Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Brake Controller Review || RV Towing Accessories

[@maiwyck]

Best video I have found so far explaining how to use the lever for additional braking! Thank you for explaining it with an example from your personal experience.

[@JohnForTheWin]

Thank you very much. Level-headed clear advice! All signal, no noise. Thank you.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

You're welcome!

[@sfkid30]

This has been the best and easiest to follow video I have seen explaining the brake controller. It helps the guy who is not technically and mechanically inclined. Thank you so much for posting this video. I have liked and subscribed to your channel. Looking for more of your videos. Keep up the great work.

[@JurgensJourneys]

My brake controller is 15 years old and has never given me any problems. I had it professionally installed and it is very easy to adjust when I change trailers, like from my utility trailer to camper, boat, etc. Mine is quite small and fit perfectly into an open storage slot in the dash of my Chevy Express van. That's a great idea for a video. Good job. Very thorough and detailed explanation.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Thank you Jurgen! These brake controllers seem to last a long time.

[@CR10.07]

What a great teacher you are. Best presentation of brake control I’ve seen. Patrick these kinds of videos are so needed for folks new to towing and a good brush up us all. Thank you, prof!

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Thank you so much! It's not the most exciting video but I thought it might be useful for someone.

[@anthonyjaylen6502]

instablaster...

[@donnadelahanty9903]

What a great demo of the Tekonsha P3 brake controller!! I have one and now I know so much more! And the 2 bonus items 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽 Thx Patrick.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Thank you Donna! It' a great brake controller and well built.

[@bowstobourbon]

absolute best review i've seen yet, much appreciated!

[@bowstobourbon]

side note the chains should be crossed to prevent the tongue digging into the ground thought?

[@EatSleepRVRepeat]

If could have given this vid 5 Thumbs Up I would have. This topic is for some reason a nemesis for me. I will be watching this vid over and over again. Thank You! Lou💚

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Thank you Lou! It's not the most exciting video topic but I was hoping it might be useful to someone.

[@StopEatExplore]

Our F-150 came with a tow package and a brake controller with it. Those extras you showed are great ideas.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

That is nice to have it already built in and out of the way. I looked at a Chevy Colorado this summer that also had it built in.

[@sandralyden6488]

I like where you put your brake controller because it’s easy to see and use. We have the coiled brake away also and really like it! Very good explanation of the brake controller, Patrick!

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Thank you Sandra! That location works out really well. I am glad others had shared that little tip on KZbin.

[@dougm1985]

just installed the P3 on my 2015 tundra, RV dealer wanted $650. i watched a couple u tube videos and did it my self. the custom trim piece was pricey. it replaces the trim piece with the tow/haul button. looks great. glad to hear your brake controller last 14 years old. i saved the old trim piece and it will go back when i sell the tundra , the brake controller is going with me

[@staceyforrest364]

You're such a great instructor, Patrick! Understand the need for a brake controller, but you explained the nuances of fine-tuning to your individual trailer expertly. We got some of those rubber coated bands last time you recommended them and they come in handy for all kinds of things. The safety chain holder and breakaway cable with pin are on the list...those small, inexpensive items are worth their weight in gold to aid in the hitching process - thanks!! Safe and happy travels as you get ready to head to the Lone Star State! ~💜

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Thank you Stacey! Those two items at the end I believe are both under $20 and they are so convenient.

[@roycenelson6370]

I was told on the safety chain when you hook it up you put the one on the right side to the left side to hook it up and the left side to the right so if it comes off the ball the chain will catch it so it won’t hit the ground because now it has the chains that is crossed to catch it

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Royce Nelson You are correct! Those were crossed but the cross was down low so you couldn’t see it on the video.

[@roycenelson6370]

👍

[@DnSAdventures]

We had that same brake controller when we were towing with our Nissan Frontier (before we got the 5th wheel of course haha). Works great and has a lot of good options on it. Hope it works well for you too! Have a great week guys! - Shane

[@TravelswithDelaney]

We have owned it for 14 years now and it is great! Hope you two have Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Boiler Up!

[@carlsera1890]

Finally a really good video about brake controller.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Thank you!

[@ThinBlueLaneRVLife]

Our Chevy 3500 HD came with the tow package and the brake controller is in the dash above the headlights. You are very articulate and have a great teaching personality. Pretty good radio voice, too.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Thank you! I have seen those that are built right into the truck which is a super nice feature to have.

[@Omardottcom]

Great video. Thanks buddy. 👍🏾

[@tonyvella7233]

Installed one today. It works great! So easy to use!

[@TheRoadsWeRoam]

Such a great instructional! You covered every question we could think of - thanks!!!

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Thank you so much! I was hoping to answer at least the basic questions on using a brake controller

[@donnadelahanty9903]

Love the graphic for this video Patrick! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Thank you Donna! I had no clue on what to put in this thumbnail to make it catchy. Hopefully it will capture peoples attention to want to watch.

[@richsassaman9384]

Very well done and very informative !

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Thank you!

[@AbnRgrDocDad]

Another excellent topic for folks like me who are so new at RVing who still squeak.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Thank you!

[@terryk3118]

Thanks for the great instructions and a well thought out video. Full of valuable information and expertly presented. Trying to decide between this one and the Curt wireless.

[@drc1883]

Thanks so much for the tips. Here's what I found out last night about the Alde. Outside temps were down to below 10 degrees windchill. I left the Alde set on 75 and slept in my sisters house. When I checked the tab this morning, temp had raised from 50 to 63, so it is working, but I think it is just not adequate to handle extreme temps. I'm supplementing with my 1500 watt space heater so all will be fine. Thanks again for taking time out of your busy schedule to help me out. Love you guys and keep up the good work! Greg from Tipton

[@TravelswithDelaney]

I am glad to hear that it is actually working. What we have found is that once it gets up to a comfortable temperature, it will usually maintain that temperature. It can be very slow though to bring the temperature up in extremely low temps. We carry the Mr. Heater Portable Buddy to help bring up the temp quickly and then we let the Alde take over.

[@RandisAdventures]

Good info Patrick! Buying the right brake controller the first time makes sense. Sounds like this is a good one especially if you’ve used it for 14 years with a variety of Trailer sizes.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

It has been a work horse for us! It must be well built since it has lasted that long.

[@davidlarson6009]

Hi Patrick, I have that brake controller in my garage waiting to install in my tow vehicle. We have a Scamp 16 that we are going to tow with our 2015 Lexus RX 350. I'll need to run the wiring to add the 7-pin wiring harness so that will be fun. Our plan is to use the Scamp for two years until retirement and then decide if we want to move up to the T@b 400. I'll need to get a vehicle as I now drive a company car so the plan is to get a Tacoma then. I sure appreciate your videos and I've learned so much. I see you are fast approaching 15K subscribers. I remember commenting when you his 10K right after I subscribed. It wasn't long ago, maybe early summer? Thanks again, Dave

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Thank you Dave! I have always been fascinated with the Scamp trailers. Very cool design and structure. I have never had to actually run the wiring to set up for a 7 pin connector so I would not be much help on that one. I think it was the 2nd week in May that we achieved 10K subscribers. Our growth has been slow as of late but I am ok with that. Ultimately we just try to make videos that provide value to viewers whether thats a gear review or travel video. Really glad to have you along for the ride!

[@joycemoses2411]

Great instructions! We have the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Brake Controller, too.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Thank you!

[@HappyPlaceDiaries]

Good video. We use the emergency break cable that you have.. what a great upgrade from the typical cable.. really love it.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

I should have bought one of those brake cables a long time ago instead of fighting with the standard one every trip.

[@imacrazyguy5831]

Regarding that fancy plastic thing for the chains.. just twist the chain once or twice to tighten it up. Never trust in something plastic to hold something so important!

[@R_W_Smith]

Great show today, Patrick! (Woo-hoo!)

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Thank you!

[@juanfernandez9492]

Excellent explanation sir! Thanks

[@TravelswithDelaney]

So nice of you. Thanks.

[@brigidoanguiano9871]

What a great demonstration thank you so much for sharing your experience

[@gerardtrigo380]

I had just decided on that brake controller and put it on order. Along with the adapter cable for my Jeep.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

I think you will be very happy with it!

[@annacummings6566]

Thanks! Super helpful!

[@Jtruthd]

Good video. Crossing your chains is recommended and will help with slack

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Thank you!

[@tgriffin6938]

Tried to bite on your safety chain hangers for my trailer and they're trying to sell me some windshield crack fix. Do you have a new link for the safety chain hanger?

[@Chuck21450]

Great video! And SUPER location for mounting! I have an '18 Tacoma SR5 PRO. The one thing I did differently, than you, is that I used the permanent mounting bracket and put two holes into the little shelf that is under the opening to mount it solid. Yes, there are now two holes there, but they are underneath, and once I sell and take the controller out, you will never notice them. Thanks for an AWESOME idea and location.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

That probably works better having it mounted in there. Mine was a bit wobbly but it worked.

[@paulhindman5703]

Thanks. Great info.

[@jamesturner226]

That was a Famtastic Video! Thank You very much.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Thank you!

[@SmallSpaceLiving]

Nice share. Thanks for the demo and information.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Thank you William! I hadn't done a trailer gear video in awhile and had a request on what we use for a trailer brake controller.

[@Reaganx229]

Mounting my P3 on a WeatherTech CupPhone ! The permanent P3 bracket fits it as it was made for it! Only drawback is having to relocate the Iphone more than 12” away (as per manual)

[@TravelswithDelaney]

That is awesome!

[@Sventy11]

Just ordered one of these for my tundra. Got a car hauler this weekend

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Congratulations on the car hauler!

[@cdlady54_95]

Great information. Thank you for sharing.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Thank you for watching!

[@ThisNomadicIdea]

Great tutorial. You sold us on the Tekonsha. We have a brake controller but I didn't install it myself and not sure it's wired correctly or even if it works. Looks a little cheap. One piece of gear you want to make sure works. Thanks for the review.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Thank you Scott! We have had this one now for 15 years and it has been well worth the money. I think you can actually buy this one cheaper today than what we paid for it 15 years ago.

[@brandonblackwell8932]

Holy 5th wheel! How did the tundra do hauling it? Obviously above payload specs but I'm considering getting a smaller 5th wheel that that to tow with my 2014 tundra.

[@TheArtofRVing]

* You are so good a conveying information.......teacher maybe?...................thanks for the video*

[@TravelswithDelaney]

You are correct! I have been teaching business and hospitality management at a Community College for 23 years now.

[@TheArtofRVing]

@@TravelswithDelaney Thats why ..........thanks for all you do.........one person caring for another, lifes greatest value

[@scottb6020]

Good information thanks for illustrating. We have the Tekonsha Primus IQ model 90160. Works well and is proportional and uses the same sensor technology of the Tekonsha Prodigy and includes the Boost features too. Have used it for (3) years now with good results towing just a single axle trailer. It can handle larger trailers too with double axles. On another note I am anxious to hear and see your review on your towing experiences since you have been using the Tacoma in lieu of the 4Runner. Is the review on here and titled differently. I would especially like to know which vehicle you think does a better job at towing the TAB 400. Looking forward.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Tekonsha seems to make really good products. I am planing on doing a comparison video between the 4Runner and the Tacoma in August after we have hauled with the Tacoma out west. That will give me a good basis of comparison. So far, I am happy with the Tacoma.

[@scottb6020]

@@TravelswithDelaney Oh ok, thanks. Happy trails to you and safe travels !!

[@carlrasmussen3267]

Doing some research. Make exact model Tacoma do you have? Engine size, packages, etc. Would you recommend this Tacoma for a TT that's 3800-4000 lbs dry weight? Many thanks! Love your videos!

[@robbwolf3309]

Good video and thank you

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Thank you

[@kdcarver]

Thanks for making that video. It's a nice controller, but for half the cost Tekonsha makes a P2. Has what appears to be similar functionality and capability (boost, etc) but with a simple digital display instead of the menu screen. I could see where the full-screen of the P3 would allow for easy setup, or changing trailers. But once set, wouldn't they function the same?

[@judithmacdonald363]

Good video however u did not show how you get behind the panel to take out the insert so the contoller can fit inside. And where is the white connector that is under the dashboard, heard it is hard to find. Please do another vid showing this. Like the 2 tips u have. TU.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

I actually watched this video to install mine: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZKVapKlqdafmcU

[@maryshort67]

Hi! This may be a dumb question but…when you are driving the display is at 0.0 and then you brake…does the display on this model change from the 0.0? I understand about the settings and the lever for emergencies and everything but we are worried that the brake controller is not engaging bcs the 0.0 does not change when we just normally brake! Thanks so much :-)

[@qouavang3646]

The p3 is awesome but damn it’s ugly I have it on my 15 tundra and it sticks out like a sore thumb, they should redesign and refresh the looks of the controller.

[@Davvidd702]

What boost or set up is recommended for a 26ft travel trailer 6k dry weight

[@briandecato7485]

Just bought a truck with this on it but what should it read when not towing?

[@TravelswithDelaney]

It won’t show anything if not towing and if you activate it with the switch, it will show no trailer attached.

[@patrickmullally2108]

I really enjoy your videos. Can you tell me if you have a video, link or recommended sway controller for your Tacoma. I have a 2016 Tacoma with electric breaks installed, and we recently purchased a t@b 320 boondock. We will be doing extensive highway travel so we were recommended to purchase a sway controller.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

We just used a single friction sway bar. Ours was a Husky that we had for years. If you look on Amazon, you will see lots of options including Husky, Curt, Reese, etc. They are all basically the same.

[@patrickmullally2108]

@@TravelswithDelaney thank you. I see other utube folks indicate the same. Just curious if having the Tacoma influenced your decision.

[@svtkmo]

As always, appreciate your videos!! In the process of setting up our TV. Question regarding the brake controller. Does the power come from the “plug and play” connection? Just wanting to know what I may be getting myself into as I look to install. Cheers!! Stay Safe!!

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Once you plug the controller into your vehicle using the wiring harness, it will automatically be supplied with power.

[@svtkmo]

How does this differ from the Tekonsha Primus IQ? Will be new to towing, want something that will help make this as easy as possible. Thanks for any assistance!

[@TravelswithDelaney]

I do not know the difference as I only have ever owned the Prodigy P3.

[@drc1883]

Hi - Hope you can respond to my question. My aide system in met 2020 tab 400 boondocks quit working today. I'm using it on electric and it has been fine up to today. Doesn't want to come on. didn't appear a fuse was out but will need to check more thoroughly tomorrow. Any experience with this? I just bought it on Halloween day and have only been using the furnace a few weeks. Thanks in advance, Greg (fellow Hoosier)

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Hi Greg! When you say it won't come on, do you mean you have no display on the control panel? Or does the control panel show but nothing is happening with the actual Alde itself? Also, have you tried it on propane? Check the circuit breaker and also check the fuses that are located under your bed on top of the actual Alde.

[@kd4pon]

I have that brake controller love it!

[@TravelswithDelaney]

It seems to be a very popular choice for brake controllers. We love it too!

[@alexduke5402]

Yeah but how does it work with a 11.5k lb machine on a 6900lb trailer when the truck doesn't really slow it down at all? Is it going to pick up on the slight amount that the truck slows it down to kick in the trailer brakes? A ramp controller isn't working for me. I try to leave a safe following distance and cars keep pouring in the gap in leaving making trailering less than ideal

[@alexduke5402]

Do you have an answer? That was a serious question. How sensitive is it too pickup on slight breaking?

[@TravelswithDelaney]

I am not sure. I can tell you that we used it to tow a 9500# 5th wheel with combined weight of 15,000# with tow vehicle. You can adjust the breaking on the controller based on the size trailer you are towing.

[@alexduke5402]

@@TravelswithDelaney ok thanks for responding I picked one up bc all the articles say it's the best. I'll find out this weekend and get back to you. Hopefully it helps bc that ramp controller was a bad accident waiting to happen. I've done pads& rotors to all 4 corners and that didn't help much

[@RockyDaiglesworld]

Your chains should be crossed that should take up the slack. And it’s a much Safer method

[@curve5746]

Buy once , cry once. I have this and use it on my 22 ft 6k lbs RV. Works amazingly well but do yourself a favor and buy the 10 dollar cable harness. Don't use what comes with it. Took me 10 minutes to install. I drive a 2017 silverado. I bought it new and it didn't come with the harness

[@ktoes]

ESPtruck makes a factory-look mounting plate for the Prodigy P3 that is easy to install & looks good. I installed it in my 2019 Tacoma SR5. Here’s the link: www.esptruck.com/product-page/2016-2017-tacoma-prodigy-p3-brake-controller-mounting-kit

[@TravelswithDelaney]

I will have to check that out. Thank you.

[@bgb702]

For the first minute there I thought your eyes might lead into a dark portal or something. The camera just wasn't being nice to you. Great video.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

LOL! Thank you!

[@LivingTheGoodLifeRving]

😊