Which is Actually Better? a Proportional or Time-Delayed Trailer Brake Controller

Published 07/29/2022

Products Featured in This Question

Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - Ford

(349)

$19.28

Question:

Q : Please advise again which brake controller for a 2011 Ford XL f350 super Duty single rear wheel 4x4 6.2 gas crew cab long bed. And the plug in wiring harness.thank you

asked by: Terry

Expert Reply:

Proportional brake controllers like the Prodigy P3 part # 90195 are by far the better choice over time delayed. Proportional controllers use internal sensors to determine how hard your trailer brakes should be applied based on how hard they sense you are applying the vehicles brakes. A time-delayed controller applies a set amount of braking force that ramps up over a set amount of time and then stays at that force till the brakes are released. If you think about how often you apply the vehicle brakes differently when travelling it will make the most sense that a proportional setup is the way to go. You get more stopping power with less wear and tear on the trailer and vehicle brakes.

The ONLY situation where time delayed is best is if you will be towing in an off-road situation. In these situations the bumps you'll feel in your tow vehicle can confuse the controller into thinking you are slamming on the brakes and that's when a time-delayed controller like the part # 39523 would have the advantage.

For a proportional brake controller that has an amazing price considering how well it performs what you'd want is the Brake EVN part # TK63VR which shares a lot of the components as the P3 but is stripped back without all of the extra features like full screen display and ability to save trailer presets.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Terry

7/29/2022

Q : Please advise again which brake controller for a 2011 Ford XL f350 super Duty single rear wheel 4x4 6.2 gas crew cab long bed. And the plug in wiring harness.thank you