Recommended way to Setup a Tekonsha Prodigy RF Brake Controller on a 2010 Freightliner Tractor

Question:

I am going to pull my Teton Prestige Las Vegas 5th wheel 20k+ weight with my 2010 Freghtliner tractor. I will either use an adapter to go from the commercial 7pin to the RV configuration or re-wire the plug. Any issues with the RF controller in this application? I'll be towing with a class 8 Cascadia. can I use your commercial pin to blade adapter or do I. need to make my own. My truck has an ABS circuit in the plug. I'm going to take my tractor out of commercial use so wouldn't it be better to just replace the commercial pin plug with a correctly wired RV blade plug instead of trying to adapt one to the other?

asked by: Terry D

Expert Reply:

Your best bet would be to wire a RV blade-style 7-way vehicle end connector on your 2010 Freightliner tractor, using a tail light converter # 119178 and a Hopkins 4-pole to 7-pole and 4-pole adapter # 37185.

The 7-way you have now should have separate circuits for the brake lights and turn signals. The RV industry uses combined circuits which is why the converter is needed. On the converter input wires, red is for brake lights, brown is for running lights, white is ground, yellow is left turn signal and green is right turn signal. On the output side, white is ground, brown is running lights, green is right turn/brake lights and yellow is left turn/brake lights. Cut off the 4-way end and wire them to the back of the new RV style 7-way and follow the diagram I included.

If there isn't an existing 12-volt power circuit on the 7-way you have now, then you would need to hardwire one in. The black wire provides 12-volt power to the trailer connector to feed the RF unit. Use a butt connector like # 05732-2 to attach enough 10 gauge wire # 10-1-1 to reach he positive battery terminal. A 40 AMP circuit breaker, part # PK54540 needs to be installed inline on this circuit.

If you will be using this setup often, I recommend taking steps to protect the converter box from moisture such as mounting it in a protected area.

I would also recommend upgrading your brake controller to a Prodigy P2 # 90885 or P3 # 90195 because they are both extremely easy to use. They both work with both electric over hydraulic brakes on a trailer as well as electric brakes. I added a couple video reviews too. The universal installation kit is # ETBC7.

I included a video review, installation videos and informative article for you as well.