Prodigy Brake Controllers

[ratstriton]

Hi all
I was just wondering if any one has set this type of brake controller on a mk triton if so is there any pit falls in setting it up, any help would be greatful .Thanks

[Don]

Prodigys are a good controller

The only thing to be aware of from memory is it can not be mounted with front lower than the rear (unlike some other controllers) & it has to be parallel with the vehicle body (direction of travel)

Wiring is standard brake controller 4 wires

1 to battery positive via a self resetting circuit breaker,1 to earth or battery negitive,1 to stop light switch terminal or wiring that is live when pedel is depressed & 1 to trailer plug

Inital set up is straitforward & operation while driving if needed is simple

Try to find a location in your vehicle that is within easy reach when driving & will not get in the way when getting in & out of the vehicle

I haven't fitted one to a triton as i work for toyota but i am sue you will find a suitable location

Good luck
Regards Don

[Magilla]

Prodigy brake controllers, I take it you dont get the sister magazine "Caravan and Motorhome" but here is nearly at least one readers letter per issue about these units, usually to do with the mystery of the brake lights coming on of thier own accord in the middle of the night and flattening batteries. I would send them a letter (Usually answered by roothy I reckon) or get some back issues and read the feedback. I dont know if they have a forum on the Mag site but it might be worth a look. For me I have stuck with a Haymen Reece controller, cause I like simplicity.

[Don]

Prodigy brake controllers, I take it you dont get the sister magazine "Caravan and Motorhome" but here is nearly at least one readers letter per issue about these units, usually to do with the mystery of the brake lights coming on of thier own accord in the middle of the night and flattening batteries. I would send them a letter (Usually answered by roothy I reckon) or get some back issues and read the feedback. I dont know if they have a forum on the Mag site but it might be worth a look. For me I have stuck with a Haymen Reece controller, cause I like simplicity.

The problem with the brake lights coming on was with the tekonsha voyager controller not with the tekonsha prodigy

The voyager is a pendulum controller & totally different in every way to a prodigy & the prodigy in my opinion is one of the best controllers available

Regards Don

[ratstriton]

Thanks for the replys

[Yonnee]

The problem with the brake lights coming on was with the tekonsha voyager controller not with the tekonsha prodigy

And the problem is recognised by Tekonsha who have fixed it with the latest batch, identified by the purple label. I've fitted heaps of these over the last 10 years and only ever came accross 3 with this problem, and were replaced under warranty (5 years). I've even spoken to the tech people at Tekonsha themselves who were quite keen to learn more about what was happening and my thoughts on why.

The voyager is a pendulum controller & totally different in every way to a prodigy & the prodigy in my opinion is one of the best controllers available

Being a fairly expensive controller, I haven't fitted or towed with one yet, but from all reports through the trailer and caravan industry, most that have towed with it are extremely impressed.

For me I have stuck with a Haymen Reece controller,

You poor thing. Have you towed your caravan with any other controller? How many sets of brake linings have you replaced on your caravan, or do you just keep replacing the tow vehicles brakes? Have you ever had to make an emergency stop while towing the van?

I'm not having a go at you personally, it just saddens me when people persevere with these controllers because they have been so ill-informed. IMHO this controller should be banned from sale along with a few other cheap rubbish items passing as brake controllers. And it's with good reason the two of the biggest trailer and caravan axle suppliers in the country will not warranty their brakes with a Hayman Reese controllers fitted. Surely that has to ring some alarm bells.

[Magilla]

Yonnee,
We have done a few K's with our Haymen Reece, but yes I do have to say that sometimes the brakes have seemed to grab on after we have stopped at the lights. As for emergency stops just the one thankfully out the back of Nelson, Vic. Happy to say that the roo, Car and Jayco Hawk and most importantly the passengers are all still here, (underwear not so fortunate). I will take your comments on board for next time around however.

[Yonnee]

No prob's. As long as you understand how the H/R controller works, then you can adjust it as best you'll get and drive accordingly. We've hi-jacked the thread enough, so I won't go into detail here. But if you like, I can PM a quick run down on its pro's and con's, or start another thread so everyone can benefit.

Glad to hear no damage done. Probably fortunate that the Hawk is not a big van or you might have had alot more dramas pulling up.

Yonnee.

[Magilla]

Yonnee,
No worries I am always open to new info.
You are right about the van size at that stage we were all loaded up for two weeks, family of 4 in a Territory so it could have been a lot worse.
I do think a new thread would be the go.
Do these other controllers have to be mounted level ?, about the only spot in the ML would be to gut the ashtray out and stick it in there

[ratstriton]

Hey all
It has become a good topic,I have gone out and bought the prodigy brake controller but i'm still wondering should i install it my self or should i get a auto elec to install it for me, any sensible opinion would be greatful.

[Yonnee]

Where abouts are you? I fit controllers if you're anywhere near me.
Be careful who you do get to fit it, if you don't attempt it yourself or you're not near me, because I've seen some pretty dodgy installations, even by auto elec's. They're not difficult to install if you take the time time to follow instructions and make it all neat. The hardest part is feeding the wires from the cabin to the battery, and from the cabin to the trailer plug.


Do these other controllers have to be mounted level ?, about the only spot in the ML would be to gut the ashtray out and stick it in there

No controller has to sit dead level. They can sit from a -5* to +85* angle, so they will sit flush against the slope of the dash above your knees. As long as the back of the controlloer faces forward and it sits horizontal across the vehicle, it will work. When I fit controllers, I always discuss with the customer the best location for them and the controller.

Hope this helps,

Yonnee.

[ratstriton]

Gaday yonnee
Yea mate i'm in wantirna victoria where abouts are you, if you are local you got your self a job. But if not I have done a bit of wiring before spotlight's uhf and power to the fridge in the back of ute so i think i might be able to handle it myself but thank you for your input and reply.