Looking for Info on Trailer brake controller

[JDancoe]

So, I’ve got a 92 W-250 CTD.
When I purchased it new I installed a Tekonsha electric trailer brake controller that worked well for 15 years. When it finally gave up I replaced it with a Hoppy unit from the local NAPA. This one worked OK up until last fall. (Actually, it still works-BUT)

I started having problems with my battery discharging if the truck sat for longer than a week. I avoided the issue for a couple of months by hooking up a trickle charger. (The Optima battery tested good) Just before Christmas I found the time to diagnose the problem, and traced the draw to the brake controller, which apparently has an internal short.

So, I’m shopping for a new brake controller. I expect that there are new types / technologies out there now. I would appreciate any input or experience, good or bad, you might have had with different brands or models.

Since I tow trailers of different weights, I would prefer the type with a digital readout of the adjustment.

Thanks in advance for any input or suggestions you can offer.

Jack Dancoe

 

[petersonj]

I am using a Tekonsha Prodigy 2 brake controller for a little over a year now (over 15,000 miles) The unit displays a digital readout, can be used on 1 to 4 axles, and displays signal strength to the trailer brakes in numbers during a brake application (a very nice feature). It does not discharge my batteries when parked for extended periods of time The unit can be installed in any 360 degree position.

Like you, I have different trailers of various weight capacities and the this controller is easy to use and effective with all of the trailers. Once I have towed each trailer (empty and loaded) I know the number value to set each trailer for each particular condition.

I have been very happy with this brake controller.

- John

 

[DVolk]

I can say i like the older Tonkasha units rather than the new ones but the best type are the hydraulic activated ones from Kelsey Hays

 

[KOG]

Hydraulic (surge) units are not legal in all states for a start and they can complicate backing up.

 

[NIsaacs]

Hydraulic (surge) units are not legal in all states for a start and they can complicate backing up.

I think DV was talking about the hydraulic activated dash mounted electric units, not surge types.

Nick

 

[Killgore]

I like the Prodigy P-3 which activates the disc-brakes on my camper without any delay. It incorporates all the features of the P-2.

- Ed

 

[DVolk]

Thats correct