HaylettRV.com - Brake Controller Break Down with Josh the RV Nerd
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- Опубликовано: 4 ноя 2016
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Haylett Auto & RV of Coldwater Michigan | 800-256-5196 
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*Hi Folks! We've had a few of you comment to advise the Primus IQ does provide braking in reverse now. We're well aware of that. Note the posting date of this video back in 2016. A few advances have improved the Primus IQ and made it easily the best buy in brake controllers now. Remember these videos don't automatically "evolve" over time, and thank you for making sure we always have accurate information available!*
What an honest comment.
I'm having that "Ah Ha" moment. Purchased the Primus IQ today and I really didn't know how they worked. This was very helpful. Thank you.
You're welcome!
Liked & subscribed! I’m getting a tow package installed tomorrow and went with the P2 based on RUclips trailer owners recommendations. Now, thanks to this awesome video, I comprehend the choices and am confident in my selection! Thank you!
Finally someone explained it so I can understand! Thanks...
Had no clue how these worked, all I knew was I was going to need one. Great information. Thanks!
At least you knew THAT much. Not uncommon for us to see folks drive from a long distance with a trade in and NO brake controller because they were told they were fine
Most insane example we saw was a guy from Upstate New York driving an SUV rated for 4,000lbs hauling a trailer that weighed 5,200lbs. He had no brake controller, no load leveling or anti-sway hitch, and had only a 2" ball for a 2 5/16" coupler.
He commented that he bought the RV two years ago and the guy told him he was all set. He had taken it from NY to Wisconsin.. *TWICE!!*
Thankfully without incident but we couldn't believe it
@@JoshtheRVNerd Wow! #1 reason I'm watching your educational videos, I don't want to be that guy.
Thank you for this video! Getting into towing and this video made it alot more sense and, to quote you on this, that light bulb went off and I feel alot more confident and understand more deeply about brake controllers!
Very informative! Thanks for putting this out there for people who tow trailers can see! I LOVE your video's.
Hey Josh, so glad you had this tutorial on brake controllers and the Primus in particular. (I’m a newbie at trailers with brakes) I was taken in a circle around the dealers lot with no explanation as to what/when/ how to adjust the controller. He set it at 12 and that was it. Hell, I didn’t even know that it was volts!! And frankly I understood you much more than the instruction pamphlet.
Nerdly yours, Johnny 🥸
A little has changed since this came out. I need to update it. Overall the general gist holds true
Funny I find your videos 6 years old. We just had you comment on my post
Wow must've hopped aboard Mr. Peabody's Wayback machine
@Josh the RV Nerd at Bish's RV yea I was looking up about towing amd brake controllers. Or if a 7 pin co trolled the brakes or not.
Love the prodigy p2 I have one in 3 different truck! Absolutely love that unit!
Thanks for another great education video Joshua!!!!! I had no idea how LITTLE I knew about brake controllers!!!! Now I have more knowledge!!! :)
Thank you sir! Born into being a auto technician basically but never fully understood the functions/ theory until now, I’m a hands on/ visual learner, this helped me further understand these controllers instead of wiring them in and sending someone on their way. I can now further explain and help them get better handling characteristics because of this video. Appreciate you taking the time to explain!
SOME things have changes naturally since this came out years ago, but the general idea still holds true
I seen the video was from 2016 so i figured! Good info regardless
Thank you for the education.
Excellent video once again! I have the P2 and now fully understand the deal. :)
Very helpful. Thanks Josh!
Thank you for explaining this!
Good video. The Tekonsha Prodigy 2 has performed well for me. Brake controllers are pretty simple to calibrate when you learn how to use the manual brake lever.
Can you please elaborate?
Very informative! Thank you.
Very informative video Josh. Only found out the requirement for a brake controller about a week prior in early August 2017 for my planned maiden voyage with our new 2017 compact RV camper TT that had gotten few months prior. The RV salesman never mentioned anything about a BC or the need for a BC. My 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T came with the factory tow pkg. option but no BC and not set up for Plug N Play installation. So spent just over $408 for parts and labor (about 2 hours) to install a Tekonsha Prodigy 2 BC. The BC itself was$128, labor $196, rest for needed connecting parts, shop supplies, and tax. The Prodigy 2 works well and easy to use with my DGC.
Sorry to hear the facility at which you purchased didn't mention a brake controller. Sadly, not everyone verifies safety items like our team. The good news is you discovered your need for one before it was an issue. Also, the pricing you paid for the install on a vehicle like yours is pretty fair, so don't feel like you were raked over the coals. It's an item you'd need regardless of what/where you purchased.
Great video! Getting ready to purchase my first pop up. Thanks for the great info!
Happy to educate in return for a fair opportunity to earn your business. Doesn't matter where you live -- we make deals happen if you give us the chance!
great inside in to the world of break controllers
Great video! I think this should be revised and released again. You truly did a nice job.
Oh absolutely. I need to scan my old stuff and get some things updated
You truly have a wealth of information that is put out in a fun yet informative format.
When i went to a local trailer and towing company to get a break controller and they would only recommend or sell the Prodigy. My brother owned a construction company and his vehicles all had the Prodigy.
Got the Prius iq really improves my braking,thanks for the info needed this info before I ordered.
Glad I could help! If it's not out of question to ask would you mind dropping me a quick review at g.page/r/CdPcitNVx2nDEAg/review in return for the helping hand?
Thanks! I'm one of those who didn't know what a trailer brake was for, but I did remember the movie The Long Long Trailer with Lucille Ball...
classic!
aha light buuulb. Thanks Josh bro. ur the best.
Thank you once again
Thank you Josh for this video info. Your the best.
My pleasure!
This is slightly aged now but mostly holds up still
A little late to the comments. But the Voyager is a proportional brake controller. I have one and it works great. The big downside is that its not self leveling. Meaning you must level the internal sensor with the left hand knob. Its a pain because I remove my dash time to time and always have to calibrate it before use. I would always recommend a self leveling like the P2 or P3s. Great overall video.
Excellent feedback. TY!
Great video as always. The Primus IQ now does braking in reverse according to tekonsha. Based on their info, the prodigy gives one more axle and electric over hydraulic ability.
You're correct. Some things have been updated since this was published. Which is great -- that Primus is a pound for pound champ now.
Thank you for your time addressing my question. I have a 2018 Ram 1500. It has tow package with a 7 prong plug. Been towing 25' River Forest. I loved the braking system. Traded my Forest River in and now tow a 2019 25' Mallard. Dealer would not let me leave the lot without installing a brake assist switch. Was told that Ga. DOT required switch, Been pulling trailers around Ga. for 25 yrs. That does not in anyway make me a pro. When I towed the Forest River for a year braking was perfect. Now that switch is very very grabby with my Mallard. I continually have to adjust the settings. I don't have an issue with the money spent. what would happen if I took it off. needs to be moved anyway. It's down by my gas pedal. Installer was a bit short with me because I didn't want cutting of wires on the truck. But he wouldn't give my keys to leave. All good. You are the pro's. Just push me in the right direction. Thank you for your time reading my question and thank you for your advice. You provide a great service to the viewers of your videos.
Josh--your vids are very helpful. I may be worth the drive from SE Michigan to Coldwater. Thanks.
Thanks Marty! :)
@@JoshtheRVNerd Talked with Randy yesterday. The trailer we wanted was already sold, but he recommended your vids. Love the vibe and the "real" pricing explanations. Appreciated.
Hi, Josh. I realize I'm kinda late to the party on this video, but you left out the availability of plug-and-play wiring adapters for vehicles with factory tow packages. In particular, the Prodigy P2 could be installed with the available "pocket" brackets, couple that with the plug-and-play wiring adapters, and that controller could be used in multiple vehicles with multiple trailers. Great videos, and we'll be sure to come see you when it's time for the next chapter in our RV story.
Great info here. Thx for adding. I try not to get too overwhelming for folks. My goal is to help someone gain a functional understanding for something of which they likely weren't aware. Our parts specialists are always here for those fine details.
I knew what these were but had no idea that there were different types or how they operated. Good info!
Some of this is a bit outdated but the general working theory still holds up
@@JoshtheRVNerd time for an updated video? 😁
good video
Great explanation
Glad you think so!
I love it! I have a trailer package, what’s a brake controller! 🤪🤪🤪. I’m not being ugly here after all since starting this camping thing I’ve gone through three trucks ( 18/19/20) in as many years to get the right combination to tow our present and future camper (on order at Jayco)! Advice is to fully investigate the tow-er as well as the tow-ee! 😀😀😀 remember if it’s under 10,000 GVWR a 1/2 ton with the HD tow package including a extra large cooling system and at least a 3.42 rear end is mandatory otherwise get yourself a 3/4 ton.
Something I've realized is that before I did this for a living I also knew basically nothing about stuff like brake controllers. That's why my videos are so long/detailed -- I try to remember not everybody's been doing this for a dozen years
Great video man, thanks for the info
My pleasure!!
Thanks for a very informative vid.., as are all the others you do! I'm thinking about the either the Rockwood A214 or a Forest River R-Pod. I'll be towing with a 2016 GMC Canyon with a factory towing package. Is that prewired for a brake controller?
If it has the towing package, then it should. I can't promise anything without seeing the truck in person.
Have you seen either of the Jayco hummingbird or the Winnebago Minnie drop? We actually stopped caring the R pod once we get our hands on both of those brands. There's nothing wrong with the R pod, it's just that those two really stuck out for us and prove to be more successful.
I just learned the answer to a question i never knew i had: why farm trailers sometimes skip to a halt
Yeeeeeep
Thank you for the clear ez to understand video!! Now I understand all the confusing info I have gathered leaving in state of huh?!
Question: My van has an old brake controler installed from previous owner, meaning no volt screen, just the dial and LED light. I don't trust it. Can the control box just be swapped out or am I looking at rewiring? (7way works per lights, e-brake untested-current pop up no brakes 1,800#'s, I know dragging a pop can lol)
Most likely. Once the wiring is done hot-swapping a module is fairly simple (unless the previous owners did some kind of hill billy jury rigging when installing it).
I'm a bit puzzled as to how the unit works. When the manual button is not pushed in, and I step on the brakes (12V on red wire to the unit) the output to the trailer brakes is only around 3V to 4V maximum. So how does the thumbwheel adjustment with the manual button depressed affect the normal output when the vehicle brakes and not the manual override is used?
What are thoughts on Redarc brake controllers?
I have the Primus IQ. It is awesome.
Best dollar for dollar out there currently j think
When I was a kid I just put a momentary switch in. Driving across Canada in a snowstorm. No bullshit, Just pay attention.
Hi Josh. Which brake controller would you recommend for a Highlander / Geo Pro 15TB combination, long distance towing, a few times per year? Open to models other than Bluetooth (adding wiring is ok). Thanks for the videos - you are a great teacher!
Primus IQ is my general go-to in almost all cases
We are planning on renting a few different types of trailers before making a purchase to see which kind we prefer. If we got one like that last wireless controller, would that be better, especially if we expect to get a newer tow vehicle in a few years? And thx for a nice video that explains how each type works. 😎
Yeah the wireless RF model would be perfect for you.
Thank you for posting this. Has anyone ever said your voice sounds similar to John Cryers?
About once a week
Hi Josh thanks for the info! Question, my little Winnebago Winnie single axle pulls to one side while braking and I’m noticing brake dust on one rim as allowed to the other. Would this be a brake controller issue?
Controller doesn't operate brakes independently. You need to get that diagnosed.
Most useful trailer brake video I've seen. Thanks!
Have you done something similar with weight distribution hitches? Might have missed it
I haven’t. This one is a bit outdated now but still holds up enough
@@JoshtheRVNerd Thanks for your response, may I enquire which hitch you use?
Josh.. how do you rate the break controllers that are factory installed in the Ford F-150.
Ford's integrated brake controllers ARE Prodigy brake controllers like you saw in this video.
So, "Pretty darn good" :)
Most trucks come with the wiring harness installed under the dash to plug the brake controllers right in.
Man that's not always as common any more. SO MANY trucks don't have that handy plug any more. Just this big wad of wires and you have to wire a harness up.
@@JoshtheRVNerd I should have said that the trucks with the tow packages are already prewired.
Thanks for all the information which one do you recommend for 4000 lb trailer
Thanks
Primus IQ would be a good "smart money" option
Great video, how much should I expect to pay for installation on a brake controller?
Depends on your vehicle's existing hardware. If it's set and ready for a brake control, then you're only looking at around 30mins on average for labor time ($50-60 or so). If we need to run wiring, then that takes significantly more time (to do it right anyway -- some hillbilly will jury rig it quicker and leave wires everywhere). This takes around 2yrs to do properly.
Joshua Winters thanks for the response. I think I'm going to go with the wireless controller. I'm leasing a 2016 Dodge Ram so this way I won't have to screw into anything.
Have you done a review on the anderson wd hitch?
We have not. We used them in the past, but felt other hitching systems provided a superior overall benefit to customers with less quirks and smoother learning curves for the same cost (like a Recurve or Centerline TS).
Andersen is an *AMAZING* company though. We carry a variety of their accessories and fifth wheel hitches in our service center still today.
Have a 1 ton 93 Chevy, which has the big block engine bought it for pulling a 7,000 lb. camper. But I don't like the brake control, it's old has a knob on right sides and left side generally I keep it turned down to where the trailer isn't doing much braking. Just wondering if I should try to up grade the controller. (grandkids get in and pretty sure they played with it had it turned way up, which I turned way back down)
that's the gain knob you're referencing. it only does anything when the trailer is hooked up btw. Doesn't affect the vehicle when not towing.
All brake controllers with have a gain setting that'll need to be adjusted. A more modern brake module with a digital output may help you more quickly and easily reference its setting.
so the knob on the right is probably the gain, is the one on the left balance drivers side/passengers side on the camper ? @@JoshtheRVNerd
Without seeing your brake unit I couldn’t really say which is which
I'm pretty sure the one on the right increases and decreases, I'm just not sure what the one on the left does?
@@JoshtheRVNerd
Thank you. Now I know how it works. The installer told me it is automatic, have nothing to worry about. HA.
Good to hear!
I used to drive a Tennant around on a trailer and the trailers brakes were controlled by the force exerted on the trailer ball as it braked. Are all popups over 2000 lbs controlled by electric brakes?
The reason I ask is I often see rentals on craigslist. I figure this would be a good way of seeing if we like it before buying.
You're describing hydraulic brakes. That's a different thing and generally illegal in many areas now on anything other than stuff like boat trailers that may be exposed to water.
As I state in the video the required weight rating for trailer brakes is 2,500lbs.
Good video but could you do one showing how to set the brake controller properly.
Funny.. never considered it. Sort of one of those "couldn't see the forest from the trees" things.
I have a Prodigy that's over 20 years old. This last trip I use it SH was the code it was showing; What does that mean and how do I figure out what I need to do?
I'm sorry I'm unable to troubleshoot that over a quick text exchange like this. I would recommend visiting a local service center
Josh...does a RV trailer have more than one type of brakes? applied by fluid or just electric ?
Unless you're in some oddball left-of-center product that's being custom built you're almost always looking at elec brakes.
Commercial trailers use air brakes, typically with two circuits. In the park/emergency part of the system pressurized air acts against a spring to release the brakes (so brakes are applied when uncoupled or in the event of a failure). The other circuit applies braking in proportion to air pressure, controlled by the brake pedal.
In large/expensive trailers designed to be pulled by non-air brake equipped tow vehicles you may find electric over hydraulic brakes. The tow vehicle has a brake controller as explained in this video, but it controls an electrically powered hydraulic actuator mounted in the trailer. It pressurized brake fluid in proportion to the brake signal from the tow vehicle brake controller. Typical hydraulic disks and calipers are mounted on the axles. Not used in most RV’s because you’d be looking at probably $2k? For upgrade.
Last common trailer brake system is hydraulic surge brakes. Typically a master cylinder is mounted at the trailer tongue and pressurizes brake fluid when the trailer tries to push into the tow vehicle. A pin is generally used to disable the system to prevent the trailer brakes from locking when backing. Hydraulic drums or disks are used. Mainly seen on boat trailers (dunking in water doesn’t do regular electric brakes any good).
I just bought a Toyota Tundra and I noticed it came with that. I have no clue what to do with it. I done even have a trailer and don’t think I will (at least I have no plans for one). Does it affect anything? Does it need to be off?
Just ignore it. It is a module that tells a trailer when to fire its brakes IF a trailer's plugged in. Does nothing otherwise.
Josh, we have a weight distribution combo sway control hitch from the dealer. Everything was done to speck by our dealer. We are first time RV Trailer owners. I feel the dealer should test drive it. Our plan is to drive from Erie Pa to Jacksonville Fl. Again your thoughts???
By the way the push pull only occurs while driving.
May I ask your tow vehicle please? I want to get as much info here as possible to try to get the best idea of a possible explanation or correction.
Does Bish install P3 brake controllers at the dealership? Can they do it on a 2017 Nissan Pathfinder?
This video is a bit dated but yeah we can do about any of them
Hmmm... I am at the point of buying a European horse trailer (with its own braking system) because I have "gone thru" three Tekonsha Primus brake controllers on my 2015 Tundra (installed at Toyota). My last resort might be that last product so that I can bypass the Tundra's towing harness which might be the problem, although the dealer changed that as well.
Something’s wrong there. I see brake controllers lasting tests with heavily use.
Either something was installed improperly or they’ve not demonstrated for you it’s proper use.
Also, you mentioned a trailer with its own braking system - that often means things like surge brakes that are illegal in most US states
Consider something like a wireless brake controller as a potential way to take the wiring out of the equation
Timer based controllers are awful. They ramp up trailer braking based on the brake light switch tripping. If you are easing up on the brake pedal, it is still ramping up the trailer braking.
Accelerometer based proportional controllers are much better, at least they are able to apply more or less trailer braking based on how hard the tow vehicle is stopping. Some can respond to bumps with surges of trailer braking (when the controller is active-brake light switch on).
There were two brands of controllers, Maxbrake and Brakesmart, that varied trailer braking in proportion to solid state pressure transducer (doesn’t displace fluid) that you installed in the tow vehicle brake line. There were very expensive (up to like $450), but amazingly smooth. Trailer brakes respond exactly and instantly to the amount of brake pedal pressure, and work as seamlessly with the tow vehicle as the front and rear axles of a car work together when not towing.
My last RV, a 40’ triple axle, would stop almost like the trailer wasn’t there.
Unfortunately neither brand is still with us, as far as I know. I think people were shocked by the price, but having pulled a lot of heavy trailers with different controllers, when I got one I was astounded at how smooth and how powerful electric drums could be.
Thoughts on the Curt Echo?
Prodigy is such the industry standard I've simply never really needed to really learn other modules. I'm sure it's fine, but I have no feedback to provide
My friend was fiddling with the buttons on mine. I have know clue about them should I be concerned?
They don't usually have a lot of buttons. Just a boost and the gain dial. There's not much to them. Without seeing the unit in question I don't know if I can provide more insight.
Hi -- I have a break controller -- tekonsha - voyager from 12/97 -- will it still work on a new 2023/24 travel trailer -- would there be an need to update and put a newer break controller
Yeah brake controllers manage signal regardless of year
How can u tell if there still connected -- brake contrioller --or electrical hookups @@JoshtheRVNerd
Thank you! I had no idea that the numbers were the voltage. Ah hah!
Glad I could help!
in june 2020 the Primus IQ brakes in reverse
You're correct. Note the posting date of this video though -- it's slightly aged footage. Tekonsha Towing has made some advances on things that werent there previously.
That Primus IQ is easily the best buy on brake controllers pound for pound out there now.
Hi How much is to have the primus controller and convert my 4 pin to 7 pin. 2007 ford escape.
Have to direct you to a parts person for that one
My husband and I recently purchased an R-pod 2016 179. We took it for a drive and noticed this push pull thing happening when driving say at speeds around 45mph.Is this normal? We spoke to our dealer and they didn't really have an answer. We have a Nissan Frontier truck with after market brake control from the dealer. Your thoughts Josh??
That shouldn't be happening at all. Do you have the correct size ball for the coupler? Any level of anti-sway? Does this occur when hitting the brakes or just while driving?
Do you have to have 12v power coming from the truck to trailer?
Specific wiring does need to be in place.
where does the prodigy 1 fit in
This video is a bit outdated really. I need to get around to updating it. Some things on these braking modules have changed & I need to run myself thru a little refresher course
So how does the rf get power?
The brake module itself wires onto the trailer and gets it power from there
The hand-held controller plugs into your cigarette lighter
The voyager B C is not a timer, It is proportional
This video is aged and things have changed
Good day josh, what is your opinion on reese trailer brake controllers? I use one in my 2008 grand cherokee diesel.
I've never really heard any frequency of anything negative from any brake controller brand. You likely have more direct experience with it than I do. What is YOUR opinion on them?
I have never had an issue with mine. It had to be hardwired in but it stops my whitehawk 28 dsbh quite efficiently
Then I would say they're just fine according to an independent review but one of my trusted viewers! :)
Min 4:50: what are "breaks in reverse" and why is that popular?
Most brake controllers will not operate the RV's brakes when moving backwards.
@@JoshtheRVNerd
Is that a big deal?
Can't the tow vehicle brakes handle it when going backup speeds?
@@hg2. For most people? probably not.
Not all terrain is as forgiving however.
Hi Josh, do you think my Lexus RX 350 rated at 3500 towing capacity is a serviceable tow vehicle for a 2500lb dry weight 350lb tongue weight casita? Casita said I am fine as long as I use a WDH. They recommended Andersen no sway WDH. I like to hear from an expert. Thanks in advance.
Regardless of trailer: Your vehicle should only be used for very casual towing thru modest terrain. Flatlands/local camping is fine. If you plan to tow through mountains, then you shouldn't be using your vehicle at all really. It's not made for that kind of use.
2500lbs dry is obviously within safe specs of a 3500lb tow rating, but I don't know the rest of the specs on a trailer we don't carry & cannot provide a fully informed response.
You should always be using a WDH with your vehicles due to its very short wheelbase (which allows a trailer to "push" the vehicle side-to-side more easily).
Haylett RV thanks. All very good pointd
The tekonsha voyager is proportional
Yeah this video is outdated now on some of those specifics
At about 3 min u mention the Primus is a top seller then at about 5 min u say u have only sold one primus? Know this video is dated. I am about to take a friends 5500 lb trailer only about 30 miles with 2010 Tacoma. However as pull into campground relatively steep grade. So trying to pick an adequate controller with 7 pin. Has tow pkg and looks like just need to hook up under dash
Keep in mind this video is now years old
I mentioned the primus was the most popular at our dealership
But I only ever personally had a client choose it one time after I explained the differences between them
Some things in this video have been outdated now however
Watched this vid in search of answers. Ford F250 hauling a fifth wheel. Dash keeps dinging with a "Trailer Fault" message. RV guys say it's the truck. Ford guys say it's the trailer. Meanwhile, we are stuck for answers before we can haul it home.
I’m just trying to figure out why any dealership would sell a truck with a tow package and not put one on it🤷♂️😡 just saying, it frigen happened to me👎
We have clients visit regularly with brand new trucks purchased specifically for the purpose of hauling an RV only to discover they cannot handle the RV they described when purchasing the vehicle
And there are likely just as many RV dealers capable of similar bonehead moves
We never claim to be perfect, but man we try. We've made mistakes, but not *that* type of mistake
What’s the average life span for these?
I have never personally spoken to someone who has had a brake controller fail. I'm sure it's happened, but in 10 years I've not had a personal client ever speak of it. So... "long" is the best I can offer you *lol*
Where's the most popular controller out there...the P3!!!?? Lol
Old video from 2016 before the P3 was really accepted widely
Whatever my 02 Ford has is a pos junker