Which Brake Controller?

[bobinyelm]

I have been towing w/ an E-350 Powerstroke diesel van, but am adding a Jeep Cherokee as a tug for my 3200# Casita TT.

The Ford uses an old time-delay brake controller, but given the lighter weight and smaller brake capacity Cherokee (vs. my one-ton van), I want a better controller.

I was thinking of a Dexter Preator DX2, an inertial pendulum proportional type controller like the Prodegy everyone praises:
Prodigy

Dexter Brake Controller

Since it's made/sold by Dexter, who makes trailer axles I thought it should be good, especially for $60 delivered.

Anyone using this one, or have feelings why I should use another one?

Thanks,
Bob
Waxahachie, TX

[bobinyelm]

I have been towing w/ an E-350 Powerstroke diesel van, but am adding a Jeep Cherokee as a tug for my 3200# Casita TT.

The Ford uses an old time-delay brake controller, but given the lighter weight and smaller brake capacity Cherokee (vs. my one-ton van), I want a better controller.

I was thinking of a Dexter Preator DX2, an inertial pendulum proportional type controller like the Prodegy everyone praises:
Prodigy

Dexter Brake Controller

Since it's made/sold by Dexter, who makes trailer axles I thought it should be good, especially for $60 delivered.

Anyone using this one, or have feelings why I should use another one?

Thanks,
Bob
Waxahachie, TX

[Jeff_in_The_Dalles]

I haven't owned the Dexter, or even know of anyone that has, but I have seen that not all pendulum/inertia proportional controllers are created equal.

Some seem to react to bumps with jolts to the trailer brakes, and/or seem slow to react.

I do know a few people who have the Prodigy, and I think it has earned it's reputation on many discussion threads as the best choice in a deceleration sensing controller. It seems a lot of people consider it the 3rd best controller on the market overall, behind the Brakesmart and Jordan Ultima...

Anyway, I can't comment on how the Dexter is, but I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the Prodigy. It would be a big step up from any timer based controller.

[TXiceman]

Brakesmart is the best, Jordan Ultima 2020 is a close 2nd and Prodigy is a distant 3rd. The Jordan is apparently not in production at the moment as it is being redesigned and he sold it to another manufacturer.

Prodigy is better than the old pendulum types, but is basically an electronic version that uses accelerometer to sense deceleration and has a time-delay ramp up and a boost.

I had a Prodigy and put it in a garage sale for $20.00 after two trips and got a Jordan. Never a problem with the Jordan and it is in it's second truck.

Ken

[Ray,IN]

Tekonsha makes both the Prodigy and Primus controllers. Both have the same internals, but the Primus has fewer exterior bells and whistles. This Primus has a 15 yr warranty, the Prodigy, limited lifetime. Both are a truly proportional controller. Both are available for <$100 if you shop the net.

[bobinyelm]

Thanks, all.

After the responses here, and virtually everywhere else I've investigated, I think I have settled on the Jordan, though as was pointed out, it is presently unavailable until a new model comes out in 2-3 months.

Being mechanically tied to the brake pedal appeals to me.

In the meantime I'll wire up an electronic one to tide me over.

Thanks,
Bob

[KC5GRW]

I've been using the Jordan for over 4 years now. I don't have any complaints about the unit. Installation is pretty simple and setup is a snap.

[bobinyelm]

Thanks, GRW. Good to know it's kept you happy over the long run.

Bob
K1WNK
N1CNN
Waxahachie, TX

[j2detoit]

Hi I had a Prodogy for three years and had great success with it I bought it used on Ebay for 50.00 and after using it for three years I resold it on Ebay and got 42.00 for it The DW and I bought a new camper and keep it at a perminant site year round so we had no use for it anymore I would buy another Prodogy any time PS It even operates while going in reverse

[JimmyDee]

Prodigy has served me well for years and for the money, its the best value out there.
Jim

[Toterman (David)]

Spend the bucks and get a Brakesmart, you will never regret it. JMHO

David

[gearman]

I am wanting a brakesmart, but where can you get them now? Since they quit making them last year, all the links I had are out of buisness or want to sell you something else.

[bobinyelm]

I believe Hensley Mfg. (a.k.a.: Hensley Arrow Hitch) sells a reincarnation of this brake controller.

Bob

[RustyJC]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by gearman:
I am wanting a brakesmart, but where can you get them now? Since they quit making them last year, all the links I had are out of buisness or want to sell you something else. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Dr. Performance bought the manufacturing rights to the Brakesmart. You can purchase directly from them - HERE.

Rusty