How Much Power/Amps Does the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Draw

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Question:

Can you tell me what a typical initial surge current Amps or power Watts is for a Tekonsha P3 brake controller when brakes are initially applied? Im mostly running this with a single axle trailer, but will occasionally use it with double axle trailers. My tow vehicle has a 24 volt system, so I will be powering the controller with a 24V to 12V DC to DC converter. I need to make sure I size the converters peak capacity to handle the initial surge when brakes are applied. Im specifically interested in the Tekonsha P3. Im familiar with that controller, since I have it installed in my other vehicles. However, since this vehicle is an antique military truck, Id consider other suggestions you may have for controller - especially those which may allow the main controller unit to be mounted remotely, with just a small control knob on the dash.

asked by: John M

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller part # 90195 will draw 1 amp of current per volt sent to the trailer brakes on a tandem axle trailer and 1/2 amp of current per volt sent to the trailer brakes on a single axle trailer. Therefore, the max amp draw would be around 12 for a tandem axle trailer or 6 for a single axle trailer. In order to transfer the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 from one vehicle to another you would need both the Pigtail Wiring Harness part # 7894 and the Replacement Mounting Bracket Kit part # TK5906.

For a wireless brake controller that would not require any splicing into the vehicle you could go with the Autowbrake Electric Brake Controller part # 3430001 which installs completely on the trailer and uses a remote for the manual override feature. That said, you would still need to make sure the controller is feed 12 volts. The only brake controller we offer for a 24 volt system is the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Trailer Brake Controller part # RED44FR which is controlled via a control knob on the dash like you wanted.

expert reply by: Conner L

1

Answer 1

It is possible you need new brakes, but not necessarily. The brakes locking up when in reverse is usually because the brakes have recently been installed and they were installed backwards. Brakes are specific to either the left or right side. If…

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Answer 2

Wiring connections for the Electric Over Hydraulic Brake Actuator are as follows. Yellow - Cold side of breakaway switch, The wire that goes hot when a breakaway occurs. Black - Positive connection on breakaway switch, The wire that charges the…

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Answer 3

You may have switched the left and right sides by accident when you installed the new brakes. this would not change how the magnets power up but for trailer brake assemblies there is a left and a right and switch them can negatively affect braking.…

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Answer 4

For a brake controller I would recommend the Prodigy P3 Brake Controller part #90195 for basically every towing situation but especially for an electric over hydraulic setup like what you have. This is our best selling brake controller because of how…

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Answer 5

The Kodiak #K2R1258L12 Disc Brake Kit is compatible with a 12K Dexter axle with a 7-bolt brake mounting flange. Your current wheels/hubs should have an 8 on 6-1/2 inch bolt pattern. You'll also need an electric over hydraulic brake actuator, a…

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Answer 6

The HydraStar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator part #HBA16 has a 12 oz. fluid capacity and the Dexter DX Series Electric Over Hydraulic Brake Actuator part #K71-651 has a 22 oz. fluid capacity. That said, although the extra fluid capacity is nice the…

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Answer 7

The Dexter Nev-R-Adjust electric trailer brakes can be manually adjusted. There are a couple teeth of the adjustment wheel that are exposed just under the lever that you referenced. I have attached a photo showing the teeth. You will likely need a…

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Answer 8

When there is bizarre trailer brake behavior the first place to check is the trailer connectors for corrosion. Check out the trailer connector on your tow vehicle for corrosion and clean as necessary. Electric trailer brakes aren't really…

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Answer 9

To convert your gooseneck trailer from electric drum brakes to EOH (electric over hydraulic) brakes you'll need a few items, all of which are detailed in the linked article on adding an EOH braking system to a trailer. These include the hydraulic…

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Answer 10

The correct tankless water heater you'll need to replace the Atwood 6 gallon one you have with a 16" tall x 12" wide cutout is the Furrion RV Tankless Water Heater part #FR68SR which has an 18" x 18" door. This unit will fit…

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Answer 11

It's possible the left and right side brake assemblies were installed on the opposing/incorrect side they are intended for. While this would not change how the magnets power up it can negatively affect braking. If that's not the case, you may…

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Answer 12

The Tekonsha Prodigy P3 #90195 has the ability to show a few different voltages when your vehicle is parked. The first option is your tow vehicle battery voltage which should be at least 12V if not more. The second is output power from the stoplight…

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How Much Power/Amps Does the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Draw

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