Thread: Brake Controller Recommendations

Hi There

This is my first post here and I need some help please. I take delivery of a Disco 3 HSE in a few days time and I am using it to tow a boat that is around 2.5 tonne.

I need to get a brake controller installed. The brake actuator is a Dexter system. I would be greatful if someone can recommend:

a. An auto electrician that will do a high quality job - I live in Victoria eastern suburbs.

b. Models of brake controllers that have worked well for you. I have been looking at the Tekonsha P3 but am open to suggestions.

Any assistance appreciated.

Regards,
Fudge

Just be careful about selection with your electro-hydraulic unit. Some of the controllers, the brilliant Prodigy being a good example, continually send out a test pulse that the hydraulic marine units really don’t like. The Prodigy is a great controller for caravans but can’t be used for electric-hydraulic.

The P3 has a selectable "Hydraulic" mode which is what you need, but what I don’t know is how high its starting voltage can be set to. Reason I bring that up – I had a Hayes-Lemmerz Genensis (at the time was the only competition to the Prodigy but with the selectable hydraulic mode) and it would not allow a higher (initial cutin) setting than 25% - (bit of braking motion would quickly send it higher). I found with the Hydrastar marine system it really needed more.

I believe the Dextor actuator has a rotary pump like the Hydrastar and will need a higher start-up setting than magnetic caravan brakes do, with out that you WILL notice a slight lag in brake response, which is not what you want with 2.5t.

Do you know how high the P3 can be set for start up (or min output)? ie what is the highest voltage that it will output with the brake pedal lightly applied.

I also found the Hydrastar worked better when I combined the tail light/brakes earth with the electric winch back through the anderson plug - that tiny trailer wiring just couldn't earth lights and the hydro brake pump...