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Thread: Advice on Electric Brake Controllers, Please

  1. 18th December 2007, 10:40 PM #1
    GrahamH's Avatar
    GrahamH
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    Advice on Electric Brake Controllers, Please

    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.
    GrahamH
    '65 SIIa 88" Hard-top, Rego DW622, 186 Holden, 4.3 diffs (she's still back in NZ)
    '88 4-door Rangie (long gone)
    '96 Disco SI 3.9V8i (LPG) Manual (Inspector Rex's kennel)
    '03 Disco SII TD5 Auto (the serious camping car)
    '15 Disco 4 3.0Lt TDV6 (was a dog-hair free zone - not now!!!)
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  2. 19th December 2007, 07:08 AM #2
    RonMcGr Guest
    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

    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.
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  3. 19th December 2007, 07:47 AM #3
    Lotz-A-Landies's Avatar
    Lotz-A-Landies
    Lotz-A-Landies is offline Super Moderator Gold Subscriber
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    Quote Originally Posted by RonMcGr View Post
    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

    You won't find me on: faceplant; Scipe; Infragam; LumpedIn; ShapCnat or Twitting. I'm just not that interesting.
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  4. 19th December 2007, 08:35 AM #4
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    LRHybrid100
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    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
    Disco 4 SDV6 Auto
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  5. 19th December 2007, 09:19 AM #5
    sschmez's Avatar
    sschmez
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    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
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  6. 19th December 2007, 09:34 AM #6
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    Tekonsha - First choice

    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
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  7. 19th December 2007, 09:37 AM #7
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    Stepho_62
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    Tokonsha Prodigy
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  8. 19th December 2007, 09:50 AM #8
    RonMcGr Guest
    Quote Originally Posted by Lotz-A-Landies View Post
    Graham

    Have to agree with Ron on this one,

    Diana
    Gee thanks, Diana

    I think??
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  9. 19th December 2007, 12:00 PM #9
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    Bushwanderer
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    This sounds like a "me too", but I also have the "Prodigy" & am VERY happy with it.
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  10. 19th December 2007, 07:44 PM #10
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    GrahamH
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    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.
    GrahamH
    '65 SIIa 88" Hard-top, Rego DW622, 186 Holden, 4.3 diffs (she's still back in NZ)
    '88 4-door Rangie (long gone)
    '96 Disco SI 3.9V8i (LPG) Manual (Inspector Rex's kennel)
    '03 Disco SII TD5 Auto (the serious camping car)
    '15 Disco 4 3.0Lt TDV6 (was a dog-hair free zone - not now!!!)
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