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Old 05-14-2009, 09:24 AM   #1
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Tekonsha P3 Brake Controller

I bought one of these this winter on ebay for around $100 and finally got around to installing it a few weeks ago and using it for the 1st time yesterday.

My trip to drop the camper was only 10 miles but was clear pulling down my driveway that this controller was better than any I'd ever used. The voyage was a lot of twisty turning roads and eventually into the mountain onto about a mile of rutted logging trails.

The proportional control is truly amazing. At a complete stop on level ground my reading was a 0.0 feed to my trailer brakes. No more chirping the brakes because of the delayed release on my old controller when I pulled away from a stop. I can't begin to tell you how much better of a ride it was going through all the stop signs and over the 2 single lane 'hump back' bridges in small town I live.

I used the manual swing arm on the unit to enact the brakes to check to see if it was working properly and it brought the truck and trailer to a nice smooth stop. It wasn't 'catchy' like others I've used.

If you're in the market for a new controller... , in my humble opinion, this is the one you want.

Here are the features off their website.

1-4 axle trailers
Distinct, easy to see LCD display with multiple color and contrast options
User can customize to choose English, French or Spanish display
Allows the user to switch between Electric and Hydraulic brakes
Highly advanced, easy-to-understand, roadside diagnostics
Easy access, "Up-Front' controls
The original "Boost" feature allows for different levels of customized braking
Compact, dash-hugging design
Unique, easy-to-use, clip-mounting systems
Quick disconnect for easy storage; convenient storage pouch included
Limited lifetime warranty

Anyone else here own/use one of these controllers? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Take care,
Lode
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Old 05-14-2009, 09:55 AM   #2
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I bought the P3's predecessor, the Prodigy, in January 2008. At that time, a new P3 was nearly $200 while the Prodigy was dropping below $100. The Prodigy has worked extremely well for me, performing pretty much as you've described the P3. I can only imagine how nice the P3 must be.

There's an even newer Teknosha on the market now: the Primus IQ, with even more features. Probably very pricey at least for the coming year.

They've even got an rf version of the Prodigy. Yep, radio control from the TV to the TT. Designed mostly for fleet useage, but pretty cool anyway.

IMHO, the P3 is probably the best bang for the buck right now.
Folks on a very tight budget will find that the Prodigy is good choice, too.
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Old 05-14-2009, 04:56 PM   #3
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I got the Prodigy last year. It is a huge improvement over the Voyager I replaced.

Lode, What controller did you replace?
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Old 05-14-2009, 09:11 PM   #4
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I have a P3 also, and it does work well. I have limited experience with other controllers (mostly driving other people's trucks with various, usually time based boxes).

One thing that is really nice about the P3 (and the prodigy shares this as well) is the advanced diagnostics. I've seen the Prodigy and the P3 pick up intermittant brake wiring problems on trailers that the simpler boxes didn't notice. Nice peace of mind there.

- Frank
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Old 05-15-2009, 09:15 AM   #5
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The last 2 controllers I've used were Genesis... and both, after a couple years of use eventually 'fried'. The tell tale sign was when my truck's parking lights would be on and no key turned over in the ignition.

http://www.dyersonline.com/Products/...rce=googlebase

I feel like I've been brought out of an ice age with this controller.

Thanks for all the responses... I'll have to check out the specs on the Primus IQ.

Take care,
Lode
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Old 05-15-2009, 09:35 AM   #6
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Yes, I'm sure that the P3 is a great controller. I have the Prodigy that I bought a year ago and I'm absolutely delighted with it.
Very, very smooth operation. I'm spoiled! I would definitely buy another Tekonsha controller if there was a reason to buy another.
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