Recommended Brake Controller to Replace 15-Year-Old Draw-Tite Controller Used with Horse Trailer

Question:

I have a 2005 F150, 5.4L Triton V8 with the 3.73 rear end. I tow a 2 horse bumper pull that has a gross weight of 3500 empty. The brake controller I was using has died and I was wondering if I really needed to upgrade to a Prodigy, Hayes Genesis or such or stay with a Draw Tite which this last one was - which was about 15 years old, from another truck or a similar box. I live in Chattanooga, TN, not exactly big mountains but we do have some moderate pulls, I haul mostly locally, about 24 times a year. Long trips about 6 times a year. Thanks for your input!

asked by: Catherine

Helpful Expert Reply:

Brake controllers have come a long way in the last 15 years. Your old Draw-Tite indeed served you well for all those years but you will definitely find that the latest generation of Tekonsha brake controllers will make towing easier. The latest controllers like the Prodigy P2 # 90885 and the P3 # 90195 offer features that make set-up easier.

Proportional type controllers like the two Prodigy units offer superior performance to time-delay types. Proportional units will save wear and tear on both the truck and trailer brakes.

The P2 and P3 also offer the flexibility to pull trailers with either electric or electric-over-hydraulic brakes. They also include built-in diagnostics that make it easier to troubleshoot. The main difference between the P2 and the P3 is the display; the P3 # 90195 offers an easy-to-read LCD display lets you choose color, adjust contrast and pick from different languages! Their functionality is the same so either would offer you a big upgrade to your old Draw-Tite. Both of these controllers are highly-rated by our customers.

If you don't have a quick-connect wiring adapter already in your truck you can use part # 3035-P t connect your Prodigy to the truck's under-dash port. The linked video and article will also be of help to you in deciding on your preferred controller.