Recommendation for an electric brake controller? - Fiberglass RV
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Old 03-23-2011, 08:37 PM   #1
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Recommendation for an electric brake controller?

Hello All,
We've found our TV - a 2000 Toyota Tundra V8 with the tow package and so we now need an electric brake controller. There are so many to choose from. Is there something in particular that I should look for? Do you have one that you particularly like or dislike?
thanks very much!
Jane
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Old 03-24-2011, 06:09 AM   #2
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Tekonsha Prodigy is what i use (It must be mounted horizontally to work correctly)...... Many others on this site use the same although there are other brands that are also good.
Joe
Amazon.com: Tekonsha Engineering 90885 Prodigy Brake Control: Automotive

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http://stores.ebay.com/R-and-P-Carri...=p4634.c0.m322
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Old 03-24-2011, 07:33 AM   #3
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I'm with Joe... Tekonsha Prodigy
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Old 03-24-2011, 09:46 AM   #4
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Thank you both!
Jane
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Old 03-24-2011, 10:11 AM   #5
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Yeah, that's what I used on my big 5th wheel.
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Old 03-24-2011, 01:21 PM   #6
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I use the Tekonsha Prodigy on my Tundra as well and it works fine. I got it from etrailer.com for $99 but it looks like the prices have gone up. If your truck has the 4-flat connector you'll have to run at least 2 more wires, one for the brakes, and one for the +12-volt accessory.
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Old 03-24-2011, 02:26 PM   #7
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I forgot about etrailer which is another very good place..... they even have directions on how to install it. I'm using the P2 version
Joe
Brake Controller | etrailer.com
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Old 03-24-2011, 05:18 PM   #8
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I had our controller installed by Tork Lift:

TL Central - RV Towing Experts - Torklift Central

I understand the car dealers in the area use them for their trailer hitch/wiring installs.

They installed a Tekonsha Prodigy. I have no experience with any other. I can't think of anything the Prodigy lacks.

http://tekonsha.brakecontrollercenter.us/
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Old 03-24-2011, 05:47 PM   #9
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I forgot about etrailer which is another very good place..... they even have directions on how to install it. I'm using the P2 version
Joe
Brake Controller | etrailer.com
I'd be nervous about installing it myself! Hopefully it's not expensive to have it installed.
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Old 03-24-2011, 05:54 PM   #10
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If you have a late model tv with tow package, plug and play ready, tekonsha's wiring harness is truly plug and play.

It worked great in the Dodge Ram 1500. The other two tvs were more work. We use the same controller (three installations), moving it from tv to tv.

Highly recommend Tekonsha,

Sherry
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Old 03-24-2011, 08:15 PM   #11
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If you have a late model tv with tow package, plug and play ready, tekonsha's wiring harness is truly plug and play.

It worked great in the Dodge Ram 1500. The other two tvs were more work. We use the same controller (three installations), moving it from tv to tv.

Highly recommend Tekonsha,

Sherry
It's a 2000 Tundra - is that considered a late model?
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Old 03-24-2011, 09:34 PM   #12
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I just purchased the p3 Tekonsha,easy to install in a 07 chevy tahoe was all pre wired,basicly plug and play. close out priced at $101
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Old 03-24-2011, 11:13 PM   #13
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We love our Tekonsha Prodigy.
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Old 03-24-2011, 11:37 PM   #14
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JK-1033

Jane, what will you be using as your TV?
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Old 03-25-2011, 05:30 AM   #15
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I installed a Prodigy on a 2003 Tundra. It was not prewired for a brake controller although the models with the factory tow package might be? Tell your installer that the brake light wire can be found in the wire bundle under the door frame plate. It's much easier to get to there than at the pedal switch. Enjoy your Tundra, I wish I still had mine. Raz
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Old 03-25-2011, 05:55 AM   #16
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It's a 2000 Tundra - is that considered a late model?
Jane.....
The adapter plug that is needed only goes back to 2003 for your model truck on "etrailer" so your truck may not have the plug and play setup in which case you would need a professional to wire the plug with wires to the rear bumper area.... (if your truck came with a tow package everything may be there but i'm not sure on your vehicle)You get a universal plug included with the prodigy. A call to etrailer would confirm this.
Question; Do you already have the seven pin round bargman plug at the rear bumper?______ Or do you have the four pin flat plug?______
Joe

don't use this plug as it only goes back to 2003 tundra;
Tekonsha Wire Replacement for Toyota and Lexus Vehicles Tekonsha Brake Controller 3040-P
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Old 03-25-2011, 08:58 AM   #17
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Hi Jane -- we're in the same position and decided to order the wireless version of the Prodigy. It's certainly more costly than the wired version, but works out cheaper for us because our vehicle would otherwise require installation at the VW dealer (yuck). Haven't purchased it yet, but it's supposed to be ultra easy to install and switch to different vehicles (a useful feature if we loan the trailer to friends as planned). Just another idea for you : )

-- Jess
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Old 03-25-2011, 04:46 PM   #18
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It's a 2000 Tundra - is that considered a late model?
Probably not. But I don't have experience with Toyotas, only GM, Dodge, and Volvo. Volvo was tough. Dodge was easy. Early 2000's GM wasn't bad.

Uhaul dealers around here install brake controllers. You might try calling there to find out about what UHaul would charge.

Sherry
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Old 03-25-2011, 05:03 PM   #19
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The stock 2000 Tundra (or any 1st generation Tundra) does not have a pre-wired brake controller option. Do you already have a flat 4 plug next to your hitch? If you do, then you should only need to run the brake and +12volt wires. If you don't have a flat 4, then you'll need a converter box that plugs into existing wiring near the bumper, which converts the separate amber turn signals and brake lights into the standard flat 4 type configuration. Etrailer should have what you need if you decide to do it yourself.
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Old 03-26-2011, 03:56 AM   #20
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The stock 2000 Tundra (or any 1st generation Tundra) does not have a pre-wired brake controller option. Do you already have a flat 4 plug next to your hitch? If you do, then you should only need to run the brake and +12volt wires. If you don't have a flat 4, then you'll need a converter box that plugs into existing wiring near the bumper, which converts the separate amber turn signals and brake lights into the standard flat 4 type configuration. Etrailer should have what you need if you decide to do it yourself.
While mine came with a 4 pin socket, I know some came with a 7 pin and hitch. I always assumed those had a brake controller pigtail under the dash. Did Toyota leave the brake pin on the 7 pin connector unused? Imagine paying all that money for a factory hitch and then discovering it was going to cost you more!
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