Tekonsha controllers

[Silvertwinkie]

Been pretty pleased with my Prodigy controller. I have had it for several years, I noticed a new model came out from Tekonsha and wondered if anyone had any exp with it. I've also heard great things about the Jordan controller, but I have adjustable pedals and wasn't sure that would make for a good fit, but I am interested in hearing what folks think about the new Tekonsha controller..I think it's called the P3.

[damonbeals]

We have a P3 and have not had any issues, the display is very nice and super easy to understand. The flashing red display when it doesn't detect a trailer is nice.

Damon

[Silvertwinkie]

Tekonsha really makes a great product, though I wasn't a real big fan of the Voyager the dealer gave me when I first got my Bambi (pre-current unit I have). It's nice to hear that the next product up the food chain at Tekonsha is decent. Did you have another controller before the P3?

[moosetags]

We currently have two tow vehicles. One has a Prodigy, the other has a P3. I like them both, but I think I prefer the way the P3 operates.

Brian

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Hi, my original brake controller was a Tekonsha Voyager and it worked just fine, but all adjustments were done by feel and by watching the color change on the LED light. I wanted something newer and one with numbers on display so if I wanted to change adjustments I had a referrence point to go from. I have heard nothing but greatness on the Prodigy, but I wanted the, new at the time, P-3. My trailer has drum brakes and I'm happy with them, but if I ever buy a newer trailer and it comes with disc brakes [not likely] or if one of my Airstream friends has tow vehicle problems, and disc brakes, I could possibly help them out. Anyhow I'm happy with my decisssion to up-grade to the Tekonsha P-3.

[cortés]

Im going to have to check into this. Although my brake controller has been
great and Ive been completely satisfied...the above unit looks super nice.
Thanks for sharing the images.

[cburke]

The new disk brake systems are compatible with any of the brake controllers currently available.

A word of caution regarding Tekonsha brand controllers. As recently as the Prodigy Tekonsha engineers did not design their controllers to activate the coach/trailer brake lights when the manual override was activated. So, if for some reason you needed to apply the brakes manually, usually an emergency situation, the drivers behind you would get no indications you are trying to stop or slow down.

The online description does not make it clear if the P-3 works the same.

[Eagle]

How long does a controler last? I have a Tekonsha Sentinel. Probably new in 1998. Has gain and level controls. Came with the tow vehicle, bought used. I tow a 34'. I feel the brakes operate, and had them adjusted last winter, but I would like more aggressive stopping action. I am unable to make an adjustment that improves the stopping action. Shall I buy new?

[Silvertwinkie]

Hi Norm. Some last years some months. The only ones I ever saw that lasted forever were the old units that tapped into the brake lines. The one we used many moons ago was made by Kelsey/Hayes.

My Prodigy does have boot levels that help increase braking but I have found if there is too much braking, at least on my Safari, the wheels can lock up at lower speeds. I would also guess that increasing braking could also wear brakes out a bit faster. Now, my 25er is probably not even near the same ballpark as a 34 footer with 6 brakes and more GVWR, but I would imagine that it could behave somewhat similarly.

I think, and this is just my opinion, that there is no substitute for proper maintenance and upkeep, which you seem to be doing.

In many cases now, these controllers are about $120, so if you wanted to experiment a bit, the dollars are not in the stratosphere to give it a whirl, but it does sound like your controller is still working fine.

[cburke]

How long does a controler last? I have a Tekonsha Sentinel. Probably new in 1998. Has gain and level controls. Came with the tow vehicle, bought used. I tow a 34'. I feel the brakes operate, and had them adjusted last winter, but I would like more aggressive stopping action. I am unable to make an adjustment that improves the stopping action. Shall I buy new?

Tekonsha no longer lists the Sentinel on their website. Just in case you didn't get the directions with the unit. I did find a set of directions on how to adjust it for more or less aggressive braking.
9055 Instructions

Let us know.