Brake Controller - P3 or Prodigy? Can't decide

[Diesel Dawg]

Hello all... Thanks for all the great topics. I really enjoy reading all the great advice. I have a 2002 F250 PSD and I pull a 30 foot Fifth Wheel that weighs approx 9K when loaded. I purchased the truck used and it currently has a Draw-Tite brake controller. I don't think it's working very well and I'm looking to upgrade to either a P3 or a Prodigy. The truck is currently all stock.
I'd like to swap it out myself, but I don't know what all is involved???
Where would the brake connector be located under the dash if I decide to do this myself???

Thanks for your help...

[Blue01F250]

either will be good -- I'd personally go with the P3 as its not much more expensive - there is a gray plug under your dash that it plugs into...

[Diesel Dawg]

Thanks for the great pic... This will really help!
Once installed (either the P3 or Prodigy), is there much that needs to be done after that? I'm trying to determine if I need to have an RV shop install it and get it fine tuned with my truck and fifth wheel, or if I just install it and it is ready to go...
Thanks for your help!

[Doakster]

I have the prodigy with the Ford specific connector that will plug directly from the controller into the factor plug under the dash, very simple install. You can also view a video on etrailer.com that is located on the regular Prodigy link that will show you how to install it, it's a simple plug an play.

Here is a link to the install:

Tekonsha Prodigy Brake Controller Installation - 2003 Ford F250 - etrailer.com

It will also show you how to do the set up you are talking about, it literally takes about 1-2 min of driving to set it up once you have it installed and the trailer is hooked up, you just adjust the max voltage that is putss out to the trailer by adjusting the manual voltage knob on the controller to about 6 at first(12 is the max), run the truck and trailer at about 25 mph, and activate the manual lever on the controller and if the brakes lock up the max voltage is set to high, so bump it down a little and repeat. You want to get the max voltage to the trailer but just before the point where you lock up the trailer brakes. If when you tried the 25mph test and the trailer brakes didn't lock up, then bump up the voltage a little and retest until you get them to lock, then bump it down just until they do not lock. The prodigy and the P3 also have boost controls on them (3 levels, level 3 the highest), boost is the initial amount of voltage sent to the trailer when you first hit the brakes, with a real heavy load a higher boost level can help to slow the trailer and truck on the initial hit of the brake pedal, the manual will have recommended boost level for certain measured load weights, but you can play with this on your own and see what's best for the particular load you are carrying. Long story short don't pay anyone to do this, if you can used a screw driver(to mount the controller) and follow the manual to set it up, which is the same as I mentioned above than you should have no problem.


Now with all that being said my gooseneck never locks it's brake at the max setting of 12v, this is because my brakes are probably a little weak, just keep this in mind when setting up the controller.

The P3 is more or less the same as the Regular prodigy just has a nicer LCD screen and it can do electric over hydraulic brakes so it's really you preference, if you can find a good deal on the P3 I'd go for it, but the Prodigy works excellent too.

[Blue01F250]

very easy to set up - I definately wouldn't pay anyone to do it

[Diesel Dawg]

Thanks for the great feedback. I'm searching for the best price on the Internet for a P3.
I've heard nothing but GOOD about this brake controller.
Thanks again!!!

[Evil Eye]

I have had 3 Prodigy units and wouldn't buy anything else... Good luck!

[alabamafrog]

I got my P-3 new on eBay for around $120, it took all of 5 minutes to remove my old crappy controller and install the P-3. It also came with simple instructions for installation and operation. It is a vast improvement over the cheapo controller I had before.

[SuperCrutyPS]

I have the Prodigy and it works very well with my 5th wheel trailer brakes. I know that is not something I have to worry about.

I don't have any experience with the P3, but many on a RV forum say they like theirs.