I just bought a 16' car hauler that will have electric brakes on one axle. My '01 Screw 5.4L 4wd has the towing package.

Where can I buy a brake controller and how much should I expect to pay?

How do I install it? Is there a plug underneath the dash from the factory for this aftermarket add-on?

Anyone else done this with good results?

 

Try a word search in this forum. You'll find all the info you need for hooking it up, and can decide for yourself which brand you would like to get.

 

Tekonsha Prodigy is the best unit out there. It's about $120-$145. Your truck should have came with a wiring pig tail for installing the controller under the dash. There is a plug for this. If you don't have it you can buy it over the counter. About $10

 

I just added a Tekonsha Envoy to my '99 w/ tow package a couple weeks ago. The pigtail makes it painless. There is a plug under the dash. Plug in the pigtail, mount the unit, crimp the 4 color coded wires, adjust it, all done!

Don't know the exact differences between Prodigy and Envoy, but I'm well pleased with the Envoy for about $70. Fits great in the pocket under the steering wheel.

 

thanks for the replies.

I bought a Tekonsha Prodidgy, new in box, from someone off of ebay for $100. However, it didn't get here in time for my trip. So I bought a Hoppy unit from Autozone.

The Hoppy worked but it was herky-jerky. Once the taillamp switch is activated it increases output from zero to whatever you have it set then holds constant. When you release the brake it drops instantly to zero. You could feel it working, especially when creeping in traffic. It feels really weird and jerks when you let off the brake while you're creeping.

When I got back, I installed the Prodigy and took the same load across town. There was a big difference. The braking was very smooth and in unison with the truck. It was as if I had one brake system! It works proportionally and even works in reverse. It also reduces voltage when you're at a standstill. They send a mini-cdrom in the package that has a technical presentation to explain how it works and the features/benefits of their design.

Much better in my opinion.

For installing I used my adjustable cell phone mount. I bought an extra mating piece for the Prodigy. Its mounted in between the cigarette lighter and cup holder. I ran the pigtail behind the dash and ziptied it to the cupholder courtesy light wiring harness. When I'm not pulling a trailer I bolt the cell phone holder to the mount and slide the pigtail behind the cup holder and out of sight. I can then push the cupholder in if I don't need it. Works pretty slick, no evidence a brake controller exists.