Brake controller questions

sapper1971 · 05-04-2005, 06:35 PM

I've never towed with any kind of brakes on a trailer. However, tomorrow I will be picking up a 22 ft pontoon boat and the tandem axle trailer it sits on has brakes on one of the axles. I think its an electric set up. Altho I am not even sure. Never even thought about asking the dealer that question. At any rate.... I've seen a lot of talk about this Prodigy electric controller here on this board in my searches. I know BEANS about trailer brakes LOL!! Is this a good controller?? It seems to be the most costly one!! I need something that will supply smooth braking with no pulsing or surging during a slow down or stop. Also, one last thing, but important*** Will the wiring harness provided by Nissan plug directly into the back of this Prodigy unit?? Thanks!

Clint · 05-04-2005, 06:42 PM

It is the most costly because it is the best unit out there right now. There was a post this past week about wiring and no, it's not plug and play but the wire colors/connections was listed in the post. Try the search feature on this site and you'll get quite a bit of help. Spend more money now to save lots of money/grief later on.

Clint

**HudsonValleyTitan** · 05-04-2005, 06:54 PM

Go for the slightly cheaper Tekonsha made VOYAGER model. It's made by the same company and works exactly like the Prodogy. The only difference is the Prodigy has a digital readout, while the Voyager has just a simple light that goes from green to red depending on brake force. Both are inertia activated proportional controllers with manual brake switch.

sapper1971 · 05-04-2005, 06:57 PM

OK cool. Thanks Hudson. I noticed that some folks used the Nissan pigtail to wire this particular controller up, but the manufacterer offers a Nissan Titan/Armada wiring harness for 15 bucks. Is that need too?? Or can I just use the Nissan pigtail that wias provided??

Clint · 05-04-2005, 06:58 PM

Here, I found the post:
"Red/Green" - on the harness goes to "Red - Stoplight" on the Prodogy.
"Black - Brake Controller Ground (-)" on the harness goes to "White - Ground" on the Prodogy.
"Red - Fused Trailer Brake Controller Battery Feed (B+)" on the harness goes to "Black - +12 Volts" on the Prodogy.
"Brown/White - Trailer Brake Controller Switched Output" on the harness goes to "Blue - Trailer Brakes" on the Prodogy.

You won't be using the "Red/Blue - Trailer Brake Controller Illumination" on the harness so, just cap it off using elec. tape.
Clint

sapper1971 · 05-04-2005, 07:05 PM

Yes, thanks Clint. i found that one too. But I am still just a bit confused as to why a Nissan wire harness would be offered with the Prodigy unit. I dont know if I need it or not?!?! Like I said...I dont know BEANS bout this stuff.

**HudsonValleyTitan** · 05-04-2005, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sapper1971

OK cool. Thanks Hudson. I noticed that some folks used the Nissan pigtail to wire this particular controller up, but the manufacterer offers a Nissan Titan/Armada wiring harness for 15 bucks. Is that need too?? Or can I just use the Nissan pigtail that wias provided??

No need for anything other than the controller and the connector in your glovebox. Use the color code CLINT provided in the last post. Be sure to connect the wires SECURELY! I suggest soldering and elec. taping the connections.

QWIKWHIP · 05-05-2005, 05:15 AM

You should also confirm what kind of brakes your trailer has first. Most boat trailers have hydrolic surge brakes instead of electric. You would then need nothing to control them.