Visit our Popular Forums

ColdEspresso · 03-16-2008, 04:58 PM

I have recently purchased a 2005 VW Touareg V8 and I am wondering what brake controller some of the forum members have used. I have heard that the Prodigy is very difficult to interface with the VW. Although some of the other Tekonsha models work well. I am pulling a 78 25 ft. Caravanner that weighs about 5000 lbs. Anyone have any experience with setting up an Airstream with the Touareg?

Thanks,

Mario

overlander63 · 03-16-2008, 05:11 PM

Xray and Westfalia (I think) both tow with T-regs. I don't think X checks in that often anymore, you may get a response from a PM.

CanoeStream · 03-16-2008, 05:29 PM

I agree Terry. Westfalia and Devoman were my thoughts -- both of them pretty active. Do a search, advanced search; enter only Touareg as the keyword and enter just one of their usernames on the right. You'll be able to browse quite a number of times they've mentioned their tow vehicles in threads.

AlbertF · 03-16-2008, 05:41 PM

A Jordan would work fine, provided you are willing to wait for the new model, or can find someone with the previous version available for sale.

The Jordan connects directly to the battery, not through the vehicle's electrical system, and is always "on" (at least when the brake pedal is depressed).

ColdEspresso · 03-16-2008, 05:54 PM

Thanks. I have camped with Devoman before and I have dropped him a note.

Road Ruler · 03-16-2008, 06:07 PM

I really like the Jordan too.

Xray sold his Airstream a year or so ago. He reported that they may buy another one in the near future.

2airishuman · 03-16-2008, 06:11 PM

did u ask over on the t-rex forums too?

devo hangs there some, but a search here suggests he's using a prodigy.

and there is a guy from tennessee with a very similar rancilio espresso machine too...

do you have the receiver yet? and don't forget the euro wiring issue for the 7 pin connector...

cheers
2air'

ColdEspresso · 03-16-2008, 06:57 PM

We are from Tennessee and we make coffee for anyone who stops by at forum rally (or anywhere else for that matter). We will be at Springstream so stop by for a cup.

M

JFScheck · 03-19-2010, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ColdEspresso

I have recently purchased a 2005 VW Touareg V8 and I am wondering what brake controller some of the forum members have used.

Prodigy or Prodigy 3

Quote:

Originally Posted by ColdEspresso

I have heard that the Prodigy is very difficult to interface with the VW.

Very easy to install - I have pictures and simple instructions both here and over at the "T-Rex" forums...

Quote:

Originally Posted by ColdEspresso

I am pulling a 78 25 ft. Caravanner that weighs about 5000 lbs. Anyone have any experience with setting up an Airstream with the Touareg?

I do now! Invest in a weight distribution system - I went with Pro Pride but Hensley Arrow is another good one - if you don't want to spend too much the Equalizer is another alternative - but not quite as good as the other two in my opinion for use with our "T-Rex's"...

Jo Mojo · 03-31-2010, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JFScheck

Prodigy or Prodigy 3

I do now! Invest in a weight distribution system - I went with Pro Pride but Hensley Arrow is another good one - if you don't want to spend too much the Equalizer is another alternative - but not quite as good as the other two in my opinion for use with our "T-Rex's"...

Hi There,
We have just purchased a 2007 T-Rex and a 23D Airstream and trying to get them set up to connect with each other.

I'm wondering why you think the Pro Pride or Hensley is better than an Equalizer. Our dealer insists that we shouldn't have a weight distribution/anti-sway at all but it seems that other Touaregs towers use them. Our 2007 does not have the air levelers (or whatever they're called). Do you (or anyone) know about the new Husky Center Line wd hitches?

Road Ruler · 03-31-2010, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jo Mojo

Hi There,
We have just purchased a 2007 T-Rex and a 23D Airstream and trying to get them set up to connect with each other.

Congrats go out to you.
Set up optimally your T-reg and 23' would be a great combination.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jo Mojo

Our dealer insists that we shouldn't have a weight distribution/anti-sway at all

IMHO.....on that note I would be seriously looking for another place to have the combination set up, Find a towing specialist that has experience working with the T-Reg/wdh's/and set up.

There is quite a bit of good info on the T-regs here in the forum. Search it out and do some research.

JFScheck · 04-01-2010, 12:08 AM

I would see if you could find a dealer to either purchase a "ProPride" or "Hensley Arrow" hitch for your T-Rex....

I went with the ProPride - do a quick search and you can find fans of both!

Bluto · 04-01-2010, 03:35 AM

JFScheck,
Sounds like you picked up your new trailer. How does it tow behind your car with the ProPride system?
I also noted that your trailer is a 2010 25' Classic. I was not aware that A/S made a 25' Classic in 2010. When I was shopping for trailers, I was told by my dealer that the smallest was a 27' and that the last 25's were only availabe in the 2009 model. If yours is truly a 2010, did you have it specially built? That would make it a really rare trailer for sure!

JFScheck · 04-01-2010, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluto

JFScheck, I was told by my dealer that the smallest was a 27' and that the last 25's were only availabe in the 2009 model. If yours is truly a 2010, did you have it specially built? That would make it a really rare trailer for sure!

Your are 100 percent correct - I have a 2009 model 25 footer - but since it was brand new and I purchased it in 2010 I kind of stretched the model year out a few months and call her a "2010"....

Check your Private Messages for a PM...

Bluto · 04-01-2010, 01:29 PM

Now I see! Sounds good to me. I was ready to raise cane with my dealer for not knowing.
Got your message. Thanks!

Octoberpfb · 04-06-2010, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JFScheck

I would see if you could find a dealer to either purchase a "ProPride" or "Hensley Arrow" hitch for your T-Rex....

I went with the ProPride - do a quick search and you can find fans of both!

I am going to buy a 2010 25' International. I have a 2009 Touareg TDI with the tow package. All this is new to me....what else will I need for towing?
Another brake? Anti-sway bar? How is your's set-up? Also, it seems like the 25' is pretty close to the weight limit of the VW. I've read here about a 20% rule?
ANy help is greatly appreciated!

JFScheck · 04-06-2010, 11:50 AM

Are you going "Serenity" or one of the two "Signature Series" on your International? If I didn't strike the deal on the Classic Limited (brand new 2009 model) I was then going to jump on a "Serenity International".

Lots of info for you - but remember - you are going to hear both positive and negative comments on your choice as I have both on the forum and off. People can be pretty possessive of their thoughts and are not afraid to be vocal with their opinions - just filter all the info (let a few comments slide off of your back) and enjoy the Forum.

We can chat in more detail as you require more "info" but the "info" posted below should help you to get started on your way...

1. You need a good brake controller - and in my opinion the Prodigy P3 is currently the best out there. I had the orignal "Prodigy" and towed with it on my "Cayenne S" for 4+ years and loved it. The down side is you need to rig up a little harness to plug into the P3 - and here are instructions on how to do this... Note - I would go with the simple "automotive relay" vice the "sold state" relay - and NO you do not need the switch installed - I did as at the time I thought it would be cool but recognize it might be a bit "over-the-top".

2. You will need a good "Weight Distribution Hitch" with "Stabilization" - the two best out there in my opinion are the "Hensley Arrow" and the "ProPride P3". This is going to be your call but I would spend the extra money over the other "traditional" hitches and choose one of these two - and out of the two I would go with the "ProPride P3". This product is an "update" to the original "Hensley Arrow" and after speaking with the owner of the company (Sean who is a frequent guest here) and many others all over the web - the "ProPride" really appears to be the best out there (think of it as an updated "Hensley Arrow")...

3. Think "efficiency" when loading up your trailer - you are going to need to be "smart" with your packing to include driving around with your tanks full of propane, water, (or empty - or somewhere in-between), etc. Now that being said - for a test this past weekend I loaded up my "Classic Limited" with water, propane and rocks - took her to the scales and she was at "7,510" pounds. I wanted to test the limits at full weight close to home. The really interesting thing is that I couldn't feel the extra weight (other than going up the mountains to Big Bear via some steep grades) over the dry weight of "6,200" pounds (yea - the trailer dry is supposed to be only "5,900" pounds but....). The cool thing is that I was still cruising around at 65mph "Rock Stable" and it was a windy day as a crosswind heading over a few of the passes was blowing 25 - 40 mph plus. CONCLUSION - she towed "great" fully loaded - BUT my "Modus Operandi" will be to tow at my "85% weight" - and when I get to my final destination (5-10 miles outside of final camp) I'll load up with water and full propane, "adult heavy bottled beverages", etc. if necessary.

Again - this info should get you started - and don't be intimidated as this isn't rocket science! There is LOTS of info & opinions out there - and as I posted on one of our other forums - "Each of us has a different puzzle to put together" (as our TV's & TT's are all different) - "alas our puzzle pieces are all out there just waiting for us to collect them and assemble."

Aviator · 04-06-2010, 12:09 PM

I will take you up on the coffee offer at Springstream

JFScheck · 04-06-2010, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JFScheck

for a test this past weekend I loaded up my "Classic Limited" with water, propane and rocks

Well actually it was sandbags full of very small "pea sized" gravel so it wouldn't shift around - borrowed from a friends "home improvement patio" project she is working on...

AlbertF · 04-06-2010, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JFScheck

The really interesting thing is that I couldn't feel the extra weight (other than going up the mountains to Big Bear via some steep grades) over the dry weight of "6,200" pounds (yea - the trailer dry is supposed to be only "5,900" pounds but....).

With 1970s trailers, factory weight did not include the awning or propane bottles. They add 200 lbs plus. Is that the difference in your case?