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Topic ClosedBrake controller
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Joined: 02 Aug 2012
Location: GA
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Posts: 12 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: Brake controller
    Posted: 02 Oct 2012 at 1:55pm
I recently purchased a new TV, 2010 Ford expedition with tow package however the TV did not come with a brake controller. I have researched several brands but would appreciate any recommendations. I will primarily only be towing our rpod with the TV.

Thanks in advance!

2013 182G
2010 Ford Expedition
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Joined: 03 Apr 2011
Location: Mayville, WI
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Posts: 1447 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Oct 2012 at 4:09pm
I had the dealer install the factory Ford controller, and it works great.  It also communicates status thru the readout in the gauge cluster.  The down side is I lost the little cubby in the dash on the driver's side.  It cost about $200 to have it done.  Make sure you get a firm price before you start.  The dealer did not konw he would have to access the computer in the truck and wanted to charge me $75 more than we agreed to do that.  I stuck to the quote and in the end he did too.
Keith-N-Dar
Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers)
2011 R-Pod 177
2010 Ford F-150
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Joined: 26 Sep 2011
Location: Portland Oregon
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Posts: 913 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Oct 2012 at 7:11pm

After some research we purchased a Tekonsha  Primus from Amazon for $75.59.  More than adequate.  Then went to local U-Haul and they installed it for only $47.50.  I did have the pigtail that Chevy supplied with the tow package.  All works fabulously.  Did have the Bargman plug come out of the connector on the bumper and the Tekonsha gave me an error code immediately.  I think you will be very satisfied with the Primus.  Camping World sells the same unit for over $100. last time I looked.  Safe Travels.
Camper Bob and Camper Sue
Gracie the Wonder Dog (12 LB. Mini Dachshund)
2013 Rpod 171HRE(ORPod)
2016 Lance 1685
2015 Nissan Pathfinder
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Joined: 20 Sep 2010
Location: Ocean Shores, W
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Posts: 267 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Oct 2012 at 7:35pm
A Tekonsha Voyager is the cheapest well performing controller I've used. The Tekonsha Prodigy models are a little more expensive than the Primus or Voyager, but also work well. I think all Tekonshas are very easy plug n plays with a vehicle specific cable. They are also an easy solder install with generic cables. I'll defer to Camper Bob's review of the Primus, as I've never used that one. I really feel you can't go wrong with any of the Tekonsha models. Stay away from Kelseys if they're still available-poor quality and continual adjustments necessary.
'10 RP 175-Replaced by 2014 Kodiak 173 QBSL
'12 Toyota Tundra
'05 Sportster (half a Harley)
Retired-We're on Beach Time!
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Joined: 29 Jul 2009
Location: MD
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Posts: 9059 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Oct 2012 at 8:49pm
Another vote for the Tekonsha line, I love my Prodigy.
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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Joined: 21 Jul 2011
Location: Laramie, WY
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Posts: 362 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Oct 2012 at 9:12pm
Another vote for the Tekonsha Prodigy - - had dealer install it in our Tacoma the day we picked up our 177 (Oct '11). Performs well and easy to understand.

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Livin' the Dream    ...'Slogger
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Joined: 09 Jun 2012
Location: Western, NY
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Posts: 88 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Oct 2012 at 10:02pm
+1 Tekonsha Prodigy
"What happens in the POD, stays in the POD."
2002 Dakota (pulling a) 2012 R-Pod 176T
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Joined: 30 Sep 2012
Location: Sacramento
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Posts: 8 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Oct 2012 at 12:55am
I installed the prodigy P2 myself last sunday while the kids were having a nap.  Very easily done with the pigtail that came with my pickup's tow package.  Etrailer.com has great videos, and I pulled the wiring info from my truck's manual plus the instructions from the controller to match up the wire connections.  I'm a little overcautious about wiring, being that I know I'm weak with electrical.  The controller cost $99.49 online, from ecustomhitch.com, ordered Wednesday afternoon and it showed up Saturday in the mail with free shipping!  

I will work out the operation and adjustments later this week before heading out to my hunting trip...
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Joined: 30 May 2012
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Posts: 24 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 Oct 2012 at 8:46am
I recently switched TV's while our Pod was being serviced. When i picked it up i had the technician install the controller in my Armada. His words about the Prodigy P2... "It's nice to see someone put in a quality unit. Don't ever go cheap on your brake controller." I think he charged me $40 to install. 
Mark, Beth, Nolan & Madeline
2012 182G... "NoMad"
TV - 2012 Nissan Armada
SB/WDB
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Joined: 02 Aug 2012
Location: GA
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Posts: 12 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 Oct 2012 at 9:38pm
Decided on the prodigy p3 and thus far love it. Thanks for all the good advice.

2013 182G
2010 Ford Expedition
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