Setting up my Frontier to tow the Niagara

[fallsrider]

I don't mean to throw a monkey wrench in here but........you might want to think about asking the dealer about a transmission cooler.

I would hope that he already has a transmission cooler, though he needs to verify this. I cannot imagine a Frontier having a 6,100 lb. towing capacity without a cooler.

I could be wrong, though.

Hackker, you definitely need to verify you have the towing package installed on your truck.

[ldgregory]

Electric Brakes $ 250.00

This one seems wildly overpriced. Are you 100% sure the PU already has electric brakes on it? I don't know enough about other brands of PUs, but I think almost all of them come standard. That price would make sense to me if they actually had to install the brakes and wiring too.

You can buy a Tekonsha Prodigy brake controller for $94.99 from here:
http://www.rvwholesalers.com/catalog/product.php?productid=60&cat=6&page=1

This is where I bought mine from. Also, Tekonsha has just released their newest model, the P3, which they're having trouble keeping up with demand, so they're also offering a $20 rebate on the Prodigy. You'll need to buy the pigtail too.

http://www.rvwholesalers.com/catalog/product.php?productid=1954 which costs $11.99.

So, about $87 + shipping. A lot cheaper than the quoted $250.

Leif.

[Hackker]

I don't mean to throw a monkey wrench in here but........you might want to think about asking the dealer about a transmission cooler.

The benefit to having it all done by the dealer is that it will protect your warranty in the event that you have any transmission problems.

All auto tranny Frontiers with the 4.0l have a tranny cooler.  When I bought this truck I figured that eventually I'd be towing something with it.  Course, figured it would be a pair of jetskis, but hey - this is even better.  haha

[Hackker]

This one seems wildly overpriced. Are you 100% sure the PU already has electric brakes on it? I don't know enough about other brands of PUs, but I think almost all of them come standard. That price would make sense to me if they actually had to install the brakes and wiring too.

You can buy a Tekonsha Prodigy brake controller for $94.99 from here:
http://www.rvwholesalers.com/catalog/product.php?productid=60&cat=6&page=1

This is where I bought mine from. Also, Tekonsha has just released their newest model, the P3, which they're having trouble keeping up with demand, so they're also offering a $20 rebate on the Prodigy. You'll need to buy the pigtail too.

http://www.rvwholesalers.com/catalog/product.php?productid=1954 which costs $11.99.

So, about $87 + shipping. A lot cheaper than the quoted $250.

Leif.

Yep, the PU definitely has electric brakes.  And you are right, that is the ONE thing that I knew was overpriced.  Everyone I've talked to has said that I couldn't go wrong with a Prodigy.  

Thanks for the links.

[Hackker]

Okay - talked to the salesman and there was some confusion when they priced out the hitch install.  They didn't realize that everything is pre-wired for my truck and priced in doing all the wiring themselves.  Just checked under the dash and verified that the OEM plug is there, already verified that the plugs are in the back for the 7 pin plug too.

Going to stop out this afternoon and the install tech is going to check out my truck in person to verify everything.  

But hey, I'm learning a lot about towing in the process.  

[ldgregory]

Yep, the PU definitely has electric brakes.  And you are right, that is the ONE thing that I knew was overpriced.  Everyone I've talked to has said that I couldn't go wrong with a Prodigy.

I've got absolutely no experience with any other brand brake controller, so I honestly can't give you an objective review, but I bought my Prodigy based on recommendations from others who basically said the same thing they've been telling you. I've been extremely happy with it. It does exactly what it's supposed to.

In my tow vehicle, I mounted it on a 45 degree surface above the parking brake release. This puts the LCD and controls just below my headlight switch. It's very easy to get at while driving. Here's some (poor) pics of the bracket location. I'll take some better ones that show "ergonomics" in relation to seating position and steering wheel. I also ran the wiring through the pre-existing hole for the brake release so I didn't have to cut anything and it doesn't interfere with the operation of the brake release.

http://trucks.pcwize.com/temp/prodigy1.jpg
http://trucks.pcwize.com/temp/prodigy2.jpg
http://trucks.pcwize.com/temp/prodigy3.jpg

Leif.

[wavery]

All auto tranny Frontiers with the 4.0l have a tranny cooler.  When I bought this truck I figured that eventually I'd be towing something with it.  Course, figured it would be a pair of jetskis, but hey - this is even better.  haha

That's correct. All auto trans vehicles have an auto trans cooler built in. I guess that I should have said "Auxiliary" (external) trans cooler.

If your Frontier has a tow package, it may already have an external trans cooler (I'm pretty sure that it does). However, if it doesn't, I would recommend looking into one.

IMO, it is a very good idea to have most (if not all) of your transmission oil cooled separately from the vehicles radiator. Some vehicles come with a HD radiator when it has a "Tow package" (I don't know about the Frontier). That's great but it just gives you the opportunity to give your vehicle extra protection by getting that hot trans fluid out of the radiator all together. This will allow your radiator to use all of it's cooling resources to cool the vehicle's engine. It's probably the best "Bang for your buck" that you can get in towing accessories.

[fairweathercamper]

I thought the brake controller was just a feature that you could live without, why is it a absolute need?  Doesn't it just make the brakes on the trailer brake more consistent with how the TV is being braked?  ie: if you brake harder it'll sense that and brake the PU's brakes proportionally harder?

I think your referring to "surge" brake system. I rented a Uhaul trailer that had that. It stopped ok but it was sticking or something cause it would jerk my truck around when I let off the brake pedal. :swear:

[Hackker]

Thanks to everyone for all the info, I'll definitely look into a tranny cooler.  

Finalized everything at the dealer yesterday and after showing the salesman & tech that the truck was indeed pre-wired, they came down in price on the brake controller install.  So, I'm having them do everything Thursday and we'll be towing the new PU home that night.  

Went with a AC unit too (they are installing that probably today) since the wife wants to take a trip out on July 4th.  Will be able to use it!  And had them include a heat strip too.  

This is going to be so much better than tenting!  haha

[fallsrider]

I think your referring to "surge" brake system. I rented a Uhaul trailer that had that. It stopped ok but it was sticking or something cause it would jerk my truck around when I let off the brake pedal. :swear:

I rented their 6x12 cargo trailer once and it had the surge brakes. My driveway at the time was on an incline, so when I went to back up the drive, the brakes would stop me. I had to start wedging a piece of wood in there to lock out the brakes. It was a pain!

[fourgonefishn]

I rented their 6x12 cargo trailer once and it had the surge brakes. My driveway at the time was on an incline, so when I went to back up the drive, the brakes would stop me. I had to start wedging a piece of wood in there to lock out the brakes. It was a pain!

 A surge brake system works exactly like you describe, and there should be a 5th wire or a 5 wire system. that 5th wire gets hooked up to your back up lights, so that when you go into reverse it wont lock up the brakes. You can screw up a good systeem by not doing it right!