Let's talk about brake controllers

[cadman70454]

I will have Camper World install the P3 just for the wordy display rather than the codes.

Thanks everyone.

[swbc150]

I've used many brands over the years I have towed.
2 of the units were the P2 and the P3, both were excellent products.

Now my Present Ford F150 has the built in TBC.

[charliem]

[quote source="/post/10418/thread" timestamp="1430929184" author="@swbc150"]I've used many brands over the years I have towed.
2 of the units were the P2 and the P3, both were excellent products.

Now my Present Ford F150 has the built in TBC.
[/quote][font size="3"]I looked at the F150 and someday might yet have one, but for now I have the P3. For my curiosity would you compare the P3 to the built in Ford controller? Display, controls, modes, capabilities, ease of use, effectiveness?
[/font]

[solds88]

I too have a factory installed TBC. I have never owned a P2 or P3, so I can't offer a comparison between models. However, I love where the factory unit is located, it's in plain view high up on the dash. The E slider has a large paddle and is very easy to access, no more fishing around or being tempted to look down to locate it.   

[david]

AFAIK there are two types of proportional inertial controllers: the older type uses a pendulum with a light sensor that reads how much the pendulum has swung forward due to braking deceleration. These require manual adjustment for leveling.

The other type uses solid state accelerometers (like the ones in your tablet that read shaking) that are mounted in two or more axis which allow automatic leveling.

Tekonsha has three models of the latter type: Primus IQ, P2 and P3. I actually like the compact size of the IQ and can live with its limited display capability. I realize that it only is self leveling to 70 degrees. Does this mean that it simply has fewer accelerometers and the P2 and P3 have more that make it 360 deg self leveling. Or are there other functional differences.

David

[swbc150]

[quote source="/post/10421/thread" timestamp="1430932076" author="@charliem"][quote source="/post/10418/thread" timestamp="1430929184" author="@swbc150"]I've used many brands over the years I have towed.
2 of the units were the P2 and the P3, both were excellent products.

Now my Present Ford F150 has the built in TBC.
[/quote][font size="3"]I looked at the F150 and someday might yet have one, but for now I have the P3. For my curiosity would you compare the P3 to the built in Ford controller? Display, controls, modes, capabilities, ease of use, effectiveness?
[/font][/quote][p]I prefer the Factory installed TBC as it does work smoother.[/p][p]Adjustment is easy as the gauge for the gain +/- is located in the center of the instrument cluster (the TBC adjuster for the F150 is right above your right knee on the dash panel), this gauge also warns of any issue with the plug-in for the trailer (if the Plug comes disconnected while towing, the Tow Gauge will alert you). Once everything is hook up and checks out "ok" then you can change the monitor screen in the instrument cluster. Whenever you restart the TV the Tow Gauge in the instrument cluster is "on", then you press the "ok" button if it all checks out. You can check the tow Gauge at any time when towing.[/p][p]
[/p][p]I have noticed the gain +/- amount I use is easier to adjust as the Factory TBC really does interact with proportional output based on the TV brake pressure.[/p][p]
[/p][p]
[/p][p]With the "Factory Trailer Sway Control"  and the "Tow/Haul Transmission Mode", "Factory installed TBC",  the Factory set-ups will spoil you.[/p]