Tekonsha Prodigy + Electric/Hydraulic Brakes

N3UP

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 14, 2010
Messages
125
Has anyone used the Tekonsha Prodigy with Electric over Hydraulic brakes?

I'm going to be getting a new trailer built ofr the boat I'm getting and I plan on Elec/Hyd brakes.
The "original" Prodigy (not the Prodigy P2) doesn't have any info about being compatible.
I really like the Prodigy with the Electric brakes on my Camper and the Band trailer I tow.

I'm not sure which actuator Slide On uses on their Elec/Hyd setups, but I will ask when I place the order.

I'm already jumping through enough hoops with the wifey getting the boat, I don't want to have to try to explain that I'll need a new brake controller too.....

Before anyone mentions surge brakes, I won't have them. The camper had them and I converted it to electric because I couldn't stand those surge brakes....
 

bruceb58

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 5, 2006
Messages
30,592
Re: Tekonsha Prodigy + Electric/Hydraulic Brakes

I have used the Prodigy with the elec/hydrailic. I have since changed to the P2. You should try your Prodigy first. It works ok but it does energize the brakes a little earlier than you might like. I have disc brakes so if you are using drum, it may act differently.
 

N3UP

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 14, 2010
Messages
125
Re: Tekonsha Prodigy + Electric/Hydraulic Brakes

I usually like the trailer brakes to "lead" slightly, so that may actually be a good thing.

I will be getting Kodiak discs on the trailer.

I was finding some confusing information searching the various forums....
I checked the actuator manufacturer web sites (Brakerite, Dexter, Carlisle) and they were all saying that all or most aftermarket controllers were compatible, although there are some issues with some Ford/Dodge/GM factory integrated brake controllers.

The Tekonsha web site only says that the Prodigy was not tested with E/H brake systems.

I just am trying to avoid any surprises here. I will be going to Florida to pick up the boat and trailer and bring them back to Pa...don't need to have to change out a brake controller to get it home.

Why did you switch to the P2?
 

bruceb58

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 5, 2006
Messages
30,592
Re: Tekonsha Prodigy + Electric/Hydraulic Brakes

Correction: I have the P3 Brake Controller.

The P3 does have a selection for electric/hydraulic. I was hoping to get rid of the "lead" that it had. It still has it and am not sure what the whole difference is. I would use your Prodigy for your trip home. I also have Kodiaks and the Brakerite unit on a 6000# to 7000# load.

I did have some problems getting my hydraulic unit to work with an integrated controller in a GM truck but I didn't have a lot of time to troubleshoot it. In its case, it didn't see the hydraulic unit so it always thought it was disconnected. A power resistor in parallel with the hydraulic unit to mimic an electric brake solenoid would probably do the trick for that though.

They sell this unit:
http://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Titan/T4846000.html
But my bet its just a power resistor in there.
 
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