Has anybody installed a trailer brake controller in their truck yet? My wife and I are looking at camper trailers, some of them we are looking at are in the 4-5000 LB range. Basically a house on wheels.

The rule of thumb I've heard is that any trailer over 1000 LBS needs to have it's own brakes. I'm getting ready to install the relay and harness I got with the truck, but I would like to hear from any of you that have installed a controller.

Was it hard to do? What kind did you install? Where did you get it?
Thanks in advance.

 

I tow a boat that including trailer is over 6000 lbs. It obviously has it's own e-brakes but I don't have an incab controller and I have no problems.

-Tim

 

Good to know thanks!

 

My trailer is like 8000 lbs with electric brakes on it, I installed the Tekonsha Prodigy brake controller. works great and cutting edge tech. Youll be glad you have one when some jacka** cuts you off in traffic....
Tekonsha

 

Its real easy. I have a prodigy brake controler. The instructions are straight forward. Just get a good wire crimper and some butt splice connectors. I believe I used the conectors for 16/18 awg wire. The hardest part was deciding where to mount it. The instructions with the controler will tell you how to set it.

If you are buying your camper from a dealer you should be able to talk him into giving you one and installing it for you for free.

Good luck and enjoy your new camper.

 

BaHa4x4,if you don't have a controller in your truck then you don't have electric brakes.Most likely you have a surge brake settup on the trailer.The trailer tongue pivots under braking force actuating a master cylinder to send brake fluid to the brakes.Check your local laws.They are illegal here in NJ.

 

Go herehttp://www.rv.net/forum/ for a wealth of information.

 

maybe this will work; http://www.rv.net/forum/ [

 

You are right. They are surge disc brakes according to the manual...the sales guy said different. Time to have a talk with the sales guy.

-Tim

 

I've been looking into this, and the newest prodigy seems to be the way to go. Campworld had a sale on them...might as well be ready when it's time to get that boat.

 

That's EXACTLY why I'm being so picky about having this set up right.

Thanks for your help guys, This is the info i needed.

 

I installed a Prodigy in mine about a a month ago. I ordered mine before I picked the truck up and spent $11.95 for a dedicated wiring harness for a direct plug in. I should have waited and spliced the harness end that was in the left door panel with the harness end that came with the prodigy (with connectors included) and saved the money. Anyway, I drilled two holes in a metal plate that is already attached to the bottom of the dash near the brake release (the Prodigy comes with a plastic holder where you can snap the controller in or out) and installed the holder. The whole job took about 15 minutes and it is out of the way. You then just plug the relay that is with the harness end into the fuse box and you're done. The controller can be ordered from Rvwholesalers.com for $99.99 plus shipping and you will have it in about 3 days. Works great!!!