Electronic Brake System

[fireman24]

Hello everyone. I am purchasing a brand new 2007 jayco jay series 1206 camper shortly. It has electric brakes and the dealer says that I need a brake controller installed in my 2004 dodge dakota. My question is how is this unit installed in the truck? Is it something that I will see in the cab, or is under the dash or the hood? I dont know anything about this setup so any info would be great. Thanks.

[brainpause]

Welcome to PUT!

The unit will be in the cab with you, and with easy driver access. Once set, you won't need to use it much. It only needs to be in easy driver access so that you can manually activate the brakes if needed, for some reason. Also, you have to manually activate the brakes when setting it.

Secondly, accept NOTHING but the Tekonsha Prodigy. Anything else Tekonsha, don't get. Use the Prodigy. You want the Prodigy. You would eventually buy a Prodigy anyway. Did I mention get the Prodigy? (The reason I'm being so repetitive is that dealers will often try to get you to use a Tekonsha Voyager, or some other paperweight.)

Larry

[sacrawf]

Welcome, Fireman, to PUP ownership, and congratulations on your new camper!

My dealer installed the brake controller in my Hyundai as a part of the purchase price of the camper. If that is the case, they may install a unit like the Tekonsha Voyager, which I have.  Although servicable, next time I would throw in a few more bucks and get a higher line brake controller like a Prodigy. If you do a search you will find past threads discussing the merits of different controllers.

A control unit mounts on, in, or under your dash.  I am quite particular about my vehicle, and had studied where I wanted it installed before I took it in for the installation. I was able to remove the factory ash tray (we don't smoke) and have the controller installed recessed where the ash tray used to be, so it looks almost custom install, with the brackets painted black to match and recessed within the dash with enough sticking out to allow the controls to be reached. When I trade vehicles, If the new owner didn't need the controller, I could quickly remove the brake controller and reinstall the ash tray.

If you go to http://www.tekonsha.com/product1.html you will find information about the types of controllers, photos of what they look like, includinig wiring instructions, owners manuals, and instructions.  The brake controllers come not only with instructions, but an instructional dvd as well on how to adjust and use the controller.  This website should be able to answer all your questions.

After reading the information, you may want to ask about upgrading the controller from what would be normally provided, and think about where you want to have it installed.  



 

Hello everyone. I am purchasing a brand new 2007 jayco jay series 1206 camper shortly. It has electric brakes and the dealer says that I need a brake controller installed in my 2004 dodge dakota. My question is how is this unit installed in the truck? Is it something that I will see in the cab, or is under the dash or the hood? I dont know anything about this setup so any info would be great. Thanks.

[harleywolf]

1st you don

[AustinBoston]

The brake controller goes in the cab where it is accessible while driving.  You will not need it often.  It is about 2-3 times the size of a pack of cigaretttes.

I had a Tekonsha Voyager, and it was OK.  I upgraded to a Tekonsha Prodigy, and will say it is worth every penny.  The P3 is newer and is probably better.

Whatever you do, DO NOT buy a timer-based controller.  They are 1950's technology (the best possible at that time), and in my not so humble opinion, should be outlawed today.  This is the 21st century already.  If someone insists on trying to sell you one of those, walk away and never do business with them again.

I'd agree with what the other poster said about a weight distributing (aka equalizing) hitch.  I've used a WDH made by Reese (now part of Draw-Tite) for 6 years, and won't tow our setup without it.

Austin

[nfrihart]

Welcome to PUT!

The unit will be in the cab with you, and with easy driver access. Once set, you won't need to use it much. It only needs to be in easy driver access so that you can manually activate the brakes if needed, for some reason. Also, you have to manually activate the brakes when setting it.

Secondly, accept NOTHING but the Tekonsha Prodigy. Anything else Tekonsha, don't get. Use the Prodigy. You want the Prodigy. You would eventually buy a Prodigy anyway. Did I mention get the Prodigy? (The reason I'm being so repetitive is that dealers will often try to get you to use a Tekonsha Voyager, or some other paperweight.)

Larry

Amen Amen to the praises of the Prodigy brake controller, funny thing though the dealer we bought the trailer recommended the Prodigy over all the other models and brands. As Larry said it works great, fantastic etc.

[jtprevatte]

Hello everyone. I am purchasing a brand new 2007 jayco jay series 1206 camper shortly. It has electric brakes and the dealer says that I need a brake controller installed in my 2004 dodge dakota. My question is how is this unit installed in the truck? Is it something that I will see in the cab, or is under the dash or the hood? I dont know anything about this setup so any info would be great. Thanks.

I have a Tekonsha Voyager that I am getting ready to put on Ebay. I won two auctions and only need one controller.  Let me know if you are interested...before I put it on Ebay...I will make you a deal on it.

[wavery]

I have a Tekonsha Voyager that I am getting ready to put on Ebay. I won two auctions and only need one controller.  Let me know if you are interested...before I put it on Ebay...I will make you a deal on it.

After a few times of towing with the Voyager, you will probably put the other one on eBay too. A lot of us have been through it :p . Sooner or later, you will  probably go with the Prodigy, if you tow enough. You may want to save yourself the aggravation and do it sooner than later :sombraro: .

[lenwick]

I just bought a Intella-stop ultra control made by the same company as Prodigy
it looks the same it is the same even a sticker in the box PRODIGY it was a lot cheaper in Canada $150 PRODIGY $239