Quality Trailer Brake Control for a 2006 Dodge Durango

Updated 08/20/2014 | Published 08/19/2014

Question:

Hi There are no reviews of the quality of these units. I think I want the variable speed controller. We have a 2006 Dodge Durango with full on your package and the plug connection under the dash, which I have already located. The truck also came with the brake control harness. Do you recommend the Curt or the Other one with variable speed control? It has a foreign name like Tecumseh. The fully featured Curt with digital screen is $60 less. What am I not getting with the less expensive one? Does either model have better reviews than the other? If they are the same, of course Id go fit the less expensive one but I dont mind spending more if the other one performs better. Towing an RV about 7k pounds loaded. Please advise. Thank you do much!

asked by: Russell H

Expert Reply:

You are thinking of Tekonsha brake controllers. They are pretty much the leader in the brake controller industry. The Curt controllers would not be my first choice. I prefer Tekonsha controllers because they have a long proven track record of quality and performance. The Curt controllers are a less expensive option but they are new to the brake controller industry. They did have some performance issues initially but they are improving.

I recommend the Tekonsha P2, # 90885. This is a proportional controller (what you are referring to as variable speed I think). Proportional controllers are easier on the trailer and vehicle brakes than time delay controllers.

The P2 is our most popular controller of all time because it is easy to set up and use and it is reliable. I rarely get any questions about the P2 having problems.

You could use the harness that you have that came with the 2006 Dodge Durango. You would just need to hardwire it to the universal harness that comes with the controller.

They would wire up as follows:

Dodge dark green to controller white for ground
Dodge light blue with white tracer to controller red for input from brake switch
Dodge solid light blue to controller blue for output to trailer brakes
Dodge white with red tracer to controller black for power to the controller

Or you could use the controller with harness # 3020-P. One end will just plug into the controller and the other will plug into the vehicle in the same spot as the Dodge harness would. With this harness you will not have to worry about splicing any wires.

I have included a link to the right to a video that shows how a controller installs on a similar vehicle and a link to our informational article on brake controllers.