I just got my new 2005 Duramax (2500HD, 4x4, crew) and I need to get a brake control. I was wondering if they are all about the same, is there one that people like more, etc?
The one that I used in my 2004 HD was the Hoppy Impulse, it seemed to work fine although I did not use it much.
Any info would help, I need to order one this week.
Thanks!

You can do a search for brake controllers and get many results. I think the big question is how much are you willing to spend. The brake controller I have is arguably the best for ~$100.

I have had the Tekonsha Prodigy for about 2 years. I have been pulling trailers for 17 years and the Prodigy is by far the best I have used. There is also the Jordan and the Brakesmart, very nice but higher cost.

The Prodigy is probably the simplist to install and works very well. The Brakesmart is probably the best, with the Jordan somewhere in the middle. Nowadays there is no reason even to consider the old style time delay type controllers. I'm happy with my Prodigy and don't plan on switching to anything else until it wears out.

TC

just got my 05 and after reading the thread i decided to go with the prodigy. very happy so far. easy to install using the pigtail that comes with the truck. i understand that if you buy the ready made plug for the prodigy all you do is plug both ends in and wala!

I think I'll try to prodigy. The brakesmart site says they aren't shipping anymore as they are out, since June? I can't wait so I'll try the Prodigy. ($79 on ebay)
:grd:

Prodigy, wise choice. Easy to use, easy to set up, very predictable and reliable

I just put in a Tekonsha Voyageur - works good.

I just got a prodigy, looks like it's going to be a nice controller. Paid $116 shipped to my door with the plug-in-play harness. Got mine at http://rjays.com and I was impressed with how quick they shipped it and I got it.

Haven't towed with it yet, but installation was painless (once I finally decided on where to put it).

Another vote for Prodigy.

Put in the Prodigy and love it I have a Tekonsha Voyageur for sale. Any takers? PM me..Jim

I have the Jordan on 2 trucks. Used them for 6 years. I like the fact that they are cabled to the brake pedal--the harder you brake, the more braking on the trailer--proportional.

...I need to get a brake control. I was wondering if they are all about the same?...


I had a lower quality controler on my other truck when I bought my 5th wheel. I warped the front rotors coming out of the mountains because the controler wasn't working as well because of the angle. I bought my Prodigy and fixed that problem - when I got the new 2500HD I put the prodigy on it and it works wonderful! Yes - there is a difference!

Papa :ro)

I just got a prodigy, looks like it's going to be a nice controller. Paid $116 shipped to my door with the plug-in-play harness. Got mine at http://rjays.com and I was impressed with how quick they shipped it and I got it.

Haven't towed with it yet, but installation was painless (once I finally decided on where to put it).


thanks for the website link... just ordered mine tonight...

Just ordered the Prodigy. I have a Activator II right now and I an excited to do the swap. There is no comparison from what everybody says that has the Prodigy.

Another vote for the Prodigy...Works like a champ.

Go with the prodigy! I just installed it and took a trip to South Dakota, HOLY CRAP! is that thing nice!

Prodigy is what I use and it gets connected to lots of different trailers. I had one with bad brake wiring and the prodigy did it's job and showed me the brake connections were open.

Also, newer trailers are coming out with disc brakes and they use a hydraulic activating device. Not all controllers work properly with them but the Prodigy seems to. There was an article in Trailer Life magazine about this and it had a chart with the controllers that work and the ones that don't. Many people are having problems because there is no standarization yet in the signal wiring, etc.

Tom Cobb

I have installed and Prodigy on my Dad's Ford towing a 28' 5th wheel and I have a Jordan on my D-max towing a 33' travel trailer. The basic difference between the two is the prodigy has 4 wires and the Jordan has 3 wires to connect. The Prodigy has a boost option to adjust braking lead time (3-4 separate settings I think). The Jordan has a cable linkage that works directly proportional to your truck brake pedal travel. Once properly set, the Jordan will brake more closely to hydrualic braking system. It is a bit harder to install (still easy) than the Prodigy. The Jordan's readout is in amps, whereas the Prodigy's readout is in volts. The Jordan controller can show if you have lost power to one of the brakes, if you have made note of the normal amperage when all brakes are working. In short, both are very good controllers. If I had any plans of having more than one tow vehicle, I would definitely consider the Prodigy since the controller box can be unplugged from it's wiring harness and plugged into another tow vehicle very easily. Last but not least, I think the Prodigy has a 70 degree tolerance for mounting whereas, the Jordan can be mounted at any angle, even sideways if you want. Hope this helps.

have had many tow rigs with brake controllers, the prodigy and the duramax are by far the best out there. Its like pizza and beer- you can't have one without the other.

I have a Reese that was put on by the dealer. I don't have a clue on the good controllers so should I change?????????
Thanks in advance:ro)

No doubt, you don't know what you're missing.

The prodiagy which is made by Tokensha who is owned by Cequent Towing Products who also owns Reese, Draw-tite, and Hidden Hitch. So you can get the same controller from reese just with a different name it is called the intela stop. Hope this info helps you out.