Weight Distributing Hitch and 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=6366
Printed Date: 18 Jun 2025 at 3:44am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Weight Distributing Hitch and Brake Controller
Posted By: goombah
Subject: Weight Distributing Hitch and Brake Controller
Date Posted: 04 Jun 2015 at 1:58am
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Hey All: More newbie questions! I'd just like to ask the forum what WDH and brake controllers you use and/or recommend. So far I'm leaning on the Anderson hitch because from what I hear it's a good match for a lighter trailer. It also allows a bit more ground clearance and I like that. Sway is included with it as well. Is it overkill for my situation? Any others I should consider? TV is a 2015 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, tow capacity of 3500 lbs. with a tongue max of 350 lbs. It's that @#$& hitch rating that pushed me out of buying a 182g! Love that trailer. But it looks like a 176 for us. And I know I'm pushing close to capacity, but I also know Jeep has a bit of wiggle room built in (which still makes me pine for the 182g). See Euro specs on the Jeep. Also, brake controllers. Don't have much of an idea on these. Please recommend if possible. I don't mind paying a bit more for quality and safety. Thanks!
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Replies:
Posted By: R-Pod'nFJ
Date Posted: 04 Jun 2015 at 12:10pm
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We just got our 179 and I went with the Equal-I-zer hitch that has 4 way sway control and it's a simple setup with good ground clearance. We towed with it for the first time a couple of weeks ago and it was great. If you go to their website they have a tool to choose the right hitch.
Our dealer installed a Husky brake controller in my TV and it seems to work fine. ------------- 14 Cement Gray FJ Cruiser 15 R-Pod 179 71 Honda CB750 cafe racer project 71 Honda CB350 75 Honda XL350 81 KZ550 Ltd. street tracker project Scott & Kerri |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 04 Jun 2015 at 9:44pm
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A bunch of info in the link in my signature. Many here have the E2 or Equalizer, 4000/400 or 6000/600 rated models are both ok, the later gives you some future expansion room. Also many here use the Prodigy brake controller line. ------------- 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: JohnBG
Date Posted: 04 Jun 2015 at 10:05pm
I'm a fellow n00b and just ordered a Teknosha Prodigy P3 controller. From what I have read here and other places, it's the one to get. It was ~$130 online, mine was ~$150 as I ordered it with the cable kit that plugs directly into the Honda control box without having to splice wires. Not sure if I want/need the WDH yet. I have a Honda Ridgeline and the owner's manual recommends against using a WDH. The Honda will tow 5000 lb, but the RP-171 I am getting is almost half that (dry). I'll try it without the WDH on a short trip and see what happens.
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Posted By: scentralmt
Date Posted: 04 Jun 2015 at 11:18pm
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As far as a brake controller the Prodigy 2 should be fine. I have used it on 3 different vehicles and 2 trailers without any problems. I don't think you need more than that. Curtis ------------- Curtis 2014 177 2001 F150 |
Posted By: ToolmanJohn
Date Posted: 05 Jun 2015 at 9:13pm
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Prodigy brake controller, I got a P3. Went from a 4Runner to a Touareg no problems. Wiring 4 wires, and finding a good spot to mount the bracket are the most difficult parts of installation. Don't know about the WDH, I tow at 65mph with just one friction sway controller with no problems. The Pod tongue weight is only about half the rated max of my hitch. ------------- 2017 ATC 7X20 Custom Toy Hauler 2013 R-Pod 177 (SOLD) 2013 VW Touareg TDI |
Posted By: shroomer
Date Posted: 06 Jun 2015 at 12:48pm
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Toolman, Which sway control do you use? ------------- Larry and Debbie w/Rosie the mutt. Old: '13 177, '06 Silverado V6 New: '15 Whitehawk 20MRB '14 Silverado V8 |
Posted By: sunflashx
Date Posted: 06 Jun 2015 at 2:54pm
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I throw in a vote for the P3 brake controller. Supposedly it's pretty much the same as the popular and slightly cheaper P2 model, but easier to diagnose problems due to the screen display. ------------- 2013 R-Pod 177 Hood River 2006 Acura MDX Tow Vehicle |
Posted By: ToolmanJohn
Date Posted: 06 Jun 2015 at 4:21pm
It was a Generic sway control installed by Couches. It was inexpensive as I recall ( it was in 2012). Here it is on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Reese-Towpower-83660-Friction-Control/dp/B0016KJ5MC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1433622131&sr=8-1&keywords=friction+sway+control
    ------------- 2017 ATC 7X20 Custom Toy Hauler 2013 R-Pod 177 (SOLD) 2013 VW Touareg TDI |
Posted By: shroomer
Date Posted: 06 Jun 2015 at 5:55pm
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Toolman, Looks interesting. Do you need to disconnect it before backing up? ------------- Larry and Debbie w/Rosie the mutt. Old: '13 177, '06 Silverado V6 New: '15 Whitehawk 20MRB '14 Silverado V8 |
Posted By: ToolmanJohn
Date Posted: 06 Jun 2015 at 6:08pm
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I'm supposed to, but I have forgotten a couple of times, but no bad results, yet. As long as the reverse turn is not too sharp, it won't jam up. The friction bar can only get so short, and after that it would restrict the trailer, and probably bend or break, or break of the small balls mounted on the hitch or the frame. Since it is located on the passenger side of the trailer coupling, it actually gets longer when I back up the trailer from the drivers side.(Imagine pulling past a camp site on the left, then backing up into it with the site on your left. But I suppose it could get trapped against the trailer frame if to severe?? Not sure as I haven't accidentally hit that limit yet. I finish backing in and get out to level the trailer and realize i haven't disconnected it.. Oh well.. ------------- 2017 ATC 7X20 Custom Toy Hauler 2013 R-Pod 177 (SOLD) 2013 VW Touareg TDI |