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Todd969
11-29-2005, 08:35 AM
I have no clue what makes one better than another. Any insights?
I'll be pulling a 8.5x16 tandem with 4 wheel brakes. Approx 4Klbs loaded total weight.
Thanks

Sleek-Jet
11-29-2005, 08:49 AM
I've put Tekonsha (sp?) Voyagers in everything that requires a brake controller, never had any problems.
I've got one old pickup with an old hydraulically slaved brake controller (it's tied into the brake line), and the all electric ones seem to do just as good a job.
What are you towing with???

Hustler
11-29-2005, 08:55 AM
I dont see a need a for a brake controller with that trailer. I would think it would come with surge brakes?

1stepcloser
11-29-2005, 08:59 AM
Prodigy (http://www.tekonsha.com/prodig.html) by Tekonsha.
I use this to tow a 6000# travel trailer.
Very smooth braking. Nicest I have used, easy to install, and reasonable.

Todd969
11-29-2005, 09:13 AM
I dont see a need a for a brake controller with that trailer. I would think it would come with surge brakes?
I would agree, but you never know when it might be needed.
I have an 06 F-250 with the tow command system ( controller built in ) but I also have an 04 Excursion and want to use both. The trailer is an H&H tandem with 4 wheel electric brakes and 3800lb axles which means I should be able to safely tow 6K. Of course when there is only 3 or 4 quads and a golf cart on it brakes may not be a concern. Always need to be prepared though.

PHOTOGLOU
11-29-2005, 09:14 AM
I use the " Activator II" it has a digital readout of the pressure being applied ( it is adjustable as all of them are) and a gain switch so you can have the brakes react slower or quicker on the trailer....

rrrr
11-29-2005, 09:17 AM
Prodigy (http://www.tekonsha.com/prodig.html) by Tekonsha.
I use this to tow a 6000# travel trailer.
Very smooth braking. Nicest I have used, easy to install, and reasonable.
Just installed one of these in my '04 Excursion. The Ford half of the harness was in the glovebox in a plastic bag, just had to splice four controller wires to it and plug it in.

Hustler
11-29-2005, 09:19 AM
I would agree, but you never know when it might be needed.
I have an 06 F-250 with the tow command system ( controller built in ) but I also have an 04 Excursion and want to use both. The trailer is an H&H tandem with 4 wheel electric brakes and 3800lb axles which means I should be able to safely tow 6K. Of course when there is only 3 or 4 quads and a golf cart on it brakes may not be a concern. Always need to be prepared though.
Gotcha. I use a Prodigy and have for a few years with no troubles. It's very user friendly.

Captain Dan
11-29-2005, 09:56 AM
A better question might be, is there a difference?
I have used at least three different brands of controllers, Tekonsha, Trail Rite, etc. and have no problems with any of them. They all have the same adjustments and all have worked just fine - has anyone had a controller out there that didn't perform?

msc5195
11-29-2005, 12:16 PM
I highly recommend getting a controller. Towing that weight is not a problem but it puts a strain on your braking system when stopping. Which ever controller you get make sure that it has a sensitivity adjustment most do but some do not. Rule of thumb is that you want the trailer brakes to slightly tug on the tow vehicle when applied. This tugging will vary due to different weights therefore you need to be able to adjust the sensitivity. My controller is a Draw Tite brand with a sliding sensitivity adjustment on the front which makes it easy to adjust as needed on the fly. My controller also has a manual emergency brake button.

NuckinFutz
11-29-2005, 01:06 PM
I've used several different ones and haven't seen any real difference with different brands. The all electric are alot easier to install than splicing the brake line so I'd look there.

HALLETT BOY
11-29-2005, 01:27 PM
I have no clue what makes one better than another. Any insights?
I'll be pulling a 8.5x16 tandem with 4 wheel brakes. Approx 4Klbs loaded total weight.
Thanks
With a big F 250 like that, you don't need trailer brakes !!!

dicudmore
11-29-2005, 02:07 PM
With a big F 250 like that, you don't need trailer brakes !!!
what he said...
especially since we're gonna be RIDING the quads to the dirt spot...
seriously Todd I used a tekonsha brake control on my old travel trailer and it worked well for me...its still in my 02. You want it?

Todd969
11-29-2005, 02:28 PM
what he said...
especially since we're gonna be RIDING the quads to the dirt spot...
seriously Todd I used a tekonsha brake control on my old travel trailer and it worked well for me...its still in my 02. You want it?
Sure, I'll buy it from you if you really don't need it. It's for the Excursion. Looks like we are driving it this weekend. Dana said I've neglected it since buying the PSD. Taking it over to A&E tonight for a stereo upgrade. I don't know if I could make drive anymore without my XM. Give ya a call shortly.

Todd969
11-29-2005, 02:29 PM
With a big F 250 like that, you don't need trailer brakes !!!
Hey Gordon, it's for the Excursion. Man, it must be pick on Todd day.

dicudmore
11-29-2005, 04:52 PM
Sure, I'll buy it from you if you really don't need it. It's for the Excursion. Looks like we are driving it this weekend. Dana said I've neglected it since buying the PSD. Taking it over to A&E tonight for a stereo upgrade. I don't know if I could make drive anymore without my XM. Give ya a call shortly.
its free, we just need to remove it from the truck its in

dicudmore
11-29-2005, 04:52 PM
Hey Gordon, it's for the Excursion. Man, it must be pick on Todd day.
I'll leave that to Dana :cool:

Todd969
11-29-2005, 08:16 PM
I'll leave that to Dana :cool:
She doesn't need your influence, thank you.

gfinch
11-29-2005, 10:42 PM
Prodgy, I switch it between 28' motor home, F250 and a ES300 don't have to reset anything.