Advice on Electric Brake Controllers, Please

[GrahamH]

People, I'm about to purchase a friend's off road camper trailer and it is fitted with electric drum brakes. This means I need to fit a controller to my SI Discovery and I'd be keen to get your opinions on choosing a brake controller. I've found references to Redarc and Tekonsha (voyager) in a search of the forums there must be others and I suspect that there are strong and varied opinions about which is "best".

The trailer is a substantial one made locally by Arrow Trailers (model B7 I think) and is rated with an ATM of 1250Kg. I currently have solid rotors on the front of the Disco but I plan on upgrading these to ventilated rotors to ensure I never revisit the brake-fade problem I experienced in my '88 Rangie.

I can't think of anything else that might be relevant, so go on, hit me with your experiences.

[RonMcGr]

Graham,

Get a Tekonsha Prodigy and you can't go wrong. Unlike the others, the prodigy doesn't have to be reset every time you use it. They also have a cradle, so you can simply unclip them when not towing. Just about every other caravanner I know, has one :D

Here is some "hype" on them.

Tekonsha Prodigy
The Prodigy is the most technologically advanced controller available. Even with its pendulum based output it requires no levelling and is equipped with a self-adjusting sensing device to compensate for varying terrain. Its digital display illustrates the voltage level delivered to the caravan brakes whilst driving and also reports any electrical fault conditions such as power loss, short circuits and more. It has a plug in wiring harness for easy removal and a unique pocket mounting for flexible options. This Unit has a variable power level that is further complimented by a “boost” feature for incremental power. In summary, The Prodigy has a number of features, some are not important, but others particularly the self-levelling and digital displays make it an outstanding electric brake controller.

[Lotz-A-Landies]

Graham,

Get a Tekonsha Prodigy and you can't go wrong. .....
Graham

Have to agree with Ron on this one, with most controllers the unit has to be leveled in the vehicle and get upset with steep hill climbs and descents off-road. The Prodigy uses different technology for it's deccellerometer which will even work in reverse. (Even if the brakes on the trailer don't.)

The standard Prodigy can operate up to 4 braked axles.

Diana

[LRHybrid100]

just bought and installed a Prodigy - was recommended by forum members and the manufacturer of the camper trailer.

If you check on evilbay you can get them for about $155.

HTH

LRH

[sschmez]

I also use the prodigy and am very happy with it.

Got it through ebay about a year ago when they were still more expensive than they are now:(.

Easy D.I.Y. install and it's all good

[BradM]

Never used any thing else but Tekonsha and have never had any problem with it. Drives 4 X 12" Drums on my off road van. Also mounts nicely in the centre gap of visors overhead moulding where sunroof motor/controls would be with enough angle for the pendulum to still operate properly.

BradM

[Stepho_62]

Tokonsha Prodigy :D

[RonMcGr]

Graham

Have to agree with Ron on this one,

Diana

Gee thanks, Diana :D

I think?? :confused:

[Bushwanderer]

This sounds like a "me too", but I also have the "Prodigy" & am VERY happy with it.

[GrahamH]

Thanks for the advice people. Looks like the Tekonsha Prodigy is a clear winner. I had expected more controversy so I'm relieved there's a clear consensus. I've now completed the transaction on fleaBay and I'll have to wait and see if the device makes it here before Xmas so I've got something to do on the vehicle on Boxing day.

Thanks for your help.

[Utemad]

I've got one (Prodigy) and like it but I've only used it a couple of times and have never used anything else to compare it to.

[tracker]

have used the Tekonsha (voyager) for about 5 years now.Havent bothed to change as its still working fine.I tow a caravan Appox1500kg and 6.5 haines (2200kg). a batch came out a couple of years ago that turned the brake lights on with no trailer hooked up and drained battrey.most were changed under warranty.
when the voyager dies Ill prob fit a prodigy.

[Pedro_The_Swift]

how often do these things die?
trying to fit a Voyager,,
cannot get it to light up,,
:confused:

[awabbit6]

how often do these things die?
trying to fit a Voyager,,
cannot get it to light up,,


Is it a new one Pedro??
They really shouldn't die unless connected incorrectly, but there is only 4 wires (usually) so that is unlikely ;).

[Pedro_The_Swift]

no,, it came with the camper,,
out of a nissan,,

not sure if it was working---

[DiscoStew]

My D2 came with a Voyager and I changed to a prodigy before my Brizzie-Darwin-brizzie trip. Worked a treat except I had one problem: if I had my headlights on the brakes would intermittently engage for no reason. Also could not use Cruise Control with headlights on. Not a big problem cause we did not plan on any night driving but one day we did not get to destination before dark so I unplugged the controller so I could use headlights.

Next day reconnected controller and lo-and-behold the problem did not re-occur. Must have been a poor connection causing confusion. Wish I had tried that 8200kms earlier.