I need to install a brake controller in my truck. Looking for recommendations on type and where to purchase. Truck is a 2006 quad cab with a manual trans., the tow package option was installed from factory which included an adapter of some sort that was left in the glove box. Thank you for your advice, ksi.

 

I've had the pricey Brakesmart for over 3 years now. It's has been problem free & it works outstanding.
It's harder to install than a regular brake controller as it T's into the truck's hydraulic brake system but that was easy to do.
It is so superior to my old inertia brake controller. It never needs adjustment, works great on the highway & idling around the campground.
It's now about US$420 but with the Cdn dollar near par it's not too bad.

http://www.drperformance.com/brakesmarthome.html


Another brake controller that also works directly off the trucks hydraulic system & is a bit cheaper than the Brakesmart is the Maxbrake.
I have no experience with this one but it has great reviews on RV forum websites.
Approx US$350.

http://www.plugitright.com/MaxBrakeController.html

Both of these controller also support electric over hydraulic disk brakes on big trailers. Not all brake controllers do, if that is a factor for you.

 

Those are excellent choices,, but if you are on a budget I have had very good luck with the Tekonsha Prodigy. It is a inertia unit. Works very good, should be around 100 to 150.

Custom truck parts has them, but they wont be the cheapest for sure

 

I have the Tekonsha P3, it is as close to a factory built in controller as I have found. Simple to use, works as it should.

 

if you're going to pull heavy I recommend the Brakesmart or Maxbrake

if you're not pulling heavy the electric controllers work well

I switched over to the Brakesmart and have no regrets but I weigh 35k when hauling hay

 

I just put a Tekonsha Voyager on my truck. It's simple, easy to install, easy to calibrate and works seamlessly.

There are lots of good controllers out there...your budget and trailer should be the deciding factors.

 

6 years on a Brakesmart with zero problems. I tow up to 4 different trailers on a regular basis with varying weights and it's a dream to use.

Plug the trailer in, push and hold the red button to calibrate and drive away!

Real nice in winter also, trailer rolls up to a stop no matter what the conditions.

I'm not saying it's the best or latest or greatest for that matter. It's not cheap but it works and works well.

Jeff

 

I use the Prodigy.. Good brake controller for the money.

STAY AWAY from the timed brake controllers like the DrawTite or the junk they sell at Princess Auto.. Good way to see your trailer beside you..

 

Can you believe that my 2010 3500 doesn't have the built in brake controller in it. It was on my wish list when I bought the truck so I'm looking a controller as well. On my CTD 02 truck for some reason, the darn trailer brakes don't work any more. No power to the controller. I just can't win.

 

I've used the Voyager and the Prodigy. The Voyager is a good basic unit that works well if you always tow the same trailer with the same load. If you tow different weights all teh time trying to fine tune it to a new load gets annoying as its got two different ***** you have to mess with.

The Prodigy just has one adjustment and is very easy to set for varying loads. Its the one I use now. Whatever you get order the custom pigtail for your truck with it and and it will be a plug and play install. I ordered mine off ebay and they sent the pigtail for free.

 

Im getting the fellow to put a prodigy in my new motorhome

 

Been trying to figure out a way to get a set of cheap gauges into my 2010 truck. I feel funny about towing my RV without a pyro or a boost gauge. I plan on going camping May long weekend, if the weather get better.

I'll probably take a good look at the prodigy and some reese 5th rails (I already have a reese 5ver hitch). Still trying to figure out how to get the trailer plug into the bed without splicing the stock wiring harness, might just get a trailer extension harness for now. Might just use the old truck for my first camping outting of the year.

 

The new Prodigy P-2 has the best of the old Prodigy and the P-3 in one unit.. It will handle both electric and elec / hyd brakes.. I have run the P-3 for years and I am happy with it..

 

I have a P3, but I find it doesnt give me the stopping power I expected. My trailer is 16k and I am looking at converting to the Brakesmart.

I find the P3 is very sensitive in town, which is easy to adjust, but needs the attention. On the highway, I dont think the truck generates enough inertia to make it really work very well when the trailer is pushing it.

Dont get me wrong, I think the P3 is the best plug and play out there, but for a heavy trailer, after doing a bunch of research, I think the Brakesmart will be a better system for me.

 

I have the MaxBrake and its incredible to use. I never knew electric brakes could be so smooth. I've had buddies ride along and look behind me to make sure we were still towing the trailer, it is that smooth and controlled. No jerking, yanking or squealing tires. The customer service is amazing and an awesome product. Even at -35, the tires rarely lock up on glare ice and if they do, the trucks antilocks are going nuts anyways, but then its so slippery you're not slowing down and just hoping for the best.