Brake Controller

Submitted: Tuesday, Dec 27, 2011 at 16:35
ThreadID: 90853 Views:2410 Replies:3 FollowUps:11
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I need to replace our brake controller for our electric brakes. I am grateful it has happened now as we start our 12 month trip around Oz early Feb .
I currently have a standard time delayed controller fitted to the Cruiser.
A friend told I should have a Proportional Brake Controller fitted as they perform better and are easier on the 4WD & van braking system .
I would love any feed back from the forum on the above and if there is a brand I should look at installing please let me know.
We are towing 2.3 ton van with a Land Cruiser

Many thanks
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Reply By: Rockape - Tuesday, Dec 27, 2011 at 16:45

Tuesday, Dec 27, 2011 at 16:45
Mate,
I use a Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Brake Controller which over the years has not let me down. The Tekonsha range have a good name and I am sure if you google it you will find many good reviews of their products.

Can't speak about the other controllers out there as I have not used them.

Have a good one,
RA.
AnswerID: 473417

Follow Up By: Daschin around - Tuesday, Dec 27, 2011 at 17:13

Tuesday, Dec 27, 2011 at 17:13
Hi Rockape

Thanks for your feedback I will jump on the net and take a look now.

Cheers
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Follow Up By: Racey - Tuesday, Dec 27, 2011 at 17:16

Tuesday, Dec 27, 2011 at 17:16
Hi Dashin around.
I would second that. You could go the next step for the P3.

Cheers
Racey
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Follow Up By: ChrisE - Tuesday, Dec 27, 2011 at 17:21

Tuesday, Dec 27, 2011 at 17:21
I have the P3 and very happy with it as well. Can be fine tune,d nicely
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Follow Up By: Daschin around - Tuesday, Dec 27, 2011 at 17:47

Tuesday, Dec 27, 2011 at 17:47
Hi ChrisE
Is paying the extra for the P3 worth it, for the extra bells and whistles. Seems both units are very similar.
Do I need a auto electrician or can I install the unit myself as all the wiring is already done to the vehicle
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Follow Up By: ChrisE - Tuesday, Dec 27, 2011 at 19:02

Tuesday, Dec 27, 2011 at 19:02
I bought mine off eBay and not much difference in price, so probably worth it. It is bit bigger so depending on your fitment location that is more of a consideration than price. also the orientation of the LCD is straight out whereas the P2 display is angled upwards. As with all wiring depends on your ability, but if you can use a multimeter or able to trace or it is marked on the old controller to check which wire is which, and you have crimping pliers to use the included joiners then it really is straight forward. Not worth a auto sparky when the hard bit has been done already.
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Follow Up By: Lex M - Tuesday, Dec 27, 2011 at 19:06

Tuesday, Dec 27, 2011 at 19:06
I think the P3 is worth it for the diagnostic capabilities.
It's easy to verify the brake circuits are working normally using the current and voltage displays.
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Follow Up By: Daschin around - Tuesday, Dec 27, 2011 at 19:26

Tuesday, Dec 27, 2011 at 19:26
Ok sounds like the P3 is the way to go and worth the money ,so onto Ebay and I will buy one. Installing it shouldn't be a problem.

Thanks again for everyone's help.

Cheers
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Follow Up By: Member - Frank P (NSW) - Wednesday, Dec 28, 2011 at 08:45

Wednesday, Dec 28, 2011 at 08:45
I have a Tekonsha Prodigy controlling electric over hydraulic disc brakes on my Kimberley Karavan. It's absolutely excellent.

Cheers

Frank
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Reply By: Nomadic Navara - Tuesday, Dec 27, 2011 at 22:46

Tuesday, Dec 27, 2011 at 22:46
Most of the latest controllers you will get on the market are of the proportional type. There may be some of the older type that have the manually adjusted pendulum. The rest will have the engine from the Tekonsha Prodigy (P3 etc)

The only one to steer clear of is the Redarc. They have come on the market with a timed one when all the manufacturers were discontinuing them.
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Follow Up By: SuperGrover - Tuesday, Dec 27, 2011 at 23:02

Tuesday, Dec 27, 2011 at 23:02
I have the Redarc controller with the remote head fitted to my 2010 VX cruiser. It looks good just having the adjuster knob and indicator light fitted to one of the switch panels. However, I find the performance very disappointing. The adjuster knob is easily knocked out of setting with the slightest touch and I continually have problems trying to adjust the brakes. I regularly have the brakes lock the wheels at the slowest of speeds or do not appear to operate effectively at driving speeds. I have used a couple of different types of controllers on various caravans and boats and all have performed better.
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Follow Up By: Nomadic Navara - Tuesday, Dec 27, 2011 at 23:32

Tuesday, Dec 27, 2011 at 23:32
So what are you waiting for? Bin that controller and get an efficient one before you end up in trouble.


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Follow Up By: Sand Man (SA) - Wednesday, Dec 28, 2011 at 08:01

Wednesday, Dec 28, 2011 at 08:01
Hmmm,

I also have the Redarc Remote Head Controller and it works like a beauty.
Have the control knob and LED mounted on the dash next to the steering column.
I have never had a problem with accidentally knocking the adjustment knob and once adjusted correctly, the controller has performed beautifully when towing.
The unit itself is mounted way up out of the way under the dash against the fire wall, utilising the same L shaped bracket I installed for the remote head GME transceiver.

I just couldn't find a place to mount a Tekonsha cradle where it wouldn't interfere with my knees.

I am very happy with the Redarc regardless of what mechanism it employs.
It is so much smoother than the mechanical hydraulic braking system I used to use on my previous camper. (A hydraulic system is still there as a backup)

Each to his own hey!


Bill


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Reply By: Ray - Wednesday, Dec 28, 2011 at 08:19

Wednesday, Dec 28, 2011 at 08:19
I have fitted a number of brake controller and always fit plugs adjacent to the controller for easy replacement
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