Prodigy brake controller

partimcmpr · 10-07-2007, 09:39 PM

I am considering replacing my Hayes brake controller with the Prodigy brake controller. I see it recommended frequently and after reading various articles and reviews, it sounds like it will make braking smoothly much easier.

Has anyone purchased anything from PPL at http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/index.html ? They have the unit for about $95 and the GM cable for $11. That is about $25 less than camping world. ( I have to act fast as it goes off sale in a couple of days! )

Has anyone installed a brake controller? Is this something I am likely to be able to install myself or should I have it done somewhere. It will be installed in a 2007 2500HD Classic.

Any other suggestions or comments on the prodigy would be appreciated.

DF5.4 · 10-08-2007, 05:36 AM

I replaced my old controller with a Prodigy this summer and it was a huge improvement. I don't know about the company you're talking about.

If you already have a controller you might already have the harness adapter. Follow the wires under the dash and they should go to a plug. If you do just unplug the old one. Then you can cut the adapter off and match the wires to the new controller. You can solder them or use another type of connector. When I put my old one in the truck originally I used posi-lock connectors. http://www.posi-lock.com/posilock.html I just unscrewed the connectors from the old one and screwed them on the new controller. It took all of about 15 minutes to replace the controller.

nickster60 · 10-08-2007, 05:54 AM

I use a prodigy and love it. I found this one on ebay new with GM harness

item #180166353669 95.00 or so

davidsfj40 · 10-13-2007, 08:48 PM

I just replaced my Hayes with the prodigy and wow what a difference. I must not have had any brakes before. I got my from e-trailer.com , with the plug in harness and put it in myself , it just plugs in if you buy the harness for your vehicle that is factory wired. Mounting the controller is what takes more time. Love it.

chuck & lori · 10-14-2007, 06:15 PM

We have had a Prodigy for at least 4 years now. What a difference from the Voyager controller that the dealer installed when I bought my 1950. It was very simple to switch the controllers. I'm sure you will like yours!

partimcmpr · 10-14-2007, 07:55 PM

I swapped the controller today. Everything seemed to go fine.

My only concern is that when adjusting it, I never really felt like the trailer wheels were going to lock. They are certainly slowing it down, and it is much smoother than with the previous controller.

I have a trip scheduled for Thursday and will see how it does on the road.

I'll provide an update as well as a little info on where I purchased it.

Later,
David

SanDimasJoe · 10-15-2007, 03:04 PM

Hi David,
I have the same setup as you. I experienced the same thing as you did. Do 25 mph and operate the slide under the Prodigy. The wheels did not lock up either but did slow the rig down. I did not turn the knob all the way though. I don't seem to have any problem slowing down and stopping when I need to, but then I try to look far enough ahead to foresee stopping situations.

Joe

**PTHutch** · 10-15-2007, 03:17 PM

Hi David,

Sounds like you set it up properly according to the Prodigy Owners Manual

Guidelines from the manual for adjusting the power include:
1. Connect trailer to tow vehicle.

2. With engine running hold manual full left and set Power Knob to indicate 6.0

3. Drive tow vehicle and trailer on a dry level paved surface at 25 mph and fully apply manual knob.

If trailer brakes lock up:
Turn power down using power knob.

If braking was not sufficient:
Turn power up using power knob.

4. Repeat Step (3) until power has been set to a point just below wheel lock up or at a sufficient force as to achieve maximum braking power.

5. Using the brake pedal, make a few low speed stops to check the power setting. Trailer braking is initiated and terminated via the stoplight switch. When the brake pedal is released, trailer braking will cease.

If you don’t feel the trailer is braking enough, you may want to re-adjust the power.

If you’re still not satisfied with the performance, call Tekonsha. I called them once and found their support staff to be very friendly and helpful.

Hutch

DF5.4 · 10-15-2007, 03:42 PM

Make sure the brakes on the trailer are adjusted properly too.

The boost mode is the only thing I change on mine now that the controller is set up.

Hematite · 10-18-2007, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DF4.6

Make sure the brakes on the trailer are adjusted properly too.

The boost mode is the only thing I change on mine now that the controller is set up.

Yes, I think that the Prodigy manual says to correctly adjust the brake shoes first before setting the number on the Prodigy. Also, since the Prodigy has the very desirable boost settings available, I adjusted this to boost #1 to correlate to the TV and TT weights as decribed in the Tekonsha owners manual.

Honda03842 · 10-19-2007, 06:01 AM

I have purchased from ppl a number of times without any problem.

Norm

partimcmpr · 10-21-2007, 02:32 PM

Hi everyone.
Just got back from N. Georgia. This was my first trip since installing the Prodigy controller. It works so much nicer than my previous controller.

Thanks for all the help!

Later,
David