Differences Between Tekonsha Voyager # 39510 and Prodigy P2 # 90885

Updated 06/04/2014 | Published 06/03/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Wiring Kit for 2, 4, 6, and 8 Brake Electric Trailer Brake Controllers

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Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires

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Question:

i am not sure if i need a manual or automatic leveling brake controller. i am trying to decide between the voyager 9030A and the prodigy 90885. i am trailing a 3500 lb single axel house trailer. i will be driving on both level ground and mountains. pulling with diesel,powered 4x4 jeep liberty can you explain when these two types are needed and make a recommendation? thanks

asked by: Dan K

Expert Reply:

There are a few differences between the two controllers.

The Voyager has been around for a looooooooong time. It uses an internal pendulum to determine how quickly the tow vehicle is braking. In order to operate correctly, this level of the pendulum needs to be adjusted. The Voyager also lacks a digital display which makes troubleshooting more difficult. The controller does not provide boost settings and is not compatible with electric over hydraulic braking systems.

The Prodigy P2 is without a doubt the newer technology. Instead of a pendulum, it uses an accelerometer, like the ones originally developed for cruise missiles. The controller provides a digital display that will display error codes in the event there's something wrong with the braking system, which eliminates guesswork. The P2 will automatically level itself. The boost settings provided by the P2 are useful when you're towing heavier trailers and you want a higher level of braking power sent to the brakes immediately, rather than gradually ramping up. The controller is also compatible with electric over hydraulic braking systems.

A nice middle of the road option would be the Tekonsha Primus, part # TK90160. The Primus provides the digital display, is self leveling and provides 3 boost settings, but is not compatible with electric over hydraulic braking systems. If your trailer has standard electric brakes, this might just be your best bet.

If your Liberty isn't equipped with the factory 7-way, you'll need to install a # 118524 trailer wiring harness and use the # ETBC7 Install Kit to install the brake controller.

If it is equipped with the 7-way, you'd need the # 5506 install kit. The brake controller connections to the battery and negative battery terminal and the stoplight switch would be hardwired, but the brake output circuit to the 7-way would already be ran. The wire is light green in color, and should be coiled up under the dash near the top of the emergency brake pedal.