Trailer Brake Controller

whiteLE · 01-20-2006, 05:35 PM

Good evening

I need to buy a trailer brake controller for my Titan and I'd like some recommendations on good brand and model(s). I've never purchased a brake controller before. I will be towing a 4 place snowmobile trailer that is a conventional trailer (non goose-neck/5th wheel). It is 3500-4000 lb total weight with sleds. Ideally, I'd like one that:

1. I don't have to drill holes in my dash.
2. Is Small enough to mount in front of right knee.
3. Is easily removable.

thanks
whiteLE

timstitan · 01-20-2006, 06:40 PM

I used a Hoppy from Northern Tool. They didn't have the Nissan connection when I did mine, like they do now. It will make the hook up easier. I also mounted my controller centered under the dash, hidden by the steering column. I can't even see it during normal operation. You will need to get the park light resistors from the dealer,(about $55) so you don't blow a fuse everytime you turn on the running lights. HTH

whiteLE · 01-20-2006, 06:57 PM

thanks TimsTitan, I'll ask my dealer about the park light resistors. I think these resistors may have something to do with the recall/TSB on the wiring harness.

whiteLE

Clint · 01-20-2006, 06:58 PM

According to the owner reviews in here, the Prodigy brand controller is the favorite.
Do a search on these boards because there is much advice you'll appreciate and the wiring connections you'll need to do.

Clint

Clint · 01-20-2006, 07:02 PM

I never heard anything mentioned about resistors. With my last trailer I changed all the lights from incandecent to LED and the draw is much smaller and at the same time the trailer is much more visible.
On my 2002 Frontier the harness was only rated at three amps, not sure what the Titans wiring willl take. Maybe a resistor would have helped there.

Clint

CHEIF · 01-20-2006, 08:00 PM

Shop internet for the best price. They sell some real crap for almost the same as the good stuff. Prodigy is a great brand. They are also sold under another name, but prodigy is included on the label.

There are 3 different types of controllers. Timer, pendulem, and proportional. Proportional is by far, superior to the other 2. I bought a piece o' crap timer at autozone for 88 bucks and it's just one of those things I wish I hadn't done.

Chief

bouak · 01-29-2006, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whiteLE

thanks TimsTitan, I'll ask my dealer about the park light resistors. I think these resistors may have something to do with the recall/TSB on the wiring harness.

whiteLE

WhiteLE, what did you find out about needing resistors when installing a brake controller??

Thanks in advance

whiteLE · 02-01-2006, 08:30 PM

Nothing yet, I haven't made it to the dealer. TimsTitan mentioned it earlier in this thread, and to be quite honest, I'm not sure if park light resistors are an additional wiring device or what...

I do plan on asking about them and I will let you know what I learn.

**loufish** · 02-05-2006, 09:43 AM

Quote:

I do plan on asking about them and I will let you know what I learn.

Make your life simple...just plan on buying a Prodigy contoller and don't worry.

People are funny sometimes, they buy a $27k truck, then 2 motorcycles at $5k each, and $800 for the trailer....then fuss about saving $29 on a cheap controller.
I'm NOT saying this you, just a observation in general

bestatchess · 02-05-2006, 09:49 AM

Parking light resistors? Are you talking about the two relays?

CHEIF · 02-05-2006, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bestatchess

Parking light resistors? Are you talking about the two relays?

I've never heard of this either. My truck did not come with the Tow Package. I bought the kit from the dealer, bolted the hitch on, plugged in the 2 relays, plugged the harness adaptor (under the bumper) into the hitch, wired up my controller and life has been good.

Loufish is correct, for the few extra bucks you may spend on a topnotch controller, it will pay off one hundred times in how well it works and how long it lasts.

rtapia · 02-05-2006, 11:06 AM

Get the Prodigy. It mounts easily above the right knee. Don't be afraid to drill when you install it. If you have the Big Tow package then you have what you need to install the Prodigy. If you don't, then you will need to install the 2tow relays. (See pic) I think that these relays are what was refered to earlier as a resistor.

ptgarcia · 02-05-2006, 11:34 AM

Jordan Ultima or Tekonsha Prodigy offer the best bang for the buck. The Prodigy installs easier and can be had for a little cheaper ($94 at RVWholesalers.com) than the Jordan, but the Jordan supposedly works a bit smoother than the Prodigy.

I use the Prodigy to stop my 8000lb travel trailer.

whiteLE · 02-05-2006, 12:31 PM

thanks guys--I haven't bought one yet but this is great information.

JamesB · 02-06-2006, 12:33 PM

First off your towing a small single or dual axle brake trailer. You have no need for the big fancy inertia based controllers. I am using a 30 dollar reese timer based controller. It doesnt have to be mounted level, mines actually velcrowed into the pocket next to my right knee with the gain pointed up.

I can adjust the gain and it works perfectly for my 15' open car carrier, my friends 25' enclosed trailer, and my friends 32' boat trailer. All stop no problem without issue.