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Less expensive brake controller

Discussion in 'Towing' started by HawkShot99, Mar 9, 2020.

  1. Mar 9, 2020 at 2:15 PM
    #1
    HawkShot99

    #1
    HawkShot99 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Kingston, NY
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    13' Silver DCLB TRD Sport - Sold
    I am about to get a enclosed trailer with brakes, so I need a controller. Every where I read about the tekonsha p3 being a great controller, and I'm sure it is. However I will most likely be trading in the Tacoma this summer for a full sized, and most of them come with a built in controller. There are many controllers out for 1/3 the price as the tekonsha, are any of them a good basic controller that I'll be happy with for the time being?

    What makes the tekonsha so great?
     
    HawkShot99, Mar 9, 2020
    #1
  2. Mar 9, 2020 at 7:02 PM
    #2
    Aquatic Tacoma

    #2
    Aquatic Tacoma Well-Known Member

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    Both are Stock - built correct from the start.
    Try Craigslist? Just looked in my area. P2's btwn $30-$50. P3's $50-$75. I've got a P@. Had it for years on different trucks.
     
    Aquatic Tacoma, Mar 9, 2020
    #2
  3. Mar 17, 2020 at 3:37 PM
    #3
    Thunder chicken

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    Thunder chicken Well-Known Member

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    NW Ontario
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    I have a "Tekonsha 9030 - Voyager Brake Controller"
    it works fine enough and should be cheaper than the p3. i believe i paid around $100 (cdn) at our local expensive auto parts store cause i needed one 'now'.
     
    Thunder chicken, Mar 17, 2020
    #3
    HawkShot99[OP] likes this.
  4. Mar 17, 2020 at 3:49 PM
    #4
    Rock Lobster

    #4
    Rock Lobster Thread Derailer

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    I have the Primus IQ. It serves me just as well as a P3, just not as good looking, and without the memory bit for running multiple trailers.

    $119 Tekonsha 90160 Primus IQ Electronic Brake Control, Grey
    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001P11SCM/ref=cm_sw_r_apa_i_SgvCEbKG2CNSA


    There are two essential features that you absolutely need and one additional thing that is nice:

    You need one that is truly proportional (accelerometer built into the circuitry), and you need one with a wide range of mounting positions. Cheap proportionals have a relatively narrow range of mounting positions. The P3 can be mounted anywhere from level to vertical, which is one of the reasons why it's so pricey.

    To find one with a halfway decent mounting range and accelerometer, it's hard to find for under 50 bucks.

    The luxury bit: Tekonsha sells a wiring harness that is plug and play for the tacomas, compatible with most of their controllers. No wire splicing needed.
     
    Rock Lobster, Mar 17, 2020
    #4
    SportsmanJake, synaps3 and HawkShot99[OP] like this.
  5. Mar 18, 2020 at 5:36 AM
    #5
    Indy

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    Indy Master of all I survey.

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    People have been towing for decades and a tiny tiny percentage of them have used the most expensive controllers. Its definitely not a requirement.
     
    Indy, Mar 18, 2020
    #5
    HawkShot99[OP] likes this.
  6. Mar 18, 2020 at 7:16 AM
    #6
    RVguy

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    RVguy Member

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    When I sell a camper, and a brake control is needed, we install the TEKONSHA.
     
    RVguy, Mar 18, 2020
    #6
  7. May 10, 2020 at 9:53 PM
    #7
    ROAD DOG

    #7
    ROAD DOG Well-Known Member

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    FEW


    get the one that WONT flat spot the tires
    in an urgent stop

    ive seen many that will work on the average mundane stoplite stop

    good luck
     
    ROAD DOG, May 10, 2020
    #7

Products Discussed in

Tekonsha 90160 Primus IQ Electronic Brake Control, Grey
$118.89
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