Brake Controller Recommendation for Semi or Motorhome on Poor Road Conditions
Question:
Occasional use. 1993 Peterbilt 372 or 1992 Beaver motorhome. Both produce harsh ride on poor road conditions. Will the proportional system stand up to this and or get fooled with this type of vehicle ride characteristics? Dont really want the air over electric. Other recomendations?
asked by: Myron L
Expert Reply:
The Tekonsha Prodigy P3 # 90195 has an internal sensor with automatic-leveling ability so it's able to detect deceleration even if it's knocked out of alignment. It will perform flawlessly when driving on paved roads and it will do a pretty decent job when encountered with the bouncing and jarring associated with driving semis and motor homes.
There are very rare occasions where a time delayed brake controller like the Tekonsha PowerTrac # 39523 is the best option. But if you plan on driving on mostly unpaved roads or off-road situations, and there is an excessive amount of movement, this is what I recommend. This type of controller can be easily transferred from your semi to your motor home.
That being said, there is one option that offers the best of both worlds, the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite # RED44FR. This brake controller can be used in two different braking modes. You can switch between proportional mode which uses an accelerometer for seamless braking in everyday use and off-road setting with its user control mode. One of the great things about the Tow-Pro Elite is that the control knob installs in your dash for a clean and integrated look but in your case the more permanent installation means it wouldn't be easily transferable from vehicle to vehicle. If you go this route, your best option is to install a second control knob # 331-EBRH-ACCV2-RH on the other vehicle as well as a second adapter. There are some plug and play options that may work for you if you are currently using one of the following brand brake controllers:
# 331-TPH-017 - Plugs into existing Tekonsha brake controller wiring harness.
# 331-TPH-018 - Plugs into existing Curt brake controller wiring harness.
# 331-TPH-019 - Plugs into existing Hopkins brake controller wiring harness.
Otherwise, you would need to cut the end off any of those to use as a universal pigtail to splice into your second vehicle as there isn't one available from Redarc. I've attached a few helpful videos for you to check out at the bottom of the page as well.
Products Referenced in This Question
Redarc Tow-Pro Wiring Adapter for Tekonsha Brake Controller Harness
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Wiring Adapter
- Plugs into Brake Controller
- Universal
- Redarc
more information >
Redarc Tow-Pro Wiring Adapter for Hopkins Brake Controller Harness
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Wiring Adapter
- Plugs into Brake Controller
- Universal
- Redarc
more information >
Redarc Tow-Pro Wiring Adapter for Curt Brake Controller Harness
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Wiring Adapter
- Plugs into Brake Controller
- Universal
- Redarc
more information >
Tekonsha POD Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 2 Axles - Time Delayed
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Time Delayed Controller
- Electric
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 2 Axles
- Indicator Lights
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Brake Controller - Dash Knob - 2 Braking Modes - 1 to 3 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Dash-Mounted Knob
- Hidden
- Up to 3 Axles
- Indicator Lights
- Redarc
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LCD Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
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