Prodigies and downhill?

[CConklin]

Greetings



As of Sunday, I became the proud owner of a 3500 HO and ditched the Furd. I bought an automatic because my husband refused to drive a clutch; however, a clutch would probably be better with the two-mile 8% curvy grade to/from my place.



Here's my question: with the lack of visibility, curves, and need to stop at the bottom, needless to say, the brakes used to stop my 11-12,000 lb horse trailer are going to be important, especially since I'm not j-braking now (I did with the Furd). When towing, I prefer to go down the hill at a steady 10-15mph.



My local shops mostly install Prodigy. Since that system seems to be activated based on deceleration, would/does it work very well in this situation????



Needless to say, I can't afford to have the controller go out even once, and the Prodigy defect rate I see posted on this site has me concerned.



Thanks in advance!

 

[RustyJC]

Originally posted by CConklin

My local shops mostly install Prodigy. Since that system seems to be activated based on deceleration, would/does it work very well in this situation????

Actually, you would have to have a signal to the Prodigy from the brake light (in other words, you would have to be pushing the brake pedal) before it would activate. Just decelerating on engine braking won't activate it.



Having said that, I went with the Jordan Ultima 2020.



Rusty

 

[skorski]

jordan

I went with Jordan and very happy. I pull a 13,000 fift and stop on a dime Give jordan a call you will find him very helpful.

 

[CPG]

CConklin, first of all, I am not aware of your statement of "Prodigy defect rate". I have had this brake control on my first generation truck now for sometime and have used it extensively in the mountains here in Ca. As I have over 100,000 miles now on our Alpenlite trailer with other trailer brake controls in the past, I cannot praise the Prodigy brand enough. The former was a Tekonsha Sentinel which was also a good control. The worst one I experienced was a Hayes. On steep grades one should also shift down to increase the efficiency brakeing of the trailer also. If there is a weakness of the Prodigy in not doing the job, I am not aware of it. Most people that have used this are very pleased. Its a top product.



Chuck Goode

 

[jtwcummins]

This controller does proportional braking forward and reverse. Description is from Camping World site.







Description

Introducing the most advanced, intelligent electronic brake control for 1 to 4 axle brake systems. Tekonsha® Prodigy™ uses sensor technology to detect the tow vehicle’s rate of deceleration and apply proportional braking. Its exclusive “boost” feature allows the user to apply more initial trailer braking power (especially when towing heavier trailers). Prodigy™ requires no manual leveling. It’s equipped with a self-adjusting sensing device, similar to those used in guided-missile technology, allowing for easy installation. For backing into tough spots, this is the only inertia control that works proportionally in reverse. Digital display depicts secure trailer connection, diagnostic mode and voltage delivery during braking. Unique pocket mount provides flexible mounting options. Power saving mode reduces drain on battery when vehicle is not in use.



Tech Notes

*Meets N. H. T. S. A. regulations regarding tow vehicle/trailer light activation

 

[Photoman]

I installed a Prodigy on my 03 Dodge a couple of months ago. Use the factory harness that came with the truck. I did get an error message and called the manufacturer. They advised that the error code was due to the sophistication of the 03 Dodge and that they had modified the units. My unit appeared to be working as advertised, but just to be safe I shipped mine back to the manufacturer. They turned the revised unit back the day they received my old unit and the new one is working perfectly with no error codes. I feel much more in control with this unit. Best of luck with your decision. BTW, the dealer I purchased the unit at immediately pulled all of their old units to ensure that they had the revised units. My assumtion is that, by now, all of the old units have been pulled by the dealers.

 

[Shooter]

I have run a Prodigy for over 40k mi and no problems. It is far superior to the Sentenal I had before.





This is what Jake says about the exhaust brake and the 48re



Jacobs Exhaust Brake will be available for 2003 Cummins-powered Dodge Ram trucks with the 48RE Automatic Transmission. Stay tuned for approved release date.



You might call and check it out.





http://www.jakebrake.com/content.php4?doc uid=73





You might also check out the Pac Brake, and a dTT transmission control module. I have been using the DTT module with my 47re for 3years.



there are options. Check em out.



My unsolicitited FREE opinion: take it for what it is worth.



How big a pucker is in the drivers seat of that new truck