New To RV World Need Brake Help!

Be careful using the manual control. It only activates the 4 (or 2) electric drum (probably) brakes on the trailer. Extended use can generate a lot of heat. I find it best to just use the vehicle brake pedal as that operates all brakes on the trailer and tow vehicle in concert. There are times (excessive sway comes to mind) when manual trailer brake application is appropriate but most braking should be done with the brake pedal.

I guess I should have perhaps been a little more clear. I was not just coasting down the hill hammering on the manual. There were a couple of spots where I used to manual boost while already on the brake in situations that I felt things were a bit lose so to speak. But appreciate the heads up!

jernst1978 wrote:
Just an update, I went with the Primus. My first pull was a short 2 hour ride and everything worked out fine. It was all but calibrated out of the box, just a minor adjustment and the manual control worked well for my first run down a couple of 6 degree grades at higher speeds than I was initially comfortable with due to "no shoulder" with concrete barrier construction during high volume traffic en route to San Diego area from Los Angeles (Friday of course when all the Los Angeleans flock South for the weekend). Thanks all for your input, much appreciated.

Be careful using the manual control. It only activates the 4 (or 2) electric drum (probably) brakes on the trailer. Extended use can generate a lot of heat. I find it best to just use the vehicle brake pedal as that operates all brakes on the trailer and tow vehicle in concert. There are times (excessive sway comes to mind) when manual trailer brake application is appropriate but most braking should be done with the brake pedal.

Just an update, I went with the Primus. My first pull was a short 2 hour ride and everything worked out fine. It was all but calibrated out of the box, just a minor adjustment and the manual control worked well for my first run down a couple of 6 degree grades at higher speeds than I was initially comfortable with due to "no shoulder" with concrete barrier construction during high volume traffic en route to San Diego area from Los Angeles (Friday of course when all the Los Angeleans flock South for the weekend). Thanks all for your input, much appreciated.

I use a Tekonsha P2 and it does a great job.

Don't get a "time based" controller. It will work but you won't like it in the long run. Be sure you get a "proportional" controller.

Time based units apply more and more brake power the longer you hold the TV brake pedal down.

Proportional controllers apply more brake power based on the rate of deceleration. ie: the harder you press the TV brakes the more power is applied to the trailer brakes.

I use a Draw-Tite 20191 I-Stop I got on Amazon for $70. It works just fine. Mid-level price and has all the features I need.

I've used both the P2 and a Primus. I found the Primus to be as good. Less features but the braking part was exc.
I used the P2 on an 08 F150 and the Primus IQ on my 12 Ram 2500 CTD.
The reason I bought the IQ was because I was having problems with my OEM controller and I was waiting for a replacement. I needed something for a camping trip in case the replacement didn't work.
I ended up using the IQ for the last 3 seasons since it works better than the new replacement TBC.

Here's a harness for your Expy.
https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Tekonsha/3035-P.html

I went from an inertia controller to the Prodigy P2 and love it. The P3 does give you better controls and some extra capabilities you may or may not want.

IF your Expe has the tow package. A Prodigy is indeed plug, and play. Somewhere in the Expe, there is a light wiring kit, and relay. Either in the dash, console, or with the jack. It plugs to the connector under the dash in front of the drivers right leg.
Simply connect it to the Prodigy pigtale, and plug it in. Take the relay and install it into the space provided in the fuse box beside of the passenger's right foot. Mount the controller where you want it.
Done

I've only ever used a P3. It's never failed me yet and always gives me smooth stops. It's also really easy to adjust.

Appreciate the help, one more question though, as I research the topic, I here the prodigy p3 is great; however, quite a few reviews on the 90160 Primus argue that unless I have specific features, such as hydraulic over electric brakes or three or more axles, etc. Any thoughts?