



Thanks.

 

[CPG]

These different brake controls seem to age in time. My former one was a Sentinel which seemed to have gotten weak. I changed to a Prodigy with great results. The worst control I ever used (my opinion only) was a Kelsey Hayes. Also have had the older Jordan in the past, but a trifle touchy. Have heard good comments on the new Jordan's though. For a few extra dollars, do not economize in the wrong direction on these brake controls. They ARE different.



Chuck Goode

 

[rfcom]

To answer zachv's question, when you have the tow package, there is a plug under the dash for the controller harness. The tow package includes the generic connector and pigtail wiring. Tekonsha will sell you a specific wiring harness that will connect the Prodigy to the under-dash plug. I just had a Prodigy installed but used the generic pigtail version and spliced the wires together. HTH



Jim

 

[zachv]

I just towed with my new-to-me CTD today for the first time. . with no trailer brakes hooked up yet. . and realized I definitely do need one I also found that the plug on the truck is wired differently than my trailer plug, which I thought was a universal setup. Anyway, I will be ordering the Prodigy next week wneh the bonus check comes in.

Thanks for the help.

Zach V.

 

[Eric_77]

Yeah there are two different ways of wiring trailers the RV scheme and the semi truck scheme; goosenecks seem to vary between the two depending on locale. (edit) the trucks come wired RV Scheme



On the brake controller I cannot say enough good stuff about the brake smart controller. I pulled heavy yesterday for the first time with it. Empty I was at 14,680 pounds loaded I was at 23,640 and I did not have to adjust a thing. Smooth sure straight line stops whether hard braking hot brakes in traffic or slow braking for off ramp with cool brakes it did not matter. Pricey but I am SOLD on them.

 

[Dean Upson]

I had a Voyager and now have the Prodigy, there is no comparison between the two. I am very pleased with the supurb braking of the Prodigy and the simplicity of use. Set it and forget it.



Dean

 

[tschwab]

Prodigy

 

[zachv]

Wow!! I am glad that ya'll talked me into the Prodigy. I just received it yesterday from RJays and the install was super simple. I thought something was screwed up, but found my fuse in the engine compartment was fried so I fixed that, but that was the only drama.



I hooked up the trailer and set up the gain and all is well. It is waaaay smoother than the Voyager.



Thanks for the recommendations.

 

[clem]

NO if you want to stop the load everytime. The Voyager XP is stone age, be smart and get a Prodigy from Campers Choice they are cheaper than Camping World.

 

[zachv]

Clem, did you rear the post right on top of your's? I bought the Prodigy, have installed it, and really like it.