Electric Brake control units

Submitted: Monday, Feb 20, 2006 at 21:37
ThreadID: 30986 Views:5242 Replies:7 FollowUps:11
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Can any wise person out there advise me on the best electric brake control unit to fit on my 100 series. Just purchased new c/van of about 1600kg single axle of road set up. Will be doing some of road dirt and sand driving if that will affect what unit to purchase. Cheers.
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Reply By: itsdave - Monday, Feb 20, 2006 at 22:07

Monday, Feb 20, 2006 at 22:07
Whatever you go for check out the warranty side of it first. I am currently having problems with a Tekonsha Voyager. Tekonsha USA say 5 years but Aust distributor reckons only 1 year so at this point in time I'm banging the old head against a wall.
So make sure of the validity of the warranty
cheers Dave
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Follow Up By: Member - Brian (Gold Coast) - Tuesday, Feb 21, 2006 at 07:23

Tuesday, Feb 21, 2006 at 07:23
What problems are you having Dave?
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Follow Up By: Shaker - Tuesday, Feb 21, 2006 at 10:48

Tuesday, Feb 21, 2006 at 10:48
If you are having problems with it activating the brake lights, tell the distributor that you intend referring the problem to Vicroads Road Safety Dept., I did, & they replaced it immediately!
The faulty units should have been subject to a recall.
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Follow Up By: itsdave - Tuesday, Feb 21, 2006 at 15:29

Tuesday, Feb 21, 2006 at 15:29
Main problem with the earlier Voyagers was brake lights coming on while parked and no trailer connected. Quick Aussie distributor solution was to fit a diode in to power cable. An absolute no no according to Tekonsha. I'm in Qld so Vic Roads can't help, at the moment I've got Tekonsha looking into it for me so will see what happens there.
My other problem is the guy I bought it off has since sold the place and the new owner does'nt know which supplier it came from so no distributor will help him either. It's like running around in circles

Dave
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Follow Up By: Shaker - Tuesday, Feb 21, 2006 at 20:11

Tuesday, Feb 21, 2006 at 20:11
Then threaten to go to whoever is the Queensland equivalent of Vicroads!
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Follow Up By: itsdave - Tuesday, Feb 21, 2006 at 20:59

Tuesday, Feb 21, 2006 at 20:59
Thats the next line of attack
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Reply By: Member - Norm C (QLD) - Monday, Feb 20, 2006 at 22:13

Monday, Feb 20, 2006 at 22:13
Won't claim it is the best (frankly don't know), but the Tekonsha Prodigy is very easy to adjust and has an excellent manual over ride. I think it has become the 'standard' for most heavy towing. I particularly like the boost function where you can change the timing of trailer braking relative to the vehicle.
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Follow Up By: Member - Blue (VIC) - Monday, Feb 20, 2006 at 22:28

Monday, Feb 20, 2006 at 22:28
I'll second the Prodigy vote... best controller I've had so far. tried the Voyager and another one I can't remember the name of with varied results... Can't fault the Prodigy.
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Reply By: Member - Silverfox (QLD) - Monday, Feb 20, 2006 at 22:27

Monday, Feb 20, 2006 at 22:27
I have the 'Prodegy' as well and have found it to be very good in all the points previously covered. I tow a 3 tonne van with a L/C TD. The ability of the boost to adjust timing particularly on hairy down hills has given some measure of cofidence that I'll get to the bottom before the van. Haven't had any problems so can't comment on warrantys. I had mine fitted by an auto electrician. Seemed like a good idea in case I had any grief. good luck.
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Reply By: Derek from Affordable Batteries & Radiators - Tuesday, Feb 21, 2006 at 00:04

Tuesday, Feb 21, 2006 at 00:04
I sell both units and both are good.

The New Prodigy is great and so easy to fit and can be packed away when not in use in the handy soft pouch.

The Voyger must still be manually adjusted and left in the car but the new units have been modified and I have had no problems in the last 12 months. The difference of $100.00 in price can be a deciding factor.

Regards Derek.
AnswerID: 156171

Follow Up By: Member - Blue (VIC) - Tuesday, Feb 21, 2006 at 09:50

Tuesday, Feb 21, 2006 at 09:50
$100 price difference...??? Not being a smart a$$ but I paid $150 for the Prodigy and it appears it is readily available between $150-$180, are the others really that cheap...???
Award caravan accessories had them for $165 a couple of weeks ago.
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Follow Up By: Derek from Affordable Batteries & Radiators - Tuesday, Feb 21, 2006 at 11:00

Tuesday, Feb 21, 2006 at 11:00
I have 10 Voygers in stock at $95.00 ea incl Tax.

Regards Derek
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Reply By: Member - Tony G (ACT) - Tuesday, Feb 21, 2006 at 07:17

Tuesday, Feb 21, 2006 at 07:17
The Tekonsha Prodigy is the best on the market. I had a Hayman Reese controller prior to the Prodigy, it worked ok but would pull the camper up with a jerk when the brake was released, a real pain when going down a long hill or through a town.

A mate changed to a Prodigy and said his trip down the Clyde Mountain felt safer and 15 min quicker.

Has a lot more adjustments, and is removable for safe keeping when not towing. It gives you a indercation of power conections to camper and what settings you have made.
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Reply By: Flash - Tuesday, Feb 21, 2006 at 12:13

Tuesday, Feb 21, 2006 at 12:13
Tekonsha Prodigy.
Best by a country mile.
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Follow Up By: Member -Dodger - Tuesday, Feb 21, 2006 at 15:37

Tuesday, Feb 21, 2006 at 15:37
Second that.
I used to have a handle on life, but it broke.

Cheers Dodg.

Lifetime Member
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Follow Up By: Worm73 - Tuesday, Feb 21, 2006 at 20:38

Tuesday, Feb 21, 2006 at 20:38
Cheers Flash, Are there any problems connecting the prodigy to the 100 series braking system as it is ABS or does the prodigy still take its signal from the brake light switch?
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Follow Up By: Flash - Saturday, Feb 25, 2006 at 09:07

Saturday, Feb 25, 2006 at 09:07
Dunno, but suspect no problem on the hundred series.
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Reply By: Mr Fawlty - Tuesday, Feb 21, 2006 at 21:10

Tuesday, Feb 21, 2006 at 21:10
I have the Prodigy in my TD Jackeroo auto with CC fitted.... Ok it works beautifully but the brake light switch is not rated highly enough and failed constantly. Of course Holden said I should be using a "High Current" switch but they don't actually make one. The switch that comes standard is suitable but won't for whatever reason work with the CC....I actually got to the bottom of the matter by making my own switch using part of the installed one and a Dick Smith 10 amp Micro Switch.... I wonder if any other Jackeroo owners have similar problems?
AnswerID: 156341

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