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View Full Version : A HUGE Thank You for humouring me...

pintopiaffe
Jul. 16, 2009, 09:31 PM
with my many questions about trailer brake controllers earlier in the year.

I went with the Tekonsha Prodigy, found a $12 OEM cable which meant *I* was able to do the installation myself and save a couple hundred (with not a little help from Tobruk! ) and finally, finally tested the thing out with horses today.

I had a bad moment when at first it didn't show a connection... for various reasons I hadn't had a chance to TEST the installation, though all showed it as being well without the trailer connected... So I had a slight *moment*, but simply needed to blow the cobwebs out of the trailer end of the connector, reconnect, and try again. Took the empty trailer for a short spin, and Holy Cow it WORKED! :eek: :lol:

Loaded two mares on the trailer... and this was, obviously, my first trailer trip wtih the new-to-me GMC 2500 HD.

At first I didn't think I was very happy with the controller. My old one, you *knew* it was working, though setting it could be a bit of a PITA as it was so touchy it would lock up and the poor ponies got shuffled a little until you got it right... this didn't feel like it was really DOING anything. And the numbers would start high, but then lower...

Because it WAS working, and doing the job far better than I knew it could be done! I've never used a new fangled controller. The ride is incomparable.

And much to my chagrin, several times I got going FAR faster than I ever had in my old trucks with trailer... I am very, very careful, but you just don't FEEL it in this truck. One time I was going around 55 in an area I previously would've been doing probably 40 with the old truck, came around a curve, and there was a truck stopped dead while a cable worker ran line across the road... :eek: It was a shorter stop than I EVER want, but was sooo smooth, and nary a thump from either of the girls.

I had to go down my mountian, up and down another mountain... and they arrived at the Vet's happy and calm. Hopped right back on when it was time.

I am so, SO happy with the results. I truly would not have made the purchase, nor been able to install it without the help I got here.

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!
MikeP
Jul. 17, 2009, 12:01 AM
I just installed a new Tekonsha Prodigy P3 and like you I'm delighted with it. Smooth stops, and once you read the booklet (well, read it twice if you're me), it all makes sense.

Every now and then I'm really happy with new-fangled technology. :)
Foxtrot's
Jul. 17, 2009, 12:14 AM
"Trailer guy" talked me into a Prodigy too - he installed it - but what a difference to the
ancient one that was on my truck (probably moved from the truck before that). Like night and day - safer and smoother. Best thing I ever did.
tobruk
Jul. 17, 2009, 09:51 PM
Yee haw!! Congratulations. Job well done.
MunchkinsMom
Jul. 18, 2009, 04:58 PM
Humm, I'm going to have to put that on my Christmas wish list this year. I've been moderately happy with the controller that I have, but like you said, it is touchy to set, and even when I think I have it right, then it differs depending on speed. It would be very nice to have a controller that actually works that well.

FYI - I haul with a GMC 2500HD also, and I love how it hauls.
pintopiaffe
Jul. 18, 2009, 06:54 PM
MM--if you get the prodigy, all you get is the $12 OEM cable, and you can do it yourself. Seriously. The hardest part is just getting in there on your back and side and squidging your hands up under depending on where you put the controller.

I'd have wished the cable to be longer--would've liked the controller in a bit of a different place, but I actually put it on the 'shelf' under the extra power outlets. I didn't even drill, I used 3M double sided stuff to hold the plastic thingy the controller 'snaps' into. No damage to truck or controller should I have to pull it.

It's not easy *enough* to pull and change vehicles like the carrier thingy is designed for--The way I have it I can't really get to the connector in the back all that easily. But, it's neat, VERY easy to reach the emergency braking switch, easy to see it working without taking my eyes off the road, etc. Oh--and it FITS right there just fine and you can still flip up the front of the accessory outlets just fine. :yes:

And seriously, next time I'm in the market for a trailer, I'm going to Tobruk. Help was WAY above and beyond, and I couldn't have done it without him. Probably wouldn't have even tried, and would be out A LOTo'bucks for something that wasn't all that hard. ;)

I just love that people are willing to share their knowledge--knowledge that on the market isn't cheap. :D
MunchkinsMom
Jul. 18, 2009, 09:48 PM
If you get a chance, can you post a link of one? I did a bit of research online, but it appears they have several Prodigy verions out there?

I don't need to swap it from vehicle to vehicle, it will stay in my one and only truck, but thanks for the tip on the cable. I will have to see how the old one is connected.
MikeP
Jul. 19, 2009, 09:44 PM
If you get a chance, can you post a link of one? I did a bit of research online, but it appears they have several Prodigy verions out there?

I don't need to swap it from vehicle to vehicle, it will stay in my one and only truck, but thanks for the tip on the cable. I will have to see how the old one is connected.

The P3 is the most recent model. About $100 on eBay "buy it now" options. Just go on eBay and you'll see lots of pictures and descriptions.
pintopiaffe
Jul. 20, 2009, 10:50 AM
:yes: That's where I got mine. I searched "Tekonsha Prodigy". It is in that search that I came up with the OEM cable--I didn't know such a thing existed. Bought both from the same dealer. Checked and double checked that it was the right cable for the age & model of vehicle...

Lemme go see if I have the name of the Ebay seller... was a helluva deal with 100% feedback and excellent communication... (but the new Ebay SUCKS for me! Lemme try...)
tobruk
Jul. 20, 2009, 07:39 PM
The Primus is also an excellent controller, a bit less expensive. The big difference is that the P-3 and Prodigy will operate electric/hydraulic brakes whereas Primus will not. They all have the boost feature. We install a lot of Primus because they are a bit less money and still have the lifetime warranty from Cequent.