Installing Brake Controller 2007 RTX

[mugen1]

Originally Posted by Webwader

RiverFisher, that's a Tekonsha Prodigy controller. I also have one and have used it in my last two vehicles. It's the most popular controller on the market and works very well. You can learn more about it here. I haven't checked for the lowest prices lately but you can get them for about $95 at places like etrailer.com or rvwholesalers.com. A universal wiring harness comes with the unit, but Tekonsha also makes a Honda specific harness for about $15. It plugs right into the Honda plug rather than having to wire in the universal one.

I also have a Prodigy and like it a lot. For fellow Canadians looking for one, they are repackaged and distributed in Canada by Raybestos. I got mine for $149.00 Canadian at Lordco (Western Canada auto parts chain). This was back when the Loonie was pretty darn low compared to the US greenback. It may be cheaper than that now.

I bet Cambodian Tire will carry them too, although their prices are high sometimes.

By the time you get the controller from south of the border and pay duties, brokerage, shipping, etc. getting it locally might be cheaper. Plus, if it's in stock, you get it ASAP. I hate waiting for weeks, sometimes months, for stuff to clear customs.

[NorCalMike]

Originally Posted by RiverFisher

NorCalMike- Can you post the exact make and model number of your controller (and approximate cost)? I am just looking into this and want to buy something that other ROC members have proven will work.
Thanks
RF

Webwader is absolutely correct. The brake controller is a Prodigy
v 2.6. Bought it on rvwholesalers.com for $94.00 and got free shipping because I also ordered an Equal-i-zer hitch. They didn't have a Honda wiring harness so I bought one at my local RV dealer for $12.00. etrailer.com has both the Prodigy and the Honda harness for about $10.00 more than I paid plus shipping. If you buy a Prodigy before the 25th of this month you get a $20.00 mail in rebate. Does not have to be mailed in by the 25th, just purchased before the 25th.

mugen1 shares the technique he used to install the harness. I found it less complicated. I did not remove the dash panel at all. I got on my back on the floor in front of the drivers seat and dangled my legs out the door with my feet on the garage floor. Found the little blue tape wrapped around the wiring loom and the gray harness connector. Snipped the blue tape with a pair of pointed scissors and pulled the connector away from the wiring loom. Found it too awkward to get two arms under the dash from that position to snap the two connectors together. Crawled out of the truck, turned around and got on my knees near the open drivers door. From that position I was able to get both arms up under the dash and snap the two connectors together going by feel alone. Didn't need to stand on my head and look at what I was doing. Going by feel alone was easy. Only one way the two connectors can snap together. Can't get it backwards. From that same position I was able to fish the other end towards the brake controller. On my back one more time to install a wire tie around the brake controller wires to keep them away from the emergency brake hardware. Try this method before you take the dash panel apart. My experience with pulling plastic parts apart is they never go back the way you found them and now you have a new rattle to deal with. Hope this helps.

[NorCalMike]

Originally Posted by 94 Accord EX F250 owner

I chose to install my one the left side. A close read of the instructions say to keep a cell phone away from controller; I plug mine in the power plug next to the right hand location..

Good idea about the cell phone. I had to completely discount the left side. I'm such a spaz with my left hand, I'd never be able to manipulate the lever in an emergency situation.

[RiverFisher]

NorCalMike and Webwader-THANK YOU!
Looks like I will be ordering one before the end of the week and saving some $$$. So far I have only pulled utility trailers and my driftboat; nothing large enough to have trailer brakes. Well, I am adding an ultralight horse trailer to the mix and think it is a wise move to add a controller.
Thank you for the info!
This place ROCS!

[mugen1]

One thing I have to give Honda credit for is their awesome methods and materials used for fastening panels. Ask any stereo installer and they will tell you about Honda quality. I've had my front dash off and on at least two dozen times and the parts still snap back together and stay tight. Like they've never been taken apart. I would not take anything off of let's say a Ford. They fall apart all by themselves, lol.

[Just Ask]

Originally Posted by mugen1

One thing I have to give Honda credit for is their awesome methods and materials used for fastening panels. Ask any stereo installer and they will tell you about Honda quality. I've had my front dash off and on at least two dozen times and the parts still snap back together and stay tight. Like they've never been taken apart. I would not take anything off of let's say a Ford. They fall apart all by themselves, lol.

I'm with you on that! I've had my dash off about 30 times in the past 10 months and it still goes back on as if it had never been removed. Compared to my last pickup, a Chevy, it is a dream to take off and replace.

[NJFishing]

I mounted my Hidden Hitch Pilot Brake Contoller in the same place as NorCalMike. I decided to use velcro so I can unplug and remove it when not in use. Worked out great.

PS - I did a 650 mile round trip (Edison NJ to 1000 Islands NY) with an approx 3000 pound loaded Coleman Pop up. The Ridge towed it like a champ. I used to tow with the wife's Honda Pilot and the difference is night and day. Unlike the Pilot, the Ridge hardly knows it's back there except on steep grades. The other pluses are I get much less squat and pratically no trailer sway and I have tons more room to stowe all the stuff for camping.

Got to love this truck......It has exceeded all my expectations.

[NorCalMike]

NJFishing,

I too started out using Velcro. My glitch was having had treated my dash a couple of times with a real good UV protectant gel. I rubbed the area of the dash for my Prodigy down with rubbing alcohol. Two days in a row I went to my truck to see the Prodigy drooping pitifully from the dash. I knew if I tried acetone or something strong like that I would ruin the plastic. Ended up screwing the bracket into the dash. Glad to hear the Velcro worked out for you.