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brake controllers
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11 Posts
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April 4, 2011 - 8:01 pm
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i understand that there are 2 types of brake controllers, the Proportional and Time Delayed, and i also understand the differences, but on the proportional, can they be mounted in a near verticle position? which one is your favorite? is there that much difference between the $40.00 and the $150.00. i think i had the time delayed on my old truck (which went with it when i sold it) and that seem to work fine.

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1573 Posts
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April 4, 2011 - 8:12 pm
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The Prodigy P3 controllers can be mounted within 70 degree of vertical. I have my mounted at about 50 degree since I am short and normally they put it on the bottom of the dashbord by your right knee. I can not see it or find it there, so I moved it to the center of the console and angled it. It works fantastic.

Martini Glass The happiest people don't have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything that they have!
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199 Posts
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April 4, 2011 - 8:56 pm
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Like Phil said, go with the Prodigy, it's  what I tow with, very easy to install and operate. Prior to this I had an inexpensive Reese controller it was ok, but the Prodigy works much better...Check out Etrailer.com..vern

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420 Posts
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April 5, 2011 - 8:18 am
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I just picked up a Prodigy P2 off RVWholesalers.com for $110 shipped.

Best Regards,

Norm

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Eastern Pennsylvania
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April 5, 2011 - 8:34 am
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Here is a thread with some pretty good reading on the difference in brake controllers.
https://canvascampers.com/inde.....81#msg3581

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666 Posts
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April 5, 2011 - 10:53 am
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I'd like to add some info on the built in brake controllers from the factory.
The difference in my 2010 F150's brake controller with a proportional brake controller like the prodigy is a level of difference not unlike going from a timed delayed controller to a proportional.
The built in controller works seamlessly with the trailer and truck and is controlled by the truck electronics.. If you get a new Ford to tow with, the installed factory brake controller is the way to go. I would assume that the GM and Dodge offerings would be the way to go as well.
Also,  the factory brake controller and anti-sway built into the F150's braking system while trailering is phenomenal. I can't say enough great things about it.....

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255 Posts
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April 5, 2011 - 12:38 pm
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IMHO, the Prodigy is the best for the price.
i got mine from RVW for under $100.

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450 Posts
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April 5, 2011 - 3:25 pm
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I will second your thoughts Storm Tropper.  I did have a prodigy on my old Dakota and it worked good as well.

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11 Posts
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April 5, 2011 - 8:51 pm
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I still dont understand why someone will pay over a hundred dollars to slow down a pup!!! after doing alot of reseach, i still believe that a controller under 80.00 bucks will do the job... Thanx for all your input.. i  appriciate it!

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333 Posts
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April 5, 2011 - 9:53 pm
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As I understand it, the proportional brake controllers sense how quickly you're trying to stop by using an internal accelerometer, and apply more power to the brakes by sensing the pull towards the front of the vehicle caused by the vehicle's brakes.  The time delay controllers do it solely based on time, not need.  They apply more power the longer you have your foot on the brake.

The two situations where time delay has problems are: slowly coming to a stop, and emergency braking.

If you're more or less coasting to a stop with just a light, but constant braking, the proportional will sense there's little pull towards the front of the vehicle, and apply just a small amount of power.  The time delay will keep ramping up the power even though you don't need it. 

The time delay controllers work reasonably well in most "normal" situations, except for emergency braking.  In that case, it will still take the same amount of time to build up to full power, whereas the proportional will sense how quickly you're stopping and ramp up the power immediately.  This is probably the biggest reason to shell out the extra money.

I would imagine the time delay controllers go through trailer brakes a little faster since they will tend to be braking more than they need to under a lot of circumstances.  Although, either style can brake too little or too much if improperly set.

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199 Posts
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April 5, 2011 - 11:00 pm
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Brett, Please do not take this the wrong way, I do not mean to be ugly, but are you really willing to put you and your family's safety at risk over $30.00...If you ever had to make a hard emergency stop I think you would look at it differently...You get what you pay for...especially with brake controllers...Again, hope I do not offend you, but this is one of the times one should listen to advice given by those who have been there and done that... for safety sake.
Best Regards, wolfie

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11 Posts
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April 6, 2011 - 6:04 am
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wolfcat - no offence taken, and i understand your reasoning, ty for your advice!

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