[Jomar]

This may be in the wrong place but I read on here not long ago that someone said using the Prodigy brake controller with elec/hyd brakes would burn out the elec/hyd pump motor. I have elec/hyd disc brakes on my 5er and have pulled it for about 10,000 miles using the Prodigy and have had no problems. I have a Kodiak brake kit with Actibrake elec/hyd pump. Could someone please explain what problems they know of in using the Prodigy with elec/hyd brakes, and what did Tekonsha have to say about it.

 

[Jomar]

Could some one please tell me where this thread has been moved to. I can`t find it.

 

[Jomar]

Follow up info on using the Prodigy with elec/hyd brakes:::

I checked with Tekonsa and was told by their tech dept ( Connie Siegel ) at Cequent Electrical Products, that they could not recommend the Prodigy for elec/ hyd brakes because it is made for elec/drum brakes and they don`t test them to see if it will work on elec/hyd, and that I should check with the manufactor of the brakes/elec pump. I called Kodiak Brakes/Actibrakes and Mike in tech support said Prodigy would definitly work with the Actibrake elec/hyd pump. He said since Prodigy was the most popular controller they put some rather expensive hardware in the Actibrake elec/hyd pump to work with the Prodigy and I can vouch for this since I`ve pulled my 5er for at least 10,000 miles and the brakes have worked flawlessly.
If anyone wants to get rid of those unreliable, old fashioned drum brakes, I would really recommend Kodiak/Actibrake. I bought all the components and installed them myself and I`m no mechanical genius. You won`t believe the difference it makes. IIRC the cost of the complete kit was in the $900 range when I bought it 2 yrs. ago.

 

[moosecountry]

Was that $900 for everything or just the kodiak conversion kit? I can't find a good actuator for less than $600. What else did you need besides the actuator, conversion kit, brakes lines and fluid? I have an enclosed 12K GVWR trailer that needs all new brakes and this seems like the time to do it!

Thanks, Tim

 

[Jomar]

That $900 + or -, I`d have to go thru my files to get the exact amt., was for every thing except new bearing and seals. I also had to buy some additional brake line and fittings since what was furnished was not enough with the way I routed it. Also brake fluid.
I could have had it done at a brake shop for $1800.
If you are interested, go to KodiakBrakes.com

 

[moosecountry]

That $900 + or -, I`d have to go thru my files to get the exact amt., was for every thing except new bearing and seals. I also had to buy some additional brake line and fittings since what was furnished was not enough with the way I routed it. Also brake fluid.
I could have had it done at a brake shop for $1800.
If you are interested, go to KodiakBrakes.com

Did you have to buy an actuator as well? I see you had an RV so perhaps you already had hydraulic actuator. I would have to buy one which is like $600+ by itself. I am looking at about $1500 in parts alone plus my time to install it. I don't know that it is worth it.

Tim

 

[6tonsoffun]

who sells the Prodigy Controller in the Vendors list ?

 

[Jomar]

Moosecountry, I looked up the actual cost and the entire system cost me $1078. Breakdown of Cost : Rotors & Calipers for 2 axles $564
Actuator 449
Brake Line Kit 65
I got the E-Coated rotors and calipers, but they make plain ones and also stainless steel.

 

[Jomar]

Don`t know who sells the Prodigy on the Venders List but they are always on ebay.

 

[Jomar]

New Prodigy brake controllers on ebay for less than $90.

 

[Eddysel]

Jomar, I've been looking for the same information. I just purchased a RV with Dexter 8,000 lb electro/hydraulic disc brakes. Dexter recommends the Predator DX2 brake controller but I have the latest Prodigy. I'm going to contact Dexter on this matter as I've spoken to Connie at Tekonsha and she told me the same thing she told you. Ed

 

[Jomar]

Who makes the elec actuator for your brakes. You might call them and see what they say.

 

[vietvet66-67]

There was a disscusion on this on RV.net . According to that site the new model Prodigy will work fine with the Dexter setup.

 

[Eddysel]

Called Dexter Axle today. My Tekonsha Prodigy brake controller is 100% compatible with their electro-hydraulic braking system. Ed

 

[Jomar]

If this is your first time to pull a trailer with disc brakes, you are going to be pleasently surprised.

 

[Jomar]

Does anyone know if the integrated brake controller that ford uses will work with elec/hyd disc trailer brakes ?

 

[blizzardplowman]

Does anyone know if the integrated brake controller that ford uses will work with elec/hyd disc trailer brakes ?

Last I heard no. They were working on it, Fiend of mine has 05 with the tow boss, had to buy a non hyd/disc fifth wheel, hard to do in the high end stuff he was looking at.

 

[trailerpro]

The confusing thing about compatibility is that not all elec/hyd actuators are the same. The unit Carlisle makes is not compatible with Ford and the Prodigy unless a "fooler" module is wired in. The newer unit that Dexter sells is compatible with ALL brake controls except the Voyager. There are several others on the market also. So basically, not all actuator can be grouped into the same category.

BTW, someone mentioned the Predator DX2. Stay away from that one, biggest POS I ever used.