So I need some advice again.

New trailer equipped with brakes on one axle so I might as well use 'em right?

The tow vehicle is equipped with the factory tow package, so everything including the wiring for a controller is in place already.

SO... recommend a controller? Nothing fancy needed I wouldn't think. I am seeing them from 30 bucks to 300+ on Amazon. This will be for light infrequent use if that matters...

This message has been edited. Last edited by: cparktd,

I’d look at my local salvage yard for an OE controller for your make/model. Plug and play.

are you sure the controller isn't there too ? My truck cam factory with one. 2018 f 150

I asked the same, and the near universal response was a Tekonsha P3. It has been easy peasy.

If your truck came with a factory installed controller, you would know it. It would be right there on the dash in front of you. Most of the time getting a trailer package does not include a controller, it has to be ordered separately. But, you never know I guess.

I have a Tekonsha. It's a solid controller, offers a number of options and not priced too bad. Assuming your truck is prewired for it, and it should be with a trailer Package, it will be completely plug and play.

quote:

Originally posted by XLT:
are you sure the controller isn't there too ? My truck cam factory with one. 2018 f 150

Not according to YouTube I haven't dropped the panel under the steering column yet to see but it is just supposed to be the wiring, labeled, hanging there.

I have a Tekonsha Prodigy P2 that has done me well over thousands of miles, including numerous trips over the Rockies. I have pigtails and mounts for both of my trucks, and it's easy to unplug and swap back and forth. It's a proportional controller, so it provides decent brake response and I've been happy with it.
https://www.tekonsha.com/produ...control-proportional

I use a Tekonsha Prodigy with my travel trailer and am very happy with it. It was highly recommended from multiple people when I was looking.

One trailer dealer wanted $175 to $350 "depending". He didn't know the wiring was in place at the time.

He didn't separate controller cost and labor cost so... I'm not buying his trailer anyway.

Easy install looks to be, Ill do that myself.

cparktd, I have an instant karma for you if you can use it.

This Tekonsha controller was installed in my Jeep Grand Cherokee when I bought it:



I didn't need it, and it cramped my leg room (I have long legs), so I had the dealership remove it.

The box was in the spare tire area, so it looks like all the original bits are there, incl. paperwork and a 2nd mounting bracket.

It's yours if you want it.

Well, I believe Tekonsha is the best, I have one in the garage from when I had a car trailer. I keep thinking that I may get another.

And, ensigmatic is truly the best for offering up an instant karma.

have you ever watched the movie "The Long, Long Trailer"? It's a hoot with Lucille Ball and Ricky Ricardo. Lots of discussion about how to use the trailer brake.

flashguy

The other's have made solid recommendations. The Prodigy is well known and respected as a solid controller. I will only add that if ordering one ensure you get the plug and play adapter for your vehicle. This makes it extremely simple to install and does not require splicing.

Personally I recommend ordering from E Trailer. Look before ordering how your harness is setup.

E Trailer - Ford F-150 7 pin

quote:

Originally posted by ensigmatic:
I didn't need it, and it cramped my leg room (I have long legs), so I had the dealership remove it.

FYI do not mount a controller in the knee well area. In the event of a collision your knee will forcibly disassemble it. It’s also bad for your knee.

Tekonsha P3 is a fine controller but it seemed wherever I mounted it it was in the way. This was in a Nissan Frontier your vehicle may have better options.

It was replaced with a Hopkins Insight. One little display and one small controller that were easily and unobtrusively mounted along with a sensor mounted on the side of the footwell. Installation took about 20 minutes and it has worked well in some 20,000 miles of towing.

quote:

Originally posted by Voshterkoff:

quote:

Originally posted by ensigmatic:
I didn't need it, and it cramped my leg room (I have long legs), so I had the dealership remove it.

FYI do not mount a controller in the knee well area. In the event of a collision your knee will forcibly disassemble it. It’s also bad for your knee.

Yup. That's where it was and that was why I had it removed.

I could just see my right knee impacting that thing in a collision.

quote:

Originally posted by Krazeehorse:
I’d look at my local salvage yard for an OE controller for your make/model. Plug and play.

Maybe. With relatively late-model builds, anything not as-built is likely to need a BCM re-program.

quote:

Originally posted by ensigmatic:
cparktd, I have an instant karma for you if you can use it.

This Tekonsha controller...

It's yours if you want it.

Wow! Heck yea I'd love it!

email sent

quote:

Originally posted by cparktd:

quote:

Originally posted by ensigmatic:
cparktd, I have an instant karma for you if you can use it.

This Tekonsha controller...

It's yours if you want it.

Wow! Heck yea I'd love it!

email sent

Email received. I'll get 'er boxed up and on the way.

This place is the best!