Prodigy P3

[OL RATLR]

I have a P3 and have no problems switching from one trailer to another and not having to reset it. Mine sets about 10* up. I go from 3,000 lbs to 11,000 lbs on the same setting, I did crank it up some for the 18,000 lb trailer last spring. I also switch the unit between trucks with no issues. JMHO.

Same here I have been using mine 2 yrs no problems.



You just have to fine tune it.

 

[CUMMINZ]

An inertia-activated controller has no way to sense brake pedal pressure. If the tow vehicle is capable of slowing the trailer (creating deceleration) without trailer braking the tow vehicle's brakes will swing the pendulum and initiate trailer braking.

I have a 3 year old Prodigy. I first used it on a 29' Sprinter then a 2006 Cedar Creek with electric brakes then our CC Day Dreamer with hydraulic brakes. My Prodigy is level sensitive. Since Forest River replaced my axles 2 weeks ago the brakes do feel a little different and I am sure I need to adjust them.



I will say that the more foot pedal I apply the higher the numbers on the Prodigy readout. The controller is sensing something. I plan to replace the controller this summer. And the Prodigy has performed well for me. :-laf



I often gross 26k+ and would buy another Prodigy.

 

[Carlacee]

I often gross 26k+ and would buy another Prodigy.

Yeah, and you're living on barrowed time too!!



I'll (have) spend the extra $200 and have a controller that's safe with 18,000 out behind me.

 

[Bob Cochran]

I have had the same experiences as quoted below and when I first bought my Dodge went with the Prodigy and pulling my 14,000 lb 5er in heavy traffic scared me to death. Maybe I just did not have it ever adjusted right it could be though I don't think so after a year of playing with it. I now run the Jordon that is proportional as it is connected by cable to the brake pedal and was a significant step up from the Prodigy. Unfortunately the Jordon is no longer available I subscribe to the the KISS principle and the Jordon fit that bill.

When the Jordon gives up will be going with the MaxBrake without a doubt. I will not knock anyone's choice if a person like the other controls fantastic. I am looking at purchase and conversion of an HDT to tow with instead of my Dodge. In doing so I have looked at what most HDT owners have been using and I venture to say 95% plus use the BrakeSmart or MaxBrake(both have or had air over electric) and yes some do use the Prodigy. It may not make as much difference since you are stopping that 5er with a lot bigger HDT.

Bottom line use what works for you and are happy with. I can only pass on my experience from 35+ years of towing with all types of controllers. In the end it is only my humble opinion take it for what you think it is worth.

I have gotten into some sorta heated but respectful discussions with Harvey Barlow and in this case have to agree with him this time. Sometimes you just have to agree to disagree!!!

My parents had a pull trailer back in the early/mid 50's. The brake controller was a pressure operated variable 6V (or maybe it was 12V, I can't remember which) resister pad about brake pedal size and 1/2in thick. It was clipped to the brake pedal. This was truly a PROPROTIONAL controller i. e. Pressing the brake pedal compressed the controller and the voltage to the Rv brakes would increase. No computer or anything, just a pressure operated high amperage variable resister.

The next generation of brake controllers tapped a small hydraulic line into a brake line at the master cylinder and a small hydraulic line was snaked into the cab and connected to a small slave cylinder in the controller body. The slave cylinder was connected to a variable 12V resister. There again a truly proportional system.

When Anti-Lock brakes were introduced the vehicle manufactures wouldn't allow you to tap into the brake hydraulic systems. The controller manufactures came up with the problematic pendulum type controllers.

The MaxBrake with a pressure transducer tapped into a Hyd. Brake line and a small computer does the same thing! Press the brake pedal and the voltage to the brakes increases even when you are stopped or are backing. The small volume of brake fluid displaced by the transducer is “OK” for use with Anti-lock brakes. I just discovered that I have to change my signature!

BTW- I am under the impression that the Brake Smart (very similar in operation to the MaxBrake) is either no longer business or are almost out of business.