Brake controller - Montana Owners Club

dennisl · 10-20-2007, 08:41 AM

I have an older model brake controller and need some advice. It seems I can never adjust the controller properly. For example, when we left the campground last Thursday, as I was pulling out of the campsite, I applied the brakes slightly to make a turn, and the trailer wheels kept locking up and sliding on the gravel. It was embarrassing and also not good for the tires. I then readjusted the controller to keep the brakes from locking up, but when I got on the highway I found that I had to adjust them again to stop the trailer going downhill. Maybe I am just ignorant of the proper adjusting procedures, or maybe I need a new controller. Do the newer controllers work better, or do I just need to learn how to use my old one? Any advice appreciated - if you think it's just me then say so. I promise not to be offended! After the jerking and sliding in the campground I need to get this fixed.

noneck · 10-20-2007, 09:04 AM

I've had a few of Tekonsha controllers...
First one worked just like you describe had to adjust for low speed control then readjust for highway speeds.
This one;
Voyager

I then upgraded to their first microprocessor gain management controller, it solved the need to readjust gain
This one;
Sentinel

I then got my current truck, first Diesel and decided to upgrade to be able to see current level it also does not need to messed with once adjusted
This one;
Prodigy

Bill and Ann · 10-20-2007, 09:22 AM

Prodigy. Only way to go. Set it and forget it.

Montana Sky · 10-20-2007, 09:44 AM

I run the Voyager and works great for me. Unless I drastically change the weight in the coach or truck, I do not have to adjust mine. If I ever have to replace it, I will go with the prodigy.

lwcdg · 10-20-2007, 12:21 PM

Dave, No you won't. If things stay the same as they are now you won't need one in the new GM it's already there and works great. But things can change so yes you can buy one if you want to. Ha Ha
Just keep thinking about new things and pretty soon you'll be saying I just bought a new ....
Chuck
Hope you enjoyed the joking

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by Montana Sky

I run the Voyager and works great for me. Unless I drastically change the weight in the coach or truck, I do not have to adjust mine. If I ever have to replace it, I will go with the prodigy.

Montana Sky · 10-20-2007, 12:28 PM

Chuck,
Your right! I forgot about the new brake controller in the HD's. I did look at a new 2008 Crewcab, Silverado, Duramax, 4x4, DRW, LTZ, w/ everything in it at the Chevy shop in Waterloo earlier this month. If my truck was not back in Washington at the time, I probably would have thought VERY HARD about trading in. Who knows, maybe I will just keep this truck and buy a Sportchassis in a few years. Then I could have the ultimate tow vehicle and the Duramax would make very nice daily driver. =)

happy campers · 10-22-2007, 03:05 AM

MY vote is for the Prodigy as well. It has worked flawlessly for me for 3 years, and installation is quick and easy.

gjetzen · 10-22-2007, 08:26 AM

dennisl I have a voyager brake controller and it seems to work just fine, but I have seen this problem on other trailers in campgrounds. Here are a couple of things you may want to consider. To me trailer brakes always seem to be slightly "grabby" when cold. 1st, In the instruction manual for the voyager it states to drive for about 1 mile while occasionally applying the trailer brakes to warm them and then to adjust the controller. 2nd, are your trailer brakes adjusted properly? 3rd, a brand new brake drum or brake rotor will rust on the braking surface in a short period of time (less than a week) when left outside sitting idle and will cause the brakes to grab and want to lock until the brake shoe or brake pads scrape the light coating of rust off. Just something to think about.

Glenn and Lorraine · 10-22-2007, 09:46 AM

Had a Voyager for the old rig got a Prodigy for the new rig and love it. Anyone want a used Voyager cheap? Just pay the postage and it's yours.

chieflawdawg · 10-22-2007, 11:26 AM

Prodigy for me also. Just replaced my voyager two months ago. BIG difference. Worth the money. Bought mine from PPL and got great price also.

MuddyPaws · 10-24-2007, 05:02 PM

Jordan 2020.

Adjusted it once 3 years back and haven't touched it since.

bob · 10-25-2007, 01:28 AM

I have a Hensley tru control it works great set & forget also tells amps going to rear if you go one step farther install 10 ga hot& ground to rear of trailer solder 4 12 ga leads to each 10 lead each brake gets equal amps it sure improve braking I have also used Prodigey it also does the job. remember the more amps to the brake magnets means better stopping power

mgdg · 10-25-2007, 03:12 AM

Prodigy...Nuff said!!

sreigle · 10-25-2007, 07:48 AM

I've used a number of controllers in the past. The absolute best was the builtin controller on my 2003 and 2005 Fords. But that's not an option for aftermarket purchase.

I was never satisfied with a controller other than that Ford's until I got a Tekonsha Prodigy. The others had the same issues you described. Set it when cold. Reset it when the brakes warm up. Set it again late in a long towing day. The Prodigy you just set it once and forget it. So my comments are not misconstrued, I never tried a Jordan or Hensley.

I'm currently using a Tekonsha P3 which is the same as the Prodigy but with more readouts and settings (mostly things like brightness display) and ability to control hydraulic trailer brakes without hooking up to the truck's hydraulic brake system. I'm just as pleased with it.

garyka · 11-16-2007, 02:25 AM

I just ordered my prodigy to replace my voyager.Was never happy with the voyager because I never knew if I was adjusted for best results.I have a 3295rk and am a long timer,guessing a weight of about 13500 to 14000lbs behind a 1-ton gm dually.After looking at the controllers manual online I'm guessing to set the controller to b.2,am I on the right track with this?

bncinwv · 11-16-2007, 02:35 AM

I use B2 on my prodigy pulling a 3400 w/3500 DRW D/A. As Steve said, set it and forget it.
Bingo

sreigle · 11-18-2007, 09:10 AM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by garyka

I just ordered my prodigy to replace my voyager.Was never happy with the voyager because I never knew if I was adjusted for best results.I have a 3295rk and am a long timer,guessing a weight of about 13500 to 14000lbs behind a 1-ton gm dually.After looking at the controllers manual online I'm guessing to set the controller to b.2,am I on the right track with this?

When you get the Prodigy, the manual tells you how to set the boost. For me, B3 was what I used on both my 2003 3295RK and this 2007 3400RL. The boost setting is based on how heavy the trailer is relative to the weight of the tow vehicle. I'm betting you'll want it set at B3. The boost is only for initial application of brakes. The higher the boost number, the stronger the initial brake application.

Okie Guy · 11-18-2007, 04:38 PM

I am a fan of the prodigy. Like everyone else says...Set it and forget it!

Wallnut · 11-23-2007, 01:55 AM

Started with a Primus and upgraded to a Prodigy. Huge difference, should have gone with the Prodigy from day 1.

Ed Benson · 11-23-2007, 05:49 PM

I upgraded to the Prodigy P3 this summer - wonderful piece of equipment. Easy to set - one test run for correct boost setting - B2 for my Mountaineer is great. It's refreshing to glance at the display and see correct connection is made and observe running voltage applied to the brakes. On line purchasing will save you a bundle.

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