bsimon Posted February 1, 2012 Share Posted February 1, 2012 I'm finally upgrading the car hauler with new electric drum stoppers. Any suggestions for a good brake controller? I know there are some real wiz-bang $300-$500 units out there, but I'm more inclined to stay under $200 for my light usage. What's the current thinking on these devices? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slomove Posted February 1, 2012 Share Posted February 1, 2012 (edited) I got a Valley Odyssey brake controller. Cost about $90, and is fully electronic proportional that can be calibrated even when tilted. There are probably a dozen or more similar products around but that one works just fine. Edited February 1, 2012 by slomove Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scannon Posted February 1, 2012 Share Posted February 1, 2012 I have a Tekonsha Primus controller. It is in the $100 range. It was first installed on the Subaru Legacy GT, then the '05 Silverado and now on the '11 Dodge Ram. If you get one of these I have a spare plug in wiring harness for Chevy/GMC trucks you are welcome to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bsimon Posted February 1, 2012 Author Share Posted February 1, 2012 Thanks guys. Perusing the travel trailer forums, I can see that brake controller threads are very much like spark plug and oil debates on car forums. Every body has an opinion. It probably comes down to anything with similar features will work just as good as the next... It does seem as though the Tekonsha stuff is slightly more popular. Skip, I'd take you up on the wiring plug, but FWIU the 1999 Tahoe doesn't have a PnP interface. It's purely CnS. (cut & splice) PnP didn't happen in the Tahoe until the 2000 model year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bball7754 Posted February 1, 2012 Share Posted February 1, 2012 Bob - I have the Tekonsha RF controller (which you won't need), and had a few issues getting it operational on my Volvo XC60. Called Tekonsha tech support, and they were extremely helpful. Plus, found out that they make all their controllers here in the US, which was a nice plus. Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
11Budlite Posted February 2, 2012 Share Posted February 2, 2012 I've been using a Tekonsha Prodigy for the last few years and have been happy with the performance and ease of use. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blubarisax Posted February 2, 2012 Share Posted February 2, 2012 I've been using a Tekonsha Prodigy for the last few years and have been happy with the performance and ease of use. I use the Prodigy as well. Nice not to have to wire anything in the truck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimrankin Posted February 2, 2012 Share Posted February 2, 2012 Used it in my previous Silverado and was easy to wire in (GM has the wires there, just had to "unwrap" them) It was easy to control by doing their "test". If I remenber correctly, just drive 30MPH and bring it up till a tire locks, note the reading and back it off and your set. Only problem i had was it used to stay "on" so you alway saw there little gremlin eyes under th dash when you walked by at night. I think it was supposed to go "off" by itself but that might have been something I did or set wrong and never bothered me enough to check it out. If I remember was about $100 and was recommended by the truck accessories place that sold more expensive units also. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bsimon Posted February 2, 2012 Author Share Posted February 2, 2012 Thanks Guys, I'm leaning toward the Tekonsha Prodigy. My local (very opinionated) hitch and trailer welder guy says "Tekonsha Prodigy, Only thing I sell." At least if I have trouble with the install or something, he'll be able set me straight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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