Trailer Brake Controller?

[Jim Ross]

I have an '01 with factory tow package and now I need to add a trailer brake controller. Is there already an exisitng wire harness/plug under the dash for this purpose? Any recommendations on brands or source for the controller?

Thanks!

 

[Dkevdog]

Jim- If you have the factory trailer tow the harness you are looking for is under the dash to the left of the clutch pedal (if you have one). It is a white 4 wire block and you should have the male pigtail that plugs into it. It is included with the OEM option. If not, it can be ordered from the dealer or any RV dealership that sells and installs controllers.



You can find a ton more info on it here



As for controller reccomendations, my personal choice is the Jordan 2020, it is a true set and forget proportional controller. Had mine for about 2 years and the company and controller are top notch. Jordan is a great guy to deal with.

Jordan Brake



The only other controller I would consider is the Tekonsha Prodigy.



Kev

 

[klenger]

Kev: I don't think his A/T has a clutch.



I also recommend the Jordan controller. It's a bit more work to install because of setting up the cable, but well worth the effort.



Here's the web site for Jordan



http://www.jordanbrake.com/



Here are some pics on the installation in my truck.



http://www.klenger.net/dodge/jordan-installation/index.html

 

[Dean Upson]

Most of the folks here seem to like either the Jordan or the Prodigy. I have the Prodigy and love it. It seems that either would be a good choice.



Dean

 

[Jim Ross]

OK Guys..... I have now inspected the Dodges, Fords and Chevys at work and none have the Jordon or the Prodigy. Most have the Drawtite and none of them have a wire rope/cable in addition to the 4 wires. All of them just have 4 wires, no muss-no fuss. What is the purpose of the wire rope/cable on the Jordan and why is it better than just the simple 4 wire controllers?

BTW... I found the blue 4-wire block just to the left of the steering column like you said and I have the factory (in the glove box) supplied pig-tail.

 

[RMcCulloch]

Only the Jordan uses the cable [wire] - it uses it to sense the amount of brake pedal travel so as to cause the trailer brakes to be applied to a similar extent.



This way, the Jordan provides true proportional braking.



Even in the event of total brake failure on the tow vehicle, the trailer brakes will be applied as a result of the driver's foot depressing the brake pedal - something that won't happen with any other type of electric brake controller.



This aspect was, for me, the deciding factor - I have a Jordan.

 

[Dkevdog]

I'll try and explain. The Jordan does not have 4 wires- it receives the brake sense signal via a cable attached to a potentiometer. It is taken directly from the travel on the brake pedal itself. The difference between that and your run of the mill controllers is that it will vary the amperage sent to the trailer brakes based on how hard you push the pedal. The harder you push, the further the cable is drawn and in turn, the more amperage (which equals braking power) is applied. As was said, it is a true proportional braking system. The other controllers apply an "all or nothing" amperage, based on a predetermined amount that you set. What generally happens is that the controller is set for higher highway speeds, and when the trailer is in slow city traffic, it bucks like a mule becuase too much braking is occuring for such slow speeds.

The Prodigy uses an electronic decellerometer to measure the rate of decelleration and apply variable amperage to the trailer brakes based on computer calculated logic. The Prodigy is a nice unit too, I've tried both and like the Jordan better.



With regard to other trucks all having Drawtite or whatever controllers... ... ... . that's more likly because they have never heard of Jordan, and have gotten used to adjusting their $49 trashy controller. They may not know there is even a better controller out there. Try one and the difference is an unbelieveable night and day.



Go to a TDR meeting and take a look at the brake controllers on trucks there. Bet you you'll see nothing but Jordan's and Prodigy's.



Kev

 

[R-N-R]

I changed from a Drawtite ($65) to a Prodigy ($135) because I was concerned about getting into a "situation" with the controller incorrectly set up for cruising speed.



With the Drawtite, I was constantly having to change the calibration (?) for either moving slow or fast. When moving slow (parking, intersections, traffic lights, etc... ) I had to adjust the unit down to prevent the trailer brakes from grabbing or locking up. If I did not turn the unit back up, I would not have much assist if any when driving at about 45mph or higher. I had forgotten to turn the unit up several times when cruising on the highway, fortunately never with incident. I was concerned that I would get into a "situation" with the controller incorrectly set up for cruising speed. This is not an issue with the Prodigy or Jordon as they self adjust based on the vehicle's rate of deceleration or brake pedal travel.



Night and day is a very good description. The question for me was what my passengers, self, and equipment are worth.



Bill

 

[Jim Ross]

I am now egdge-e-kated..... thanx guys!

 

[BigMike]

Whatever you do, don't cut corners on your controller. I fooled around with a Reeses Brakeman for two years before I finally decided I'd had enough. Brakeman was installed by dealer before I knew enough to know there's a big difference between controllers. I installed a Prodigy this year and it is like day and night difference. I've heard real good things about Jordan's as well. I ended up with Prodigy because at the time CW had them on sale for $95. Either way, you probably can't go wrong.