Hayes XPC # HA81745 Brake Controller Versus Tekonsha P2 # 90885, P3 # 90195 or Primus # TK90160
Updated 07/08/2014 | Published 07/05/2014
Question:
presently i have a hayes xpc brake controller in my 2006 expedition. I am pulling a minilite 2503 travel trailer. I really dont like this brake controller. is the Tekonsha that much better or should i ask is it worth buying the Tekonsha to replace my hayes. does it work better?
asked by: Brad C
Expert Reply:
The Hayes XPC is what I would refer to as an 'entry level' proportional brake controller. There's nothing wrong with it, it's just not very user friendly.
Instead of a digital readout that will provide you with specific troubleshooting or information about how the controller is preforming, the XPC has an LED that gets brighter as more power is sent to the brakes. This set-up works just fine, as long as everything's working okay. When there is a problem, you'll need to do some unnecessary guesswork to determine the problem, instead of having it specifically spelled out for you. The deceleration lever on the side of the unit is pretty clumsy and difficult to adjust.
The Tekonsha Prodigy P2 # 90885 and P2, part # 90195 are our two best sellers, primarily because they work so well. Easy to use, easy to set-up and dependable. Over the years, we've found Tekonsha's customer support to be nothing short of outstanding.
The primary difference between the P2 and the P3 is the display. The P2 uses a digital readout, which displays performance problems as an error code, while the P3 will actually spell out the issue in plain English. On the P3, the display background color and language the display is shown in can also be changed. Both controllers have multiple boost settings, which allow you to change the amount of initial braking force delivered to the trailer brakes. Both controllers allow a lot of mounting flexibility. They can be mounted in a 360 degree orientation, as long as they're parallel to the direction of travel and are level on a side-to-side axis. Both controllers are compatible with electric over hydraulic braking systems.
For a simpler, less expensive but still user friendly controller, take a look at the Tekonsha Primus, part # TK90160. The controller still provides boost settings and an easy to understand digital readout, but is only compatible with electric brakes, and doesn't offer quite as much mounting flexibility.
To install either of the Tekonsha controllers in your Expedition, you'd also need the brake controller wiring adapter, part # 3035-P.
