marrs1721

I have a 2010 XLT Super Crew. I plan on adding a trailer break control to my truck since I will be soon towing a 2800 lb trailer. I know nothing about electronic trailer breaks. Can anyone tell me the pros and cons of a Ford OEM electric break compared to an aftermarket brand? What are some things to consider? Is a number readout important on them? I was given a "Prodigy P2" controller when I got the trailer. It is used. Any advice will be appreciated. Thank you!

smurfs_of_war

I just went through the same thing. I ended up going with the OEM controller since I had read posts from others saying it worked great. I don't have the experience required to determine bad from good so I relied on their experiences. $230 part, 15 minute self install in the dash, 2 minutes and a Tim Hortons for the tech to enable it. Pros for me were the clean look, integration into my display and experiences I have read.

Not much help I know, but I had to start somewhere

GATORB8

The prodigy is a good controller, but there are some benefits to the integrated OEM controller.

Either should suit you fine for that load.

The digital read out on the prodigy is nice, but not a necessity. You should be able to get the Tekonsha connector harness that fits your truck for around 10 bucks on amazon.

marrs1721

Thank you. I don't mind dropping some coin for a quality controller. I am a bit leary on low cost stuff though. I worry that if you buy cheap you get cheap. Unless in some cases it gets good reviews.

tcp2

if you already have the p2, use it. it is one of the best proportional controllers out there and will fit into the cubby where the oem unit goes. get the harness online and it's a 10 minute plug-n-play install. i use the tekonsha prodigy and it works great. the oem unit looks a bit more integrated, but use the money u save for a couple of tanks of gas.

marrs1721

Thanks everyone. So I've been told brake controllers other than ford will not show up on my dash? What about the sway control? Can I still use that with an aftermarket? Is it really just personal preference? I've been reading a lot of people saying the OEM is miles ahead, but no real good explanations. Im assuming it simply works better when its ford with ford? Again I know nothing about these.

GATORB8

I believe that is correct.

I believe the sway control is activated by the ford controller

The ford unit is better, but it's probably not worth the added cost for occasional use since you already have the prodigy. Tekonsha's proportional controllers are generally regarded as the best aftermarket units in their price range.

marrs1721

I can get the ford unit for $176. Install myself for free, then get activated at ford dealer for $40. I like the idea of the info on the display and the sway control. Choices choices. Thanks everyone.

smurfs_of_war

Thats exactly what tipped it for me.

acadianbob

The Ford controller is superior because it is activated by the master cylinder rather than an inertial method like the prodigy uses. This approach is much better if you are a person who uses their brakes "lightly".