Which brake controller - Hi-Lo camper travel trailer forum

vannooch · 08-24-2012, 09:20 PM

I installed an el cheapo brake controller on my rig when I bought the HiLo due to lack-o-funds and I think that is dead. It is one that applies more and more pressure the longer that you have your foot on the pedal. On our last trip once it got to the max pressure limit it started to pulse. Anyone ever have an issue like this?
Anyway, if I need to replace it what does everyone use and or recommend?

RichR · 08-24-2012, 09:24 PM

Tekonsha Prodigy P2

Brake Controllers - Tekonsha

rgcronk · 08-24-2012, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RichR

Tekonsha Prodigy P2

Brake Controllers - Tekonsha

Like Rich said.

I use the Tekonsha P3, got it on eBay from Mantelli Trailer Sales for a great price and super service. Easy to set up, easy to use. I'm not sure you need the extra bells & whistles of the P3, but I got it for the P2 price ...

I used it hard--up & down the Cascade Mts, up & down the Columbia Gorge, up & down the Rockies, in stop and go freeway traffic--and not even a bit of a problem. Just super!

Fireballsocal · 08-25-2012, 12:08 AM

Another vote for the prodigy. I can't say it's a ton better than everything else out but can vouch that it's dead simple, does what it is supposed to do, easy to install, and reliable. I assume they are the most popular controller also because everyone seems to have em. I installed a P2 on my Dads tundra and a P3 on mine. Get which ever one is the cheapest.

vannooch · 08-25-2012, 05:43 AM

Sounds like it's the prodigy. The be that I had bought didn't last very long.

RichR · 08-25-2012, 08:50 AM

If your GMC has a brake controller plug it makes the installation easier. Although I don't see any listed on the Tekonsha website for your model. Your owners manual may show something for that along with where the plug is located.

vannooch · 08-25-2012, 09:31 AM

No, it's not plug and play, my rig is old school, she still has a distributor and not coil packs. I wired in the first one, I'm sure that I can handle it.

RichR · 08-25-2012, 09:35 AM

That shouldn't be a problem, you should have all your wiring in place.

raamw · 08-25-2012, 11:12 AM

I have used the Tekonsha voyager {90250} for over 20 years, never had a problem, has an indicator light that shows all is hooked up and working and the led also indicates brake intensity from green that fades to red. They are reasonable about $75. I just put a new one on my new truck

PappaP · 08-25-2012, 11:56 AM

Another vote for the Tekonsha Prodigy P2. Also if you look at camping world, I think they had one of cheapest prices that I found when I was looking for mine, and you get the discount price being a member. I'm sure you might find a little cheaper possibly off of Ebay, but I like the comfort of knowing if there was any issue I could take it back to the store. Price was about $99 and regular price around $140 without membership.

vannooch · 09-15-2012, 10:15 AM

Well I have purchased and installed the Prodigy P3, haven't towed with it yet but will be spending the last weekend of the month out at Moraine state park to do some camping and mountain biking. I'll post my comments then.

RichR · 09-15-2012, 10:53 AM

Once you get it adjusted, which is easy, I think you will like it. Have a good time at Moraine and leave some fish for the other fishermen.

JackandJanet · 09-15-2012, 12:18 PM

The P3 is an excellent brake controller in my opinion. Because it has an electronic adjustment feature, it is VERY easy to adjust but is more resistant to being accidentally "bumped" out of adjustment by you or a dealership technician when working under the dash (like when he hooks up a sensor to the OBD port). I had this happen to my previous controller and started a trip with no braking at the trailer at all. Thought I was going to have to cancel until I figured out the problem. It was a Tekonsha controller, but it used a small lever on the side to set the braking action.

- Jack

vannooch · 09-15-2012, 07:07 PM

It doesn't seem to shut off, the display just stays on. I didn't really read through the operations manual but I would think that it would go out. Any of you have this problem?

vannooch · 09-15-2012, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RichR

Once you get it adjusted, which is easy, I think you will like it. Have a good time at Moraine and leave some fish for the other fishermen.

I'm taking my rod, but it will mainly be a mountain bike trip.

RichR · 09-15-2012, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vannooch

It doesn't seem to shut off, the display just stays on. I didn't really read through the operations manual but I would think that it would go out. Any of you have this problem?

When you are hitched up it should only give an indication that it is energized by showing .C , if the trailer is not connected you should see n.c. then goes to . . after 15 seconds.

vannooch · 09-15-2012, 08:11 PM

I haven't had it hooked up yet, but it seemed to be on even when the key was off. Is there an initial setup?

RichR · 09-15-2012, 08:25 PM

My P2 stayed on with two dots showing after the ignition was turned off but it went off after a while. After looking at the P3 online, it has a whole different readout than the P2. There is a setup procedure for it that you must go through.

vannooch · 09-15-2012, 08:28 PM

I thought so, I was a bit pressed for time so I installed it but didn't take the time to go and get the trailer to set it all up. Living in the city of Greensburg and not having much property I have to lease storage space to keep it. I'll probably bring it up next weekend and set everything up. I need to work out a GFCI bug in the two galley and one toilet room receptacles anyway.

RichR · 09-15-2012, 08:34 PM

According to the directions you should get an initial screen with Tekonsha name and some other stuff. It is supposed to go off after 15 minutes. I hope everything is ok and it will work for you.