A lot of controllers have come and gone over the years, but the P3 remains one of the most reliable. It might not have a ton of new-fangled features, but it always gets the job done. And we love how easy it is to customize, adjust, and save settings.
Features:
Specs:
Braking output is the maximum amount of power that will be applied to your trailer's brakes. How much braking output you need is determined by the weight of your trailer; a heavier trailer will need more power to bring it to a stop. Use the arrow buttons on the front of the module to set the output. You want to set the braking output as high as you can without locking up the brakes. Once you've set up the brake controller the first time, you shouldn't need to adjust this setting unless the trailer load changes, you switch trailers, or road conditions change. The LCD display will show the current output setting being used.
The boost setting controls the aggressiveness of your trailer's braking, meaning how quickly the brakes reach the maximum braking level. You can adjust this when you're towing heavy loads and you need more umph to bring your trailer to a stop. Your tow vehicle doesn't need that much power to brake in time, but your heavy trailer does.
Depending on the level of boost, your trailer brakes can start at either 13 percent or 25 percent of the set braking output. What this means is that, instead of starting at 0, the brakes will start at 25 percent and get to100 percent sooner. This keeps the trailer from pushing your tow vehicle forward.
If your trailer weighs less than your tow vehicle, no boost is needed. But, if you want your trailer to lead the braking, you can select level B1.
Boost Levels:
| Approximate Gross Trailer Weight | Boost Level | Increase in Initial Power Output |
|---|---|---|
| Less than tow vehicle GVW | B1 | 13% |
| Equal to tow vehicle GVW | B1 or B2 | 13% or 25% |
| Up to 25% more than tow vehicle GVW | B2 or B3* | 25% |
| Up to 40% more than tow vehicle GVW | B3* | 25% |
*Both B2 and B3 offer a 25-percent boost in initial power. But the braking curve for B3 is more aggressive than that of B2. This means that, even though you will start out with the same intensity when using these boost levels, you will get an overall more aggressive braking experience with the higher level. So if you use B3, you will reach maximum braking sooner than if you use B2.
Storable Settings
Customize the P3 and store your settings so that you can easily access them later. If you tow multiple trailers, or the same one but with differing loads, store the desired boost and power levels for each so that you don't have to completely reset the controller every time you switch between trailers. It's easy to swap between drivers as well. Program the P3 display with your desired screen color, brightness, and language, and you can easily return it to your preferred settings the next time you tow.
The P3's LCD display features a distinctive look with multiple color and contrast options. With lots of customized options, you can change the display to make it easy for you to see and check your braking status at a glance.
It also includes comprehensible and detailed roadside diagnostics. The P3 advanced diagnostics not only notify you of potential problems, but they can also tell you where to begin troubleshooting.
Diagnostic troubleshooting displays include:
Diagnostic warning signs include:
Safety Features
The Prodigy P3 offers advanced safety features to prevent damage to various components of your towing setup. Integrated reverse battery protection shields the brake controller and your trailer's breakaway system from shorts. When the P3 is not in use, it will be in power-saving mode. In this setting, it draws only 3.6 milliamps, minimizing drain on your vehicle's battery.
The P3 also comes equipped with a hold feature to prevent wear on your brakes. When you're waiting at a red light, you don't need your trailer brakes on at full power. The longer you sit there, the more they will overheat. But with the P3, any time your tow vehicle and trailer are at a standstill with the brakes applied for more than 5 seconds, the hold feature will kick on and reduce power to just 25 percent. This will keep your trailer in place while saving your brakes.
The P3 keeps the manual override within easy reach, great for stopping sway or controlling your trailer's momentum in emergencies. To engage the manual override, just twist the rotary-style lever from right to left. This will activate the trailer's brakes and brake lights without you having to apply the brakes on your tow vehicle, perfect for limiting trailer movement while you're cruising.
The self-leveling feature of the P3 ensures that the brake controller continues to function even as you drive up steep hills or through the mountains. Simply mount it in your cab at any vertical angle, and the controller will level itself automatically thanks to its 360-degree rotational range. This makes the installation that much easier. But keep in mind that the P3 must be horizontally level and parallel with the direction of travel to work correctly.
Installation is a snap. After mounting the P3 unit in your cab using the included bracket, just plug the included harness directly into your vehicle. The other end plugs into the brake controller. To remove the P3 for storage when you're not using it, just unplug the unit and slide it out of the bracket. With a replacement wiring harness (sold separately) and replacement bracket (TK5906 - sold separately), you can even transfer the Prodigy P3 to another vehicle.
Note: If you don't already have a 7-way plug at the back of your vehicle, take a look at our exclusive 7- and 4-way brake controller installation kit (ETBC7 - sold separately).
The Tekonsha Prodigy P3 brake controller comes equipped with proportional braking to give you the best towing experience. Proportional braking means that your trailer brakes mimic your tow vehicle's brakes. If you slam on the brakes in your vehicle, your trailer brakes will activate with the same intensity; if you brake lightly, your trailer brakes lightly too. The trailer's braking is in proportion to your vehicle's braking. This saves wear and tear on the tires and the brakes on both your vehicle and trailer.
The Prodigy P3 uses an internal inertia sensor to detect how your vehicle is braking so it can send the right amount of braking power to your trailer. It measures the inertia of your tow vehicle and activates the trailer's brakes to slow at the same rate. The result is uniform braking across your towing setup. No push-pull action - just smooth, proportional braking every time.
Alternate Instructions
Videos are provided as a guide only. Refer to manufacturer installation instructions and specs for complete information.
When it comes to choosing a brake controller, a lot of them are gonna look very much the same. And two of them that I really like are from Tekonsha. We have the Prodigy P2 and the Prodigy P3. So, they look very similar, but they do have quite a few differences and we're hoping to break that down, that way you can decide which one's best for you. Here we have our P3 installed and really it comes down to it has more bells and whistles than the P2, otherwise it's pretty much the same controller. The P3 does have a nicer/easier to use display.
It's a little bit more user friendly. It uses some icons here that, you know, show you a trailer and that way you know pretty quickly what boost level you're at and it's really easy to read. It's a nice digital display and you can change a lot of that. Also, it has a little bit more diagnostics. So as far as, instead of just having error code with the P2, this one will actually tell you exactly what it is and there's a host of diagnostics so that way you can look at it.
You won't have to troubleshoot the code by looking at the owner's manual. It'll tell you right away what's happening. The P3 is also really nice if you have a bunch of trailers in your fleet, you can set up presets, up to five of 'em, and that way when you hook up to said trailer, you can select that and it's gonna be preset to the boost settings and also the gain that you may have dialed in. That way you just hook up and you'll be ready to go. Multiple trailer settings are gonna be nice, especially if you have a work truck and you're hooking up to a bunch of different trailers, you can get that dialed in, but if you tow the same trailer over and over, or you know that you're only gonna have one trailer long term or maybe two, that's really not gonna be a function that is necessary.
Now with the P2 installed, you can see right away that the display is obviously not as fancy as the P3, but you again have all the same functionality. There are less buttons, so that kind of keeps it simple. If you just need a brake controller, this is a great option. You still have your power knob, you have your boost button, and you still have essentially the same manual override, which I do like on the Tekonshas, you have a nice modulation here. But really when it boils down to it, they are very, very similar.
The size is gonna be almost identical. They're gonna mount up the same, they're gonna install the same. Again, you have that same proportional here. They both work for one to four axles. They're both proportional. So pretty much the same thing, just more bells and whistles on the P3. If it's something that you're gonna wanna keep for a long time on your vehicle, a P3 is pretty sharp. I do like the display, and something to think about too, you can always take a brake controller from one vehicle to the next, so, but if you're just need to tow a trailer and you need a brake controller, P2 you're not gonna go wrong with. I just like the fact that there is diagnostics that are a little bit more straightforward with the P3. And if you're worried about if it's gonna work with your trailer, they're both gonna work with the same kinds of trailers. You can have electric brakes, you can have hydraulic brakes, it doesn't matter. These are gonna work with either one. So hopefully this video helps break down some of the similarities and differences to help you decide which Tekonsha Prodigy Brake Controller is gonna be best for your needs.
I purchased and installed the P3 controller in a 2018 Toyota Highlander XLE after reading many great reviews about it. Wanted a hard wired controller vs. wireless because a brake controller is too important to run over an unreliable wireless connection. Having an IT background I know how unpredictable wireless connections can be. Installation was fairly easy, the hardest part was running a few wires through the firewall of the vehicle.
A few notes, the installation of the actual controller under the steering wheel area was a little difficult because of the design of the mounting bracket. This could be designed better for easier installation. Also, I got a pre-collision warning on my instrument cluster whenever the brake controller was activated. To fix this I had to solder a 1 amp diode on the red cable, which I protected with heat shrink. I reached out to tech support about this error and they were very helpful talking me through a solution.
I like the adjustment capabilities of the controller. I have been able to adjust it so the brakes don't grab when stopping slowly. I really like the manual slide for activating the brakes. This has been very useful for applying brakes on the trailer in a few critical braking moments. The manual lever is also very useful for checking the brakes after connecting the trailer to make sure they are working correctly. I also like that the display shows the level of braking that's applied to the trailer. The color of the back-lit display can also be adjusted to match the vehicle's displays. I definitely recommend this brake controller.
Bought one in 2022 and the lcd screen failed. Unit still works but you can’t see any of your settings. I called the manufacturer repeatedly as I was about to depart on a 2 month road trip but never reached a representative . I left a message regarding my problem but they never responded. Because the wiring was already installed I ordered another of the same and installed it. I am finishing up a three month road trip soon and two weeks ago the second unit failed in the same manner. Still works but lcd screen sporadically turns to unreadable garbage and you can’t see your settings. My previous unit worked flawlessly for 19 years till the switch wore out hence needing to replace it. It was a Drawtite brand. I’ll never again purchase a Takonsha product again.
This controller replaced a 20 year old Tekonsha controller on my 2001 Chevy 2500HD that had failed. The Tekonsha P3 is a much better controller…. advances in technology I guess. The operation of the trailer brakes very closely matches the operation of the truck brakes now. Setup was quick and easy. Minor adjustments for load are simple as well. I have recommended this unit to a family member. Great product.
I am excited to tell you about my experience when I needed to return my Prodigy P3. After 3 years of "flawless" service my brake controller developed a problem. I called to E-Trailer, where I purchased the Prodigy P3, and was informed by Korren that the Prodigy P3 has a lifetime warranty and that I could send in to get a free repair, or to get it replaced. The Prodigy P3 is one of the Best brake controllers on the market and E-Trailer's super service and helpful people saved the day when I needed help. I look forward to many years of service from my new Prodigy P3 and will continue to buy from, and recommend, E-Trailer!
Prior model was a Curt wireless and it was terrible no matter what i did causing the trailer to brake violently. Basis past experience i decided to go with a Tekonsha. Great Choice! This unit works flawless so far pulling our Minnie Winnie with our Tacoma. Highly recommend this unit.
Received my brake controller and installed it right away. The installation was easy .simple plug and play easy to adjust .I tow a travel trailer and it worked great
This controller works great with my electric over hydraulic disc brakes on my fifth wheel camper. I tow with a 2015 3500 Chevrolet dually and the factory controller just would not work well even with the additional equipment required. I bypassed the factory controller and installed this one and it works great.
i had to get an oem to tekonsha prodigy adapter to avoid crimping wires. It was plug and play. really happy with this product
Much smoother operation than the much older brake control I was using. Excellent in the mountains.
The thorough instructions made the controller installation uneventful. I highly recommended disconnecting the battery when making the electrical connections. For some reason the overhead console information display didn’t work afterwards. Must have taken a surge. Was able to repo with one from the junkyard.
The controller has way more bells and whistles than I need but was simple to set up and use. I would recommend it.
The Help & professionalism of Quinn F @ etrailer.com was outstanding. He confirmed that the product was the best choice for my vehicle & purpose, his personal response & follow through impressed me (including an e-mail letting me know my parts were delivered a couple days early). I will definitely be using Quinn F @ etrailer.com for all my RV related needs.
Excellent communication vast knowledge of parts...Brittany was call in my represenatative hopefully that upper management will see how truely dedicated
eager to assist and to also get package and item shipped pronto i got the tekonosha prodigy p3 trailer brake controller...will update product upon install..just got it ...customer service and arrival time was Incredible lightning fast to say the least...BIG THANK YOU..!...E TRAILER
I have never used any other brand of brake controller so it's hard to compare brands. And since the Tekonsha controllers have always worked extremely well I've never had a reason to use a different brand. I use this on an F350 Powerstroke Diesel hauling an 18 foot enclosed trailer and a 12 foot dump trailer. I had one of these controllers destroyed (electronically) when my brother connected it via 7 pin to one of his trailers that was wired differently than my trailers. I replaced it about 10 years ago and haven't had a problem since. I also had my brother rewire his trailers to match mine in case he needed to borrow my truck again, which he has, with np problems. This last controller I purchased was for my tractor so I could move my trailers around safely with my 28hp tractor.
Used this on my Subaru Ascent for a easy plug and play hookup of my redarc towing controller. It has performed perfectly. I could not be more satisfied with the results
Tekonsha P3 brake controller was easy to install. Stacey got me the right wire adapter f ou r my 2022 Frontier. Basically Plug and Play install.
This electric brake actuator has worked flawlessly for the past year. It adjusts based on my device settings as I apply my car brakes. My car, a 2020 Subaru, came equipped with a tow package. The car's female plug made installation truly a plug and play event. My etrailer customer service rep was accurate in her explanation and recommendation of the Tekonsha. Thanks again etrailer team! You keep earning my business.
Brake controller and harness for my 2021 Mercedes Sprinter (LTV Unity Class C motorhome) delivered and installed. Perfect match. Communication with etrailer.com was great. Item delivered to Canada. No extra fees. ??
I love this! We camp monthly, and we tow our 23ft camper with a 1500 GMC. The break assist has been a fantastic tool to help keep us safe and in control of the camper.
The Tekonsha P3 and the wiring adapter have worked great for us. Installed in a Subaru Ascent on the bottom left side of the dash. Worried about hitting it with my foot, but that hasn't even been close to an issue. We leave it installed full time and I never think about it. Actually, as a break controller, that's a great thing. We adjusted the settings a couple times during our first outing with a trailer and have never touched it since. It truly does the proportional breaking well. I definitely prefer the physical box and not having to futz with an app.
First, a huge "Thank You" to Janice!!! You are the best, and the main reason I am the proud owner of Tekonsha P3 Brake Controller! (see, I initially had an issue with my standard online payment service and almost canceled my order because of it) So I went old school and picked up the phone, one with a cord and spoke to a human being. Her name is Janice, and she made me feel confident that I could trust her and etrailer. And as a result, 4 days after placing my order with her I received my package. That's incredible. I am very happy and will most certainly do business with etrailer again in the future because of Janice.
I don't have any experience with brake controllers. So I can't really comment on how much better or worse this one is to any others. But since I am new to the B/C scene maybe this can be considered an unbiased, non professional review of the Tekonsha P3.
My general skill level is "requires supervision around all power tools". But I do have some mechanical ability (snicker). So I will just say, if I could install this thing anyone should be able to do it. Of course I also bought the OEM wiring harness for my vehicle so even I was able to figure out which plug went where. On A scale of 1 to 10 I give it a 3 (I'm somewhat large and getting under the dash wasn't easy or it would be a 1). And as others have said, deciding where to mount it actually took longer.
I attached mine to the top of the lower dash cowl and it fits almost tight to the dash but still within the 180 degree limit. This positions the controller at the same height as my knee and puts it within fingertip reach while resting my hand on my knee. I can see the controller perfectly through the steering wheel spokes. I went with the green screen background. it seemed to provide the best view in all lighting conditions.
The controller itself works perfectly and the set-up was a breeze. Once installed all the functions worked as described. The real time vehicle diagnostics are a plus. I like being able to monitor my battery voltage to the decimal place if I want to. I'm sort of a techno geek so this is really cool. I set the B/C voltage per the instructions and will only use the boost feature if I am in a hurry or feel the trailer is at max load, but my truck is 8k lbs so you may want to set yours to suit your own conditions.
I highly recommend the Tekonsha P3 brake Controller if you want the latest and probably the best controller out there in this price range. I highly recommend the OEM wiring harness if your skills are not pit crew comprable and want the easiest install possible. And, I highly recommend you buy it from etrailer if you want to get it at the best price available (I checked them all) and want the added security you're buying from one of the best online retailers that sells this product. And do yourself a favor, go old school for a change, use the phone and call them, and ask for Janice, although I'm willing to bet everyone there is as nice as her.
Rob
Installed this on my GMC 3500 Duramax with factory integrated brake controller. Not happy with the integrated brake controller on my truck, had problems from the start on 3 different occasions with "Service Trailer Brake" warning on DIC, which of course means NO TRAILER BRAKES. Decided the P3 was the perfect solution. Many more features than the IBC, plus the P3 will also work with electric over hydraulic disc brakes should we ever need that in the future. Fairly easy install on this particular truck, the most difficult thing was running the brake wire from the controller to the 7-pin plug. (This is only required when installing in a vehicle with a factory installed brake control) Well worth the extra effort.
I installed this in my 1987 K5 Blazer hauling a trailer with an old mustang on it from Washington state to south california… never had an issue. I watched a few YouTube videos and followed the instructions, took me a little more than half a day but this was because i had to replace a fair amount of old wire and then loom it all correctly to look professional but to also have a lasting result. I was concerned I did something wrong as the device stays on with the back light a few minutes after turning off the vehicle… it’s normal, just how the device works. The controller is way to use otherwise. It does brake controller things.
I had to build a custom bracket for the controller mount since the X is limited in under dash metal but the install went well. The 7 pin trailer harness is a factory Nissan part (plug and play) , but since the receiver does not have the any mounting brackets, I positioned the 7 pin connector up and out of the way of harm by drilling and flush mounting it in the rear bumper. Thanks for carrying products relevant to your customer's needs and having products that work right. I have attached some pics from the finished install. I will be ordering accessories as I need them from your company as you have always been prompt, thorough and very courteous in all of your correspondence.
This Tekonsha Prodigy P3 was recommended to be by a friend who works at an RV dealership service center. This is my fifth trailer brake controller over a forty-year period, and my first progressive controller. I really love this controller. My truck has a factory towing package, but was manufactured prior to inclusion of integrated controllers. Since the truck has factory towing, the installation was very simple. The installation instructions were clear and complete. I would definitely recommend this controller to anyone looking for a dependable, easy to install and easy to use controller.
Works great, love it! Excellent product. Put it on my Jeep Grand Cherokee to regulate the brakes on my 23 ft. Travel Trailer. Put 8,000 miles on it first year, no problems at all!
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