Brake controller
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2979
Printed Date: 25 May 2025 at 6:55am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Brake controller
Posted By: GArpod
Subject: Brake controller
Date Posted: 02 Oct 2012 at 1:55pm
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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 |
Replies:
Posted By: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 02 Oct 2012 at 4:09pm
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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 |
Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 02 Oct 2012 at 7:11pm
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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 |
Posted By: Kickstart
Date Posted: 02 Oct 2012 at 7:35pm
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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! |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 02 Oct 2012 at 8:49pm
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Another vote for the Tekonsha line, I love my Prodigy.
------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: Footslogger03
Date Posted: 02 Oct 2012 at 9:12pm
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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.
'Slogger ------------- Livin' the Dream ...'Slogger |
Posted By: The E Train
Date Posted: 02 Oct 2012 at 10:02pm
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+1 Tekonsha Prodigy ------------- "What happens in the POD, stays in the POD." 2002 Dakota (pulling a) 2012 R-Pod 176T |
Posted By: loaders_loft
Date Posted: 03 Oct 2012 at 12:55am
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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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Posted By: KDHfan
Date Posted: 04 Oct 2012 at 8:46am
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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 |
Posted By: GArpod
Date Posted: 16 Oct 2012 at 9:38pm
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Decided on the prodigy p3 and thus far love it. Thanks for all the good advice. ------------- 2013 182G 2010 Ford Expedition |
Posted By: Bill Ky
Date Posted: 16 Oct 2012 at 11:37pm
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Tekonsha Prodigy, check!
------------- Bill & Marilyn, Tinker Belle (Yorkie), Sparkle (Mini Dachshund) & Tootsie (the turtle) '12 RP175 '07 Dodge Ram 1500 |
Posted By: duck42
Date Posted: 18 Oct 2012 at 12:41pm
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I have been using the trailer mounted wireless Innovator Brake controller with my RPOD 171 since 2011 with no problems. The advantage of this controller is its reliability, simplicity of installation and the ability to use different TV s with the trailer without wiring up each TV. (See U-haul video of operation: https://store.uhaul.com/images/RENDER_INNOVATOR.wmv) ------------- duck42 |
Posted By: dsmiths
Date Posted: 18 Oct 2012 at 7:49pm
I have the Tenkosha Prodigy, installed when I bought the pod, the dealer drove it around in the lot, made of couple of stops to calibrate it and i have never had to adjust anything. plug in the dash unit and go. One thing I like is that our son with a Toyota Tundra v/8 and our daughter with a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee could hook up to the pod, plug in the dash unit and go. The only problem is that I have yet to let them take Donna and I's Pod. Hey they both make more money than their poor old dad.  ------------- Dane and Donna Smith 2011 RP-172 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer 4X4 lift kit prodigy wireless brake controller |