Thread: Electric Brake Controllers

Hi Blue,

We've had both a Hayman-Reese and a Tekonsha Voyager. Got the H-R controller when the H-R hitch was fitted for our first van in 1999 - a '91 Regal 16' pop-top (single axle). The H-R worked fine while towing this with both our '92 Toyota Cressida and, since late 2001, our '97 300Tdi Disco.

About 12 months ago we replaced the poor, grossly-overloaded Regal with a 2002 Jayco Heritage 18' pop-top tandem. The H-R controller did not suit the Jayco at all. It was impossible to find settings which gave satisfactory low and highway speed braking.

Then we got the Tekonsha (off eBay). What a difference. When installed as per the instructions it was very simple to set-up and works brilliantly.

The H-R is not inertia based (doesn't automatically adjust for the severity of the tow vehicle braking force). It has only fixed power and ramp-rate adjustments. Inertia-type units do apply more van brake force as you brake the tow vehicle harder.

So, while the H-R did a reasonable job, I'd definitely recommend an inertia-type unit such as the Tekonsha.

Thanks Leo,

I am looking at the Tekonsha Prodigy, which I am told is the latest in the Tekonsha range, it has all the bells and whistles you will ever need. [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif[/img]

I agree with Ian.
We have had our Tekonsha unit for 7 years, 3 Disco's and one Defender later its done it all.

Trev.

There is a problem with one of the current model teckonsha. They flatten you battery by swicthing on your brake lights when the ignition is switched off. It's been reported in a couple of caravan mags. One of dad's mates has had 2 on his new Prado and is still having problems. Both dad and I have a Hayman Reece, they are ok, but I do adjust mine from town to highway sometimes on the Jayco swan, Dad never complains about his with his Coromal Seka 520. The HR is cheaper to.

I have heard of some problems with the new Tekonsha Prodigy but don't know if that's what Shaun is talking about. That's why I went for a Voyager - been around and trouble free for years. And Repco are advertising them for $99 at the moment (slightly cheaper than my one off eBay!). How much is the H-R?

I have been using a Prodigy for almost a year, so far no problems certainly not causing any battery problems, was easy to install apart from routing the wiring through the firewall.

Originally posted by Leo109
I have heard of some problems with the new Tekonsha Prodigy but don't know if that's what Shaun is talking about. That's why I went for a Voyager - been around and trouble free for years. And Repco are advertising them for $99 at the moment (slightly cheaper than my one off eBay!). How much is the H-R?

Sorry lads....it's around the wrong way 8O

The Prodigy is the top of the range model and I have not seen a bad report for it yet. The Voyager has all the problems with tail lights being on all the time & flattening the battery.

If you require further info see the following forum websites.
www.jayco.com.au
www.au.groups.yahoo.com/group/juga

These will give you all the answers you need.

Cheers,

Thanks for the comments, I have bought the Tekonsha Prodigy, all I have to do now is find somewhere to mount the controller & run all the wiring. [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.gif[/img]