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srg
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Joined: 08/22/2002
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I want a brake controller that has a good reputation,Should you go out and get what is considered a good unit,or let the trailer retailer sell you what he has.
Are they all on a level playing field??
To all thanks. SRG
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docjohn
Boerne, TX
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Joined: 08/06/2002
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You don't say what you are pulling or what you are pulling it with. Some loads can be stopped by not much more than dragging your foot out the driver's door (hard on shoe soles).
The old standby Tekonsha Voyageur is used by most; however, lots of folks on this forum use the new Prodigy and seem to be very happy with it.
In my experience the most important thing is to know how to calibrate the darn thing and keep it adjusted properly. That doesn't seem to be as hard to do with today's equipment as it was 15 years ago.
John and Suzanne Key
1999 Suburban 1500
1987 AlumaLite XL 33
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grumps
se,mi.
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Joined: 10/28/2001
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hi srg no all brake controllers aren't on a level playing field. i had a drawtite(reese) that was a piece of junk. i switched to a tekonsha prodigy the difference was like night and day. very easy to install and also easy to adjust. many on this board will recommend them or a jordan ultima both exellent products.
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angler
WI
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Joined: 08/21/2002
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They seem like such simple devices you wouldn't think their would be a drastic difference. Learn something new every day
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wittmeba
Virginia
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Joined: 02/02/2001
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Quote:
"..or let the trailer retailer sell you what he has."
===
Id watch this one. They will use what is most economical for them (not you) and easiest to install.
There are 2 leaders of controllers - Jordan Ultima 2020 and Tekonsha Prodigy. I would insist on one of them.
Im not sure a lot of dealers install the Jordan as it does take a little more for the installation, but to me well worth it. Most with the Jordan have installed their own - you gain a lot of understanding about controllers when you do it yourself. If you have problems, it is easier to troubleshoot something you did yourself than someone elses work.
Just my opinion.
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Outback
Pflugerville Texas, USA
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Joined: 08/14/2002
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When you guys say one is a piece of junk and one isn't, what do you mean? What is the prodigy doing that the draw-tite isn't. I had a solid state draw-tite installed that the hitch installer has been using for years with no complaints.
2002 Chevy Express LT
2002 Outback 25RSS
1 Wife
2 Kids
2002 Chevy Express LT
2002 Outback 25RSS
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nukamper
Cleveland,Ohio USA
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Joined: 11/02/2000
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The reason some say one is a piece of junk is that some are a pain to use. I had a Drawtite Activator that the dealer installed for me. I thought it was state of the art. My poor wife would get motion sick from all the jerking and adjusting of it, especially in stop and go (like construction areas). She wanted to get rid of the trailer. I got the Prodigy after reading so much about it. It was the BEST $$$$ I have spent on my RV experience. Easy to install, easy to adjust, NEVER needing re adjusting so far, and smooth confident stops. Best of all, now the better half doesn't think we should sell the trailer. Now she wants to upgrade! I have heard similar comments about the Jordan. But it sounded complicated to install. The Prodigy was easy, I even used the Drawtite's bracket that the dealer had installed. Just plug that baby in and hook up the trailer and follow their set up instructions. IT IS GREAT!
I almost forgot to tell you what it does that the Drawtite doesn't. It applies the brakes in proportion to your tow vehicle brakes. The Drawtite Activator applies all or nothing to the brakes. The two controls on the Activator adjust the intensity of the brakes and how aggressive ( soon you want them to activate in relationship to your tow vehicle brakes. But it can't use just a little braking, it is all or nothing. Another thing the Prodigy does, is it releases much of the brake when you are stopped. With the Activator, you frequently get a sudden lurch when you let up on the brakes to sit at a light. None of that with the Prodigy. It will also tell you if your connections are bad. Get it! And I don't work for the company!
Steve
*This Message was edited on 27-Aug-02 08:29 AM by nukamper*
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To D Lake
Cincinnati, Ohio
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Love my Jordan Ultima 2020!
99.5 F250SD 4X4, 2003 Forest River Wildwood 27BH
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Westronics
Redmond, WA
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Joined: 08/07/2002
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The Prodigy controller will:
1. Be "set and forget" type operation. No adjustments needed unless you have a large change in weight of the trailer or you adjust the trailer brakes.
2. Let you know if your brakes are working properly or not (inform you of short circuits, etc.)
3. Allow you to choose how much ahead of your tow vehicle brakes the trailer brakes engage.
4. Work proportionally in reverse as well as forward.
It's the top of the line and, yes, it makes a diffference.
The Jordan controller is a fine controller, too, it seems. I like the way the Prodigy works better myself - it applies ther brakes according to how much you are slowing down, not how hard you are pressing the pedal. I like this method as it gives very smooth stops as the trailer brakes automtically ease off while you slow down.
*This Message was edited on 27-Aug-02 08:48 AM by Westronics*
2002 Jayco Greyhawk 24SS, Camera, ScanGauge, Inverter, Airtabs, Portabote, SeeLevel II, Tireman valves, Xatnrex Battery Monitor, Aero-flo vent, Trik-L-Start, XPS Rib, Chains, Lil' Stanker, Be kind to septic systems Ford: 1-800-444-3311. RV Tires
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ford1228
joshua, tx. usa
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do yourself a favor, get the prodigy. i had a voyager and it is now collecting dust, i had to adjust all the time and it was a pain! once you have the prodigy set up you can forget it is there. also the prodigy has a boost feature that will let the trailer lead in braking. jmho
jim and kathy
f250 psd 2002 cardinal 29wb
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