Choosing Between Tekonsha Primus or Prodigy RF Brake Controller

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Question:

Hello, I have a 2022 Acura MDX and am trying to decide between these two. Is there an advantage to going with one over the other….besides the obvious, I.e. wireless and hand held remote? The Prodigy RF was recommended by my trailer dealer as they said this is what Acura recommends and they don’t have to tap into the wiring. I find this interesting as the dealer has already installed the hitch and 7 pin harness and connector, also giving me the four pin wire connector which plugs into a connector under the dash for a traditional hard wired brake such as the Primus IQ. Also, it was mentioned that Acura uses multiplex wiring? And it would be better to go with the Prodigy RF so I wouldn’t have to plug into it? I don’t know how much truth there is to any of this and simply would like your recommendation which of these two you would choose for my particular vehicle? Thank you, Terry

asked by: Terry

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

It sounds like in addition to the 7-way, the vehicle has been pre-wired up to the dash so from this point it would be a plug and play installation, is that correct?

Unless you're wanting to pull that trailer with more than one vehicle without needing to equip all of them with brake controllers, you really won't have a whole lot of benefit in going with the # TK94FR Tekonsha Prodigy RF since the wiring is in place.

In your situation given that the vehicle is already prewired, I'd go with the # TK90160 Primus as long as your trailer has electric brakes.

As an alternative, if you'd prefer a remote mounted controller that would have the controller itself under the dash with the only visible portion of the controller being a small knob which is used to control the trailer brakes, the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty, part # RED24FR would be a great choice. You'd also need the # 331-TPH-017 adapter which would allow the Tow-Pro Liberty to plug directly into the Tekonsha connector you have.

I've linked to some product videos showing how the brake controllers mentioned above work.

expert reply by: Mike L

1

Answer 1

According to the troubleshooting section of the instructions the controller is telling you that the black power wire is not getting the 12 volts of power from the vehicle. This happens if the in line fuse or circuit breaker goes bad. Double check…

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Answer 2

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 3

Hey Jeremy, Typically with boat trailers the manufacturer will install hydraulic surge brakes because you don't have to worry about the water damaging wires like you would with electric brakes. That being said, if you use a heat shrink butt…

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Answer 4

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 5

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only give…

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Answer 6

You do have the option to utilize the air brakes on your 2023 Freightliner Cascadia to control electric trailer brakes using the Hayes Air Actuated Trailer Brake Controller, part #HA100400C. However, we mostly recommend just using an electric brake…

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Answer 7

For your 2024 Nissan Frontier I recommend the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller #RED24FR. I like the Liberty because it is simple, reliable, and looks great in any vehicle. The main unit installs behind the dash, so only the control knob will…

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Answer 8

The first thing you will need for your 1999 D250 is a 4-way. The Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness #C55317 plugs into the connection points behind your rear bumper and will allow you to power your trailer's signal lights. Once the 4-way is…

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Answer 9

Yes, when installing the knob for the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller item #RED24FR you will want to remove any extra material behind the insert. I am happy the video was able to help you out. I have linked a couple of pictures from the video…

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Answer 10

Sure thing, I will go ahead and list out what you need for your 2023 Kia Sportage to add a 7-way for a brake controller so you can tow with the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C94WR: - T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector…

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Answer 11

Hey Donald, the best Blue Ox weight distribution would be the pat #BXW0550 as it has a perfect tongue weight range for your 450 lb tongue weight trailer.

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Choosing Between Tekonsha Primus or Prodigy RF Brake Controller

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