Info: Tekonsha Prodigy and Equalizer WDH

[jc250r31]

Well I finally got to use my Equalizer WDH for the first time this weekend. I bought it right after Katrina and havent got a chance to pull the 6x12 tandem trailer since (it is an enclosed with 2 foot V-Nose added with a 7' roof height).

Some initial impressions are that my '04 DC 4x4 squatted alot more when the trailer was connected than my new (5,000 miles) '06 DC 4x4 (with 20" wheels) does. I had to install the WDH mostly the night before the pull while using some dual halogen lights (Probably not the smartest thing to do but who wants to pull a trailer bare when you have a new WDH staring at you) but I think everyting turned out ok. I noticed while pulling and making a few sharper turns mostly when backing the going forward again that the WDH bars make a relatively loud clanking noise. I would imagine that this is normal due to them shifting. I dont think that this would really hurt anything other than making that noise, but please chime in and let me know otherwise. It would be a little bit of a pain to have to get out and disconnect the bars every time I had to back in somewhere. Otherwise this thing works awesome, Everything works better while towing....no jerk from road imperfections, controls sway excellent, less bounce from road as well. Definitely was worth it even though I probably didnt HAVE to have it.

Now to the Prodigy. I had previously on the '04 a Tekonsha Voyager which i decided to let go once the '04 was totalled. I bought the Prodigy online for $125 and it included a pre-wired harness for the Tundra so there was no splicing of any wires needed. This thing is the bomb compared to the time delay controllers(which if you ask any of the towing mods or anyone else that tows anything large...they will tell you the same thing) Even though I am pulling a relatively lighter load than most with an RV or such; I could definitely tell that it was 200% better than the time delay. It basically felt like I was stopping the truck alone with nothing attached to it. No Jerk. No Push. No Problem. I even got to give it a real test while driving 70mph on the interstate, I crest a small hill and everyone decided to stop and sightsee so I give a moderate push on the brake pedal and I stopped with authority. No ill effects and I was at a complete stop sooner than anticipated and had to actually let of the brakes some because it stopped so good.

Well this was a little information on my trip and my impressions on usign these 2 items for the first time. Hope yall find it helpful.

On another note I ended up getting about 8.4 mpg heading to the destination and on the way back got about 10 mpg. I always had a theory and it is starting to confirm itself more and more that the fuel around my area very inconsistant. I drive the same way both directions and basically all the variables were the same both ways as well.

Chime in...

[tomhole]

Sounds like a nice tow. It is normal for the WDH to groan in a turn. It's kindof embarassing, but normal. You can leave the Equal-i-zer hooked up while backing and turning.

My first brake controller was a VOyager as well. It isn't a time dealy, but it does use a mechanical pendulum vs. the electronics found in the Prodigy. The Voyager worked ok and once set performed well. But the Prodigy is just oh so nice. Just as you describe.

I get 10 mpg towing my travel trailer, no wind, no hills. Knock it down to 8 in hills or wind.

Tom

[Flores.PCT]

I have the same set up as you: equalizer WDH and Tekonsha Prodigy. Yup, when I back up or turn corners on uneven surfaces it makes awful sounds. However, the RV dealer says the sounds are normal.

I'm new to towing and started out with the above equipment. So, I can't really compare to anything else. However, I am really happy with my set up and the way my trailer tows.

Now, I might add that about 4 weeks ago, we had some really strong winds blowing in southern california; the weather guessers called them gale force winds. Well, when towing along the coast across an open section of road, the winds were really pushing me around a lot. I don't believe I was swaying; it felt as though the whole combined unit was being moved around as one. Very un-nerving!! All I could do was slow down even further and let every pass around me.