So I think my 10 yr old controller crapped out,trailers that have brakes won't light up the green light and the controller is weak on the brakes....that said I'm sure I just need to unplug it and get my harness back to hook up the new one,with that said what's the best economical controller?

 

I've been using the Tekonsha Prodigy for a few years, and it seems to be reliable and accurate. That seems to be a popular choice around here.

 

The Prodigy2 is what I use, and love it. Not necessarily the most economical but my safety is worth the extra expense especially since I plan on keeping it for 10+ years.

The Prodigy or Prodigy2 is what I see most everyone swear by on all the forums I am on.

 

MAXBRAKE or DIRECLINK are the closest to state of the art these days (with the latter having the real edge for future changes).

Prodigy P3 is a step down, but one should not consider less than this as being acceptable.

 

I had to return my Direclink because it wouldn't recognize my truck. Tech support said it's a crapshoot with a dodge whether it'll work or not. I sent it back & got another Maxbrake.

 

I have the tekonsha P3, and it works great. Very easy to install and use. A little pricey but worth it.

 

I've had my Tekonsha P2 since 2005 when it was the latest and greatest at that time. Performs flawlessly in 2 trucks and 3 different trailers with up to 3 braking axles to date.

 

Another vote for the Tekonsha P2. Mine has been great for 9 years now.

 

The day my son's brake controller lightly engaged his trailer brakes on glare ice and launched it into oncoming traffic is the day I decided to rip out the electronic crap and put in a Kelsey 81740 hydraulic actuated rheostat controller.

Hauled awful loads of junk in all kinds of weather in the 80's with one, and never had that kind of trouble.

 

I never understood how someone would pay 40,000 for a truck and double that or more on a big 5th wheel and then put a cheap brake controller in the truck to try and stop it all.....

If it isn't controlled hydraulic from the tow vehicle brake system like the Maxbrake then your simply asking for trouble in my humble opinion.

 

the maxbrake is the only good safe controller made. makes the p3 look like the junk toy that it is

 

Almost as good as the 81740. (slightly less power to trailer at lock up)

Actually, it'll work well with modern ABS stuff, the old mechanical stuff won't. Just had to poke a little fun.

 

Maxbrake for me, I've used the others and threw them away so no one else could use them. We have 4-6 months of snow on the ground here and having a truly proportional brake controller is the only way to go. I've hershey squirted my shorts too many times with other controllers that are, in my opinion, dangerous. Even when its dry, the other controllers will lock up wheels, flatspot tires, then your trailer suspension wears out faster, shakes the inside of the camper loose, etc. Its just not worth it. Spend the $350-400 dollars and have a safe controller. If not for you and your family, please do it for me as I don't want you losing control and crashing into me.

 

well said klx650, the others should be outlawed.

 

BrakeSmart for me. Too bad they don't make them anymore. I would get a Maxbrake today if needed and wouldn't think twice about it.