Break Controls?

M

midmo

Well-known member
Wanting some input on what kind of controller I need to pull a camper trailer. I have a 2008 1500 dodge ram. It didn't come with a tow package. It has the four post only and not made to just plug a controller into. I under stand how it is going to need to be wired it is the controller I'm asking about, automatic leveling-manual leveling- proportional -delay- it seams to go on and on. I have yet to find anyone that can tell me just what I need. I don't want to go cheep but I don't want to break the bank. Safety is what I want.
Ron
 
i'm using a controller on my 05 chevy that is 25 years old, it works good. it just a basic controller that you can work manually or when you step on the brake.
 
Prodigy Brake Controller. I have one installed. The braking level is adjustable for the weight of the trailer and the trailer's load.
 
Not sure when the wiring became this way, but on my 2013 Ram, ONLY the Tekonsha controller would work, AND there was a module placed at the back. Apparently the wires have multiple signals passing, and the controller has to decipher all that to work correctly. Had it professionally installed, took weeks and several phone calls to get it right, and this trailer specialist really knew what he was doing. I think the 2008 is more conventional, but the 2013 was novel, and a real pain. Works like a champ now though.
 
I used a Tekonsha Prodigy for several years and was very happy with them, but on the last truck I bought a Tekonsha Primus as Stanton posted. It is self leveling, proportional, and comes with 2 different mounting brackets plus a wire in harness \, plus you can order a plug in adapter for many vehicles that plugs into a pigtail under the dash, or a plug on the fuse panel, if a place is provided. The Primus in addition to being self leveling is proportional, has a manual over ride control, and can be set for the amount of maximum braking to allow for different loads, though that will vary only a little with a camper. It also has a boost button with 3 different levels that if you are pulling a heavy trailer at higher speeds brings the trailer brakes in service faster than normal to aid in emergency stops, or turn it off for smoother stops at low speeds (push button on/off). the Primus will show the actual voltage being applied to the brake circuit anytime it is used, or if you do not have a trailer connected, or the brakes are not wired it will flash nC the first time you step on the brake. In addition it has a life time warranty. if your truck does not already have it, which I think a 2008 Ram 1500 does not, you will need a lead and a circuit breaker or fuse (20 amp I think, but not sure) from the battery to the controller and a 12 gauge wire from the controller to the trailer plug. Of course you will need to install the appropriate receptacle on the rear for your trailer. Make sure your truck is rated for the size trailer you are pulling, some of the "half ton" series are rated for as low a trailer weight as 3,500 pounds, while some go up to as high as 10,000 pounds.

This listing shows one that supposedly has the right plug in harness for your truck.
http://www.amazon.com/TEKONSHA-PRODIGY- ... prodigy+p2
 
Although the current truck has the controller built in, we previously used a Tekonsha and had absolutely no problems.
 
Hayes. 2nd brake controller. Installed about 15 years ago. Still working. Adjustable settings.

Actually I can not tell the difference in their function. Controls are slightly different between the Hayes and the Prodigy.

Suggest stopping by the local auto parts store and seeing what they stock.

Both the Hayes and the Prodigy have to have the trailer brake setting adjusted with the trailer hitched and loaded. Thumb wheel setting.
 
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