Trailer brake controller

October 10, 2013 10:23 AM

Hello Metafilterites, I'm trying to buy a small trailer and that requires a brake controller for my truck. Currently it doesn't have one. I have an option to go with the OEM Ford brake controller ($350+) or an aftermarket one ($100+). Do you know what the difference between the two might be?

For example this Tekonsha Prodigy is $150. I know that the OEM Ford controller integrates with the dash better, but does it do anything else that I might need? The forum boards are full of misinformation. What should I go for? Please help.

posted by aeighty to Travel & Transportation (4 answers total)

Best answer: I don't know the difference between the two, but I do know that, based on hours and hours of slogging through forum boards on this subject, the Tekonsha you linked is by far the favorite of the travel trailer crowd. It's the one I got and it's been totally fine over thousands of miles of traveling this summer.
posted by HotToddy at 11:00 AM on October 10, 2013

I've used after market trailer brake controllers in two trucks and never had a problem.
posted by COD at 11:39 AM on October 10, 2013

Best answer: I've also used aftermarket controllers in my trucks and have an older Tekonsha in our current Dodge Ram 1500 4wd. Works like a charm and have never regretted not buying the more expensive option from Dodge.
posted by workerant at 11:55 AM on October 10, 2013

I have used that Tekonsha in a Nissan Xterra pulling a travel trailer and found it to work really well. That said, I would give serious consideration to putting in the extra money to get the OEM part. The install location for the OEM controller is much better than the install locations for the aftermarket unit. I hated hitting the controller with my knee when I was driving the Xterra. I've also had this happen on other trucks with controller mounted under the steering wheel. I also found that I couldn't see the display very well. That may or may not be a problem for you.

What year is your truck? The OEM controllers are available from various sources for under $200. You'll have to find a friendly dealer to flash the ECU to activate the controller. You should be able to get it all done for under $300, if you can install the controller yourself.
posted by Talk To Me Goose at 6:11 PM on October 10, 2013