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Old 09-21-2019, 10:27 AM   #1
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Brake controller questions- Primus? P3? or...

Looking at brake controllers- I'll probably just move the one I have (Prodigy Primus EQ) to the new truck.

But I see the P3 recommended frequently. It costs 2x as much. What's the advantage over the Primus?

Also ran across this controller and wondered if anyone has used one? Intriguing because it is controlled by a smart phone which would mean no brake controller in the way (but no quick way to manually activate, either). My truck is wired through to the front so no need but still curious.

And for those with wireless controllers- what happens if the connection is lost?
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Old 09-21-2019, 11:33 AM   #2
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And for those with wireless controllers- what happens if the connection is lost?
Answer to this question for the Prodigy RF:

https://www.etrailer.com/question-186070.html

So, the braking module mounted on the trailer continues to work as per settings made prior to losing the RF connection but there is no ability to manual override without the RF handset.

This makes sense, a design where all breaking function is lost with loss of RF connection would be terrible. That being said, I have a Prodigy RF but haven’t confirmed the behaviour with a disconnected handset - am curious now so l’m going to test it next time the trailer is hooked up.
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Old 09-21-2019, 11:37 AM   #3
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Originally Posted by Bobbie54 View Post
Looking at brake controllers- I'll probably just move the one I have (Prodigy Primus EQ) to the new truck.

But I see the P3 recommended frequently. It costs 2x as much. What's the advantage over the Primus?
https://www.etrailer.com/question-13492.html
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Old 09-21-2019, 11:45 AM   #4
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Would it be worth changing? I will have to look at where I might mount it, too.
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Old 09-21-2019, 11:50 AM   #5
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I considered a wireless brake controller but felt uneasy about if I lost connection. But then I ran across a P3 for a good price and purchased it. I don't recall if we discussed controllers when I was at your place so please excuse this if it is redundant. This link doesn't answer your questions but may address future questions.

https://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/.../#post-3071858
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Old 09-21-2019, 12:08 PM   #6
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I considered a wireless brake controller but felt uneasy about if I lost connection. But then I ran across a P3 for a good price and purchased it. I don't recall if we discussed controllers when I was at your place so please excuse this if it is redundant. This link doesn't answer your questions but may address future questions.

https://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/.../#post-3071858
Thanks. I've got to go scope things out and see what it is going to take and where to put the controller.

I think the wireless probably makes more sense if you have multiple tow vehicles and I plan to only have one.
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Old 09-21-2019, 12:09 PM   #7
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Another question- what's the expected lifespan of one of these controllers?
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Old 09-21-2019, 12:21 PM   #8
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Another question- what's the expected lifespan of one of these controllers?
It never crossed my mind, I just assumed the brake controller would be a one time install and outlive me. I imagine the wireless ones would last as long as the software is supported.
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Old 09-21-2019, 12:40 PM   #9
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It never crossed my mind, I just assumed the brake controller would be a one time install and outlive me. I imagine the wireless ones would last as long as the software is supported.
Considering how most electronic devices do, not so sure.
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Old 09-22-2019, 06:15 AM   #10
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Another question- what's the expected lifespan of one of these controllers?
My son still use the P2 mounted in the 2007 Ridgeline. It was prior mounted in a 2003 Highlander. If his next truck does not have an integrated brake controller we are gonna install it in the new truck.

After all, I still use daily my 1984 microwave
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Old 09-22-2019, 11:13 AM   #11
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My son still use the P2 mounted in the 2007 Ridgeline. It was prior mounted in a 2003 Highlander. If his next truck does not have an integrated brake controller we are gonna install it in the new truck.

After all, I still use daily my 1984 microwave
That's great to know. So many things are only good for a year or two!
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Old 09-22-2019, 05:08 PM   #12
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Look at the Curt Spectrum

I had an old Tekonsha analog in my last 2 trucks, it stopped working properly, it worked with the brake pedal, but didn’t work manually. I was always hitting my knee on it, there’s never a good spot for it.

The sales guy at the truck shop tried to sell me a Bluetooth unit but 2 of my friends flipped canoes with their phones in their pockets, another left his phone on the roof of his truck. Don’t count on your phone as a brake controller.

I bought a Curt Spectrum but have yet to install it so no opinion. It uses a remote button you can install in a more convenient location.

https://www.curtmfg.com/part/51170
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Old 09-22-2019, 10:49 PM   #13
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Another question- what's the expected lifespan of one of these controllers?
They should last many years. The most likely reason for replacement is likely a desire for more features, not failure of the controller.
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