Trailer brake controller

[LandyAndy]

I realise this SHOULD be in the other forum Mr Mods!!!!!
But was hoping to get better coverage/response here.
Got a price on the bits for my trailer running gear,have been quoted $125 for a 9030 Voyager controler.
I know nothing about controlers,do I get this one or are there better available?
Can you set them up to plug and play between 2 vehicles or just get a second unit?
Thanks
Andrew

[sschmez]

G'Day Andy

My enquiries and research led me to purchase a Tekonsha Prodigy (http://www.tekonsha.com/prodig.html) through fleabay (http://search.ebay.com.au/search/search.dll?from=R40&_trksid=m37&satitle=tekonsha&category0=). (approx $180 then - have a look now ... buy it now $155 ... voyager $96)

These come complete, with a bracket and a slide-in type "pod" .... additional "pods" are available (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/PRODIGY-BRAKE-CONTROLLER-POCKET-KIT-NEW-FROM-ABR_W0QQitemZ330079864655QQihZ014QQcategoryZ30862Q QcmdZViewItem), as are the plugs/loom (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/PRODIGY-BRAKE-CONTROLLER-WIRING-KIT-NEW-FROM-ABR_W0QQitemZ330079864662QQihZ014QQcategoryZ30862Q QcmdZViewItem)to allow you to swap between cars.

Stevo

[DiscoStew]

Two days ago I replaced the Voyager with a Prodigy. Have not tested it out yet but I found the Voyager to be a PITA. I had to constantly recalibrate it. The prodigy still requires some callibration but it is auto-levelling so is much simpler.

Much web surfing showed my situation is a typical one and that everyone who changed from voyager to prodigy were well pleased with the result.

[feral]

Prodigy.....the only way to go :cool:

Virtually 'set 'n forget' and would most likely be the best controller in the market.

Cheers.

[grumpybastard]

G'Day Andy

My enquiries and research led me to purchase a Tekonsha Prodigy (http://www.tekonsha.com/prodig.html) through fleabay (http://search.ebay.com.au/search/search.dll?from=R40&_trksid=m37&satitle=tekonsha&category0=). (approx $180 then - have a look now ... buy it now $155 ... voyager $96)

These come complete, with a bracket and a slide-in type "pod" .... additional "pods" are available (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/PRODIGY-BRAKE-CONTROLLER-POCKET-KIT-NEW-FROM-ABR_W0QQitemZ330079864655QQihZ014QQcategoryZ30862Q QcmdZViewItem), as are the plugs/loom (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/PRODIGY-BRAKE-CONTROLLER-WIRING-KIT-NEW-FROM-ABR_W0QQitemZ330079864662QQihZ014QQcategoryZ30862Q QcmdZViewItem)to allow you to swap between cars.

Stevo

Yep i did exactly the same as above.

I have no experience with the Voyager, but i can say im very happy with the Prodigy.

I use it for towing the caravan and although it needs adjusting depending on the conditions, wet roads etc, its dead easy to adjust ....Highly recommended !!

http://www.weaselsnout.net/web/pics.nsf/pictures/MARR-743AJU/$File/MARR-743AJU.jpg

[seqfisho]

Andy,

Do not get the Voyager, they have a long history of failure and strange problems like turning on the cars brake lights when the car is not being used etc, my father had his replaced by the importers and they didn't even blink an eye when quizzed about it, they just gave him a new one straight up.

The Prodigy is probably the best unit on the market, and I haven't heard a bad report yet, most of the campertrailer group run them and mine has been in for 6 months and they are simple to install and use and as Bytermark said you can get spare looms for each vehicle and just move the controller between vehicles as needed.

[LandyAndy]

Thanks HEAPS guys!!!!
Will go the Prodigy setup with a spare loom/pod.
Andrew

[MarknDeb]

Tekonsha P3 is the best controler on the market now, there is a couple on ebay for BUY NOW at about $230. We run the Voyager in our Disco pulling a 18ft6 Kedron 2.1T tandem axle and 4x 12 inch drum brakes. All Kedron owners are given a box with the voyager unit plus andersons and booked into the auto sparky to have fitted a week before pick up of van.

Our Voyager has worked perfectly now for many thousands of K's pulling the van and a couple of times pulling the brothinlaws offroad camper. There was an issue a couple of years ago with a lot of the voyagers turning on cars brake lights when parked in the garage and nothing switched on, this has happened a couple of times to us and it is something to do with a part inside holding charge, every now and then i just slide the slide across a couple of times and it has not done it again to us.

Iam thinking of maybe upgrading to the new P3 because of some of the new feature it has.

http://www.sidewinder.com.au/page147.html
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Tekonsha-P3-Electric-Brake-Controller-LCD-Display_W0QQitemZ110149748966QQihZ001QQcategoryZ30 862QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[DeeJay]

What everyone said, the prodigy is the bee's knee's, make sure you locate it where you can flick on the emergency full brake without too much reaching. I had to use mine a couple of times on the Landie /caravan setup when I went into a sharper than anticipated corner, very glad of that feature, it stops the ar$e end being pushed off the road. Brilliant.

[GregTD5]

I use a Redarc trailer controller, couldn't be easier to operate with fingertip controller for adjusting braking force, along with manual push button to apply brakes to level set on rotary control.
Doesn't need to be in a level position, I attached mine with a bit of velcro under the ashtray between steering wheel and console.

http://www.redarc.com.au/

Greg

[LandyAndy]

Keep the inputs coming guys.
With the Prodigy,are there update levels,ie Prodigy 1,2 or 3?
Havent started looking yet,but want to get new rather than older tech.
Andrew

[DRanged]

Ditto

Redarc is the way to go and its aussie made.

justin

[Rocket00]

What everyone said, the prodigy is the bee's knee's, make sure you locate it where you can flick on the emergency full brake without too much reaching. I had to use mine a couple of times on the Landie /caravan setup when I went into a sharper than anticipated corner, very glad of that feature, it stops the ar$e end being pushed off the road. Brilliant.

Dee Jay I am going to fit a Prodigy P3 to my TDV8 Rangie and would like a recommendation on a reputable Sparky in Melbourne. One who understands Rangie's and is not going to screw with the electronics of the car.

Thanks

Rocket

[Grumndriva]

Don't waste your money on either Voyager or Redarc: neither are anywhere near as useful as the Prodigy, which comes from the same maker as the Voyager (Tekonsha). I had a Voyager for some years, which I used with both a camper trailer and a caravan (20 foot Sterling Outback). It is true that it worked. However as others have said, it required constant recalibration, and eventually I replaced it with a Prodigy and have never looked back.

Both my son (camper trailer) and my brother (23 foot Roadstar) bought Redarc controllers, and both replaced them almost immediately with Prodigies. The Redarc is not proportional, which makes its use very uncomfortable compared with a proportional unit.

[LandyAndy]

Old post comes up again:cool::cool::cool:
I went with the Prodigy to control the trailer I built.
I can only say good things.
Ive towed big loads of firewood on an unbraked tandem trailer and realised how dangerous it was combined with ABS.
Have done equivelent load tests(2tonne+) on the new trailer,stops really well on gravel.IMPRESSED NO END:cool::cool::cool:
Andrew

[Treads]

We bought the prodigy too, plus got an extra pod and harness for the second vehicle. We've used it towing an extended double float, with 2 horses onboard, and never had a problem. GCM was pushing 5t :eek:

The controller is now 2 years old and I wouldn't go with any other brand/model :cool:

[Watpub]

Hi guys,

I'm new to the forum so pardon the ignorant questions. I've recently ordered a Disco 4. I enquired at ARB about getting a brake controller and they said they wouldn't fit to a Disco because of the complicated electronics in the car (sounded weird to me!).

I notice that Prodigy's are going on eBay for around $169. The Disco salesman quoted me around $800 all up for the controller and fitting... um, someone's cashing in here and it ain't me :mad:!

I'd like to go the fleabay route but I'm a bit worried about after-market fitting. Does anyone know how hard or complicated it is to fit a Prodigy to a Disco 4 - could any competent automotive sparky do it?

Thanks

Ron

[Banjo_pluker]

Hi guys,

I'm new to the forum so pardon the ignorant questions. I've recently ordered a Disco 4. I enquired at ARB about getting a brake controller and they said they wouldn't fit to a Disco because of the complicated electronics in the car (sounded weird to me!).

I notice that Prodigy's are going on eBay for around $169. The Disco salesman quoted me around $800 all up for the controller and fitting... um, someone's cashing in here and it ain't me :mad:!

I'd like to go the fleabay route but I'm a bit worried about after-market fitting. Does anyone know how hard or complicated it is to fit a Prodigy to a Disco 4 - could any competent automotive sparky do it?

Thanks

Ron

Yes you do need to get someone to fit it who knows what they are doing.

I payed about 200 for mine from a wholesaler, so 169 is a good price

[HangOver]

bump !

so is the Prodigy P3 still the way to go or is there a new kid on the block?

[harlie]

“Prodigy” and “P3” are 2 different controllers – there are ebay sellers advertising "Prodigy P3” but this is not accurate – it is a P3. They look different – the P3 has 2 front mounted buttons either side of the much larger screen, but are very close in workings; the P3 has some cool data outputs for the driver (so what) but the big difference is the P3 can handle electric/hydraulic marine systems where the Prodigy can’t.

Both units are made by Tekonsha, The Prodigy is actually now discontinued and replaced by a “Prodigy P2” – I actually can’t see any difference. You can still buy parts for the original and brilliant Prodigy but parts/extras for the P3 will not fit the prodigy and vice versa.


But to answer your question – Yes the P3 is the way to go.

And... If you have a D3/4, RRS or L322 - you need someone who has a clue. The trigger has to come from the ECU output harness, not the pedal

[HangOver]

thanks for that, yes I was looking on ebay.
I had a Redarc in my Ford but while not a huge pain I did have to continually adjust the brake power "on-the-fly" sometimes thats not convenient.

It seems the P3 does it all for you.

Its going on a 94' Rangie so i expect the wiring wont but quite as complicated as the D3 and above but I will probably get some one to do it for me.

It also seems that the redarc and P3 are about the same $$$
Thanks

[Hoges]

Yep P3 is the way to go!

As for Prodigies...well they can be a PITA ...so you sit three of 'em in the back of the trailer and when you want to stop you yell at 'em to drag their feet:wasntme::p

[Lotz-A-Landies]

“Prodigy” and “P3” are 2 different controllers – there are ebay sellers advertising "Prodigy P3” but this is not accurate – it is a P3. They look different – the P3 has 2 front mounted buttons either side of the much larger screen, but are very close in workings; the P3 has some cool data outputs for the driver (so what) but the big difference is the P3 can handle electric/hydraulic marine systems where the Prodigy can’t.

Both units are made by Tekonsha, The Prodigy is actually now discontinued and replaced by a “Prodigy P2” – I actually can’t see any difference. You can still buy parts for the original and brilliant Prodigy but parts/extras for the P3 will not fit the prodigy and vice versa.

But to answer your question – Yes the P3 is the way to go.

And... If you have a D3/4, RRS or L322 - you need someone who has a clue. The trigger has to come from the ECU output harness, not the pedal
Has anyone experience of both the original Tekohsha Prodigy and the current Tekonsha P3?

I have the original Prodigy and never want to go back to over-ride brakes and I take your point about Prodigy Vs P3. My issue currently is that I want to leave a controller permanently in my spare RRc and can buy the P3 from extreme 4X4 in Vic for $149, where the Prodigy P2 is closer to $200 (or more).

When you look at the Tekonsha website (http://www.tekonsha.com/content/products.aspx) you find no mention of the original Prodigy, but they do show the Prodigy P2 (which I am assuming means "Prodigy 2") which looks exactly the same as the original Prodigy has specs: Reverse battery protection for both vehicle and breakaway
Designed to work with electronic over hydraulic brake systems
Numerous mounting options - including 360 degree vertical rotation
Digital display depicts voltage delivery to trailer during braking
No level adjustment necessary - it adjusts itself to varying terrain as you drive
Great for backing into tough spots! Works proportionally in reverse with the ability to disable when not needed
Produces stops that are in proportion to vehicles deceleration rate
"Boost" feature gives users the ability to apply more initial trailer braking power when towing heavier trailers
Continual diagnostics check for proper connection, shorted magnet conditions and much more
Quick and easy disconnect feature allows user to remove and store the control when not in use
Electric trailer brake control for up to 4 braking axles
Limited lifetime warrantyThe P3 has specs: 1-4 axle trailers
Distinct, easy to see LCD display with multiple color and contrast options
User can customize to choose English, French or Spanish display
Allows the user to switch between Electric and Hydraulic brakes
Highly advanced, easy-to-understand, roadside diagnostics
Easy access, "Up-Front' controls
The original "Boost" feature allows for different levels of customized braking
Compact, dash-hugging design
Unique, easy-to-use, clip-mounting systems
Quick disconnect for easy storage; convenient storage pouch included
Limited lifetime warrantyI don't know, it seems that the Prodigy P2 is a superior unit to the P3 because it seems to have more functions. Particularly: Continuous diagnostics check.
Proportional braking in reverse.
Reverse battery protection.So unless Spanish language is important it seems that the P2 is superior to the P3.

Anyone else have more info?

[Graeme]

Whilst I haven't fitted my P3 yet, the docs say "The P3 will brake proportionally in reverse." It also has over-rides for its HOLD and BOOST functions in reverse.

[awabbit6]

I've currently got a P3 fitted to my Disco 2. I had the Prodigy in my Disco1.

I was concerned that the P3 would be less capable than the Prodigy because they are significantly cheaper, but there is no noticeable difference in functionality. The P3 actual has a few extra features built in such as a voltmeter function. The most significant difference seems to be in the display on the front of the unit. The P3 has an nice LCD display that changes colour depending on what it is doing. The Prodigy has the basic LED display.

[RedRangeRove]

Hi guys,

I'm new to the forum so pardon the ignorant questions. I've recently ordered a Disco 4. I enquired at ARB about getting a brake controller and they said they wouldn't fit to a Disco because of the complicated electronics in the car (sounded weird to me!).

I notice that Prodigy's are going on eBay for around $169. The Disco salesman quoted me around $800 all up for the controller and fitting... um, someone's cashing in here and it ain't me :mad:!

I'd like to go the fleabay route but I'm a bit worried about after-market fitting. Does anyone know how hard or complicated it is to fit a Prodigy to a Disco 4 - could any competent automotive sparky do it?

Thanks

Ron

Typical ARB comment. Also I wouldnt trust an Auto sparky - they mostly know little about landrover oddities.

I fitted a P3 to my disco3 a couple of months ago. It took about 10 mins of searching around disco3.co.uk to understand what is needed.

You cut the feed for the trailer brake lights (I did it at the fuse panel in the boot) and stick a 25c diode in (make sure they still work or you have the diode the wrong way round!) then take the trigger for the controller from the trailer side of that diode. Piece of p***.

If you manually apply the trailer brakes with the switch on the controller, only the trailer brake lights will come on (not the disco's) but I don't see how that matters. Also you need to run 2 wires forward (brake and trigger) rather than just 1 for the brake.

Make sure you have a really good earth at trailer harness pickup and the controller itself.

Not sure about D4 but there is a perfect ready hole in the fire wall (just push a screwdriver through) inboard from the brake master cylinder, in the box where the second battery goes. PM me if you want to know more.

[NavyDiver]

Put a p3 in my D3 last week (RITTA) then another in my dads car. Both work very well and the research recomending them is genuine. Ritta suggested another brand- I took the P3 to them to fit. Power Auto Electrical in Nunawadding ( Chris) has worked on a lot of Landrovers in the UK and I thnk he would be worth checking out for you. He sells the P3 thought you can get them cheaper on ebay like most things:)

Ritta put a anderson plug in for me as well, need to take it back as it is where my backside scraps on the nice smooth tracks I enjoy:D:D:D:D