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Old 01-06-2014, 04:14 PM   #1
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Brake Controllers

Haven’t used a brake controller before and dealer told me today they would be installing a Reese Brakeman Compact when we take delivery of the trailer. The Prodigy P2 (which was called the “Cadillac of controllers”) is another option I can “upgrade” to.

Curious what folk’s thoughts on the units are, and am I better off spending a little more now (I don't know the price difference) to “upgrade”?

Thanks in advance!
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Old 01-06-2014, 04:27 PM   #2
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The Reese you mention is a "time actuated" brake controller, where the P2 is proportional. Proportional is better technology, and will provide smoother braking.

I suggest getting the P2. It shouldn't be much more, a P2 from etrailer is $125.00 w free shipping, and takes 10-15 min to install, if they asking for a huge premium ask them to remove the controller from your deal and take care of it yourself. Trust me they are easy to install and tons of videos are out there for various vehicles. I am no mechanic and did myself in 30 minutes including time to watch a couple videos.
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Old 01-06-2014, 04:28 PM   #3
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Here is our poll on brake controllers and 7 pages of discussion. The P2 AND P3 win the poll by a large margin. Do not have experience with the Reese but my first controller was a Hopkins, replaced it with a P3 and its well worth the extra bucks IMO.

http://www.jaycoowners.com/showthrea...highlight=poll
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Old 01-06-2014, 06:10 PM   #4
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P2 or a P3 is the way to go. We have had several and the P2 or P3 are the best of the lot!

2x Clubhouse.....the controllers are easy to install on most later model vehicles.
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Old 01-07-2014, 02:54 PM   #5
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Thanks all, and it looks like it will be at least the P2, and quite possibly the P3. The truck is pre-wired for a controller so installation should be a breeze.

@Crabman - thanks for the link to the poll. IMHO they are a great resource, but I obviously missed this one when going through them.
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Old 01-07-2014, 08:27 PM   #6
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i went with a curt for mine, it is a progressive one as well as when your going downhill it will also engage the brakes a little to help you slow down
im pretty happy with it, and it was only about 115 bucks
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Old 01-07-2014, 09:01 PM   #7
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One thing I always pass along is the feedback feature the P3 provides (maybe P2 as well) but if your connection is faulty at anytime the unit flashes red indicating an issue. I had this happen before on the highway and it allowed me to stop the trailer under the trucks power solely without the trailer brakes. Had there been an emergency situation I would not have know with a non feedback unit. I am very happy with the unit and the braking control the proportional controller provides of time actuated.
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Old 01-08-2014, 07:49 AM   #8
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Since you have the same truck as me, I will recommend YOU do the brake controller install. Get the correct harness with the Prodigy and install it like I did. Just takes a little extra effort on your part. The dealer will just screw it to the plastic panel your knees can hit anyway. Hope they don't hit the airbag under there!



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Old 01-08-2014, 10:59 AM   #9
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My 2003 F-250 was pre-wired for a brake controller and I installed the P3 myself. Only took a little bit of swearing and cursing my stubby fingers before I got out the needle-nose pliers and got the controller connected. The P3 is excellent and I wouldn't hesitate to buy it again. I also like that you can switch it to a "troubleshooting" mode and it shows battery voltage. Sometimes it's helpful to know.
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Old 01-08-2014, 11:34 AM   #10
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Mine came prewired as well. You just have to buy the vehicle specific harness also when you buy the controller. Makes installation a snap, no splicing wires etc. Plug and play, except for mounting the controller...
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Old 01-08-2014, 11:51 AM   #11
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On my F150 the book said the harness was pluged into the back of a panel on the dash and I had to remove it to free the harness. However once I got the panel off I saw the harness hanging under the dash, felt like an idiot.
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Old 01-08-2014, 11:54 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by eldermike View Post
On my F150 the book said the harness was pluged into the back of a panel on the dash and I had to remove it to free the harness. However once I got the panel off I saw the harness hanging under the dash, felt like an idiot.
Yeah both of my trucks came with that universal harness but I never used them, the vehicle specific one for the P3 just plugs in, no need to splice to the OEM harness.
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Old 01-09-2014, 03:55 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LiftedAWDAstro View Post
Since you have the same truck as me, I will recommend YOU do the brake controller install. Get the correct harness with the Prodigy and install it like I did. Just takes a little extra effort on your part. The dealer will just screw it to the plastic panel your knees can hit anyway. Hope they don't hit the airbag under there!
That spot is where I was going to install. I assume you drilled a hole in the back of the cubby for the wiring harness? I think the 2014 has the same cubby as I'm in the process of upgrading - made the mistake of buying the long bed and it's just too long and difficult to maneuver. Thankfully dealer was willing to work with me and I'll end up breaking just about even.
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