Brake Controllers

We have a Tekonsha Prodigy fitted. It's the top of the line Tekonsha controller. It's electronic and provides a couple of great features for van towing. Firstly, the abliity to preset a "boost" level for the van brakes. This is a level of power applied to the brakes when you initially touch the brake pedal. This level is variable and can be set to suit the weight of the van. The second feature (in my opinion) is the ease of use of the manual brake override. This allows you to apply the van brakes easily and progressively without applying the brakes on the towing vehicle. Great for straightening things up or keeping things straight on say, long, steep hill descents. I would suggest that the controller be fitted in a place where you can easily use the manual control without changing driving position or taking your eyes off the road. I have mine just to the left of the steering column and just under the dash binnacle. One word of advice. The Tekonsha has a digital display which amongst other things, showsa "C" when everything is connected and working properly. When we collected our BT and hitched up, this "C" wasn't showing. Alan, the electrician at BT, found the problem. BT are fitting a diode in the van plug which is designed to switch on the brake lights in the event that the van braeks loose from the tow vehicle and the brake actuator is set. We figured that if the van breaks loose, the last thing anyone will be looking at is the brake lights, so we had this diode removed and the controller now shows "C" when all is well. I know other BT owners also have Prodigys and are very happy with them. Good luck.

After towing vans with different brake controllers, I did the same as Peter and fitted a Prodigy to my cruiser. After towing with it for 6000 klm, I would have to say that this is certainly the best controller that I have used. Paul.

We also have the Prodigy, it is by far the best of the 3 types that I have had. If you like to go back through the topics for the last couple of months you will find another thread on brake controllers. The prodigy is digital and costs about $330 but it is money well spent when you consider that that little device might be all that is protecting you from disarster if things suddenly go wrong. You are getting the best van, get the best brake controller to go with it. Brian