Tekonsha Prodigy Brake Controller - For a NEWBIE

[Morin]

Hey All,

I had the Tekonsha Prodigy Brake Controller installed a week or so ago and just got my PUP back from a Brake overhaul.  Being very new to PUPs and Towing I thought I'd share my thoughts on this controller.

Scale = 1 - 10 with 10 being EXCELLENT and 1 being POOR

INSTALLATION = 7

I am not very handy at all so I took it to UHAUL to install.  Installation procedures look relatively simple if you have a tow package with wiring installed with your vehicle.  Outside of that you should have a frim grasp on wiring before attempting to install on your own.  I do not think that installation is as easy for a novice.

OPERATION = 10

This is EASY to use.  Hook up your trailer and you'll get a display on your controller.  The instructions for the Prodigy come with a real nice guide that tells you a lot about the codes.  The operations are literally as easy as pushing a button.  With a little bit of adjustment you are on your way with working reliable brakes.  When I say adjustments I mean heavier loads require more stopping power delivered from the controller to the braking system.  For my camper it does not require a whole lot of boost.  For heaveir campers or trailers it may require a few minutes of adjustments to see at what point your brakes lock up.  Very simple to do and again one or two pushes of a button.

There are a few (3) Boost features on your controller to assit with "push button" adjustments depending upon your load as well as a slide and manual adjusment.  Again, the guide here shows good visuals for easy understanding.

The slide adjusment feels very comfortable in your hand so operating this does not feel strange or require 2 hands - just the index finger and the thumb.

APPEARENCE = 10

This is a nice looking unit and fits perfectly under the dash.  It is relatively small (size of a wallet) so it can be tucket out of the way of legs but still accessible by the hands in case there is a need.  The colors of the unit are nice.  I know that seems weird but this unit is not an eye sore - that's what I am trying to say.

SUPPORT = 10

I am ranking support a 10 simply based off of the guide they provide and the information readily available on their website.  I have not had to call them for assistance with anything but there is a lot of info on their website that was very easy to find.  The support reads are very basic and not out in left field so a novice can really understand what is being said.

Tekonsha provides a lot of documentation with your purchase including a Video DVD that you can watch.  It covers the basic operation of the product and is only a few minutes long.  I like this because you get a visual on how this thing works and you are not lost in a sea of promotional "garbage".

OVERALL = 9.5

This appears to really be as slick as many forum members describe it.  Extremely simple to use and takes any guess work out.  As a newbie I found this product to be fantastic.  It did not require a lot of time at all to get used to.  Based off of my experience I would highly recommend this product.  Installation costs may vary and can range from $110.00 for the DIY to @ $200.00 or so for a RV or trailer place.

This controller appears to have been updated to a new model - the P3 - which may be a better option for some to look into.  The cost is @40.00 to 50.00 more than the standard Prodigy described above.  This P# appears to have even easier displays for owners.

Have Fun and thanks to all who recommended this product!!!!!!!

Have fun with your Prodigy

[wavery]

I installed the Prodigy on both of my cars. Each one took under 30 minutes. All you need is a test light to find the brake light wire, hot wire and ground.

Find the brake light switch (which is normally right on top of the brake pedal), put the clip of the test light on ground, push the brake pedal down and probe the wires on the brake light switch until you find the one that is hot when you depress the pedal and not hot when you let the pedal go. Splice into that wire with a "Scotchlock" wire connector.

Use the test light to find a red 12 or 14 gage wire that is hot when the key is on and not when the key is off. Ground doesn't take a genius. Then run a blue 14g wire from the controller, through the firewall (someplace) and back to the trailer connector.

Believe it or not, the hardest part is running that blue wire through the firewall.

Anyone that wants to pay me $100 to do that....come-on over......heck..I'm in the wrong business.  :sombraro:

[jrb19]

Find the brake light switch (which is normally right on top of the brake pedal),

This is harder than it sounds on some vehicles.  Take my 05 T&C for example.  Under the dash you are greeted with screw drives and gear boxes for the adjustable pedals.  Of the 7 or so wire connections all are covered with electric tape.  :confused: Also keep in mind that while some may get lucky finding the correct wire we need to be very careful of the ABS system, and vehicle computer.
I messed around for the better part of 2 days when I caved and took it in.  Yes it cost me plenty   however knowing that everything is wherre it should be and my family is not in jeopardy from the brake controller  :-()  I will sleep a little better at night.

I went with the P3 and plan on submitting a full review after I get back from camping this next weekend.

Cheers and happy camping.