Installing a Brake Controller on a 2003 Sterling Acterra Dump Truck

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Question:

Could you e-mail me how to wire a brake controller on a Sterling Acterra 2003 dump truck? I have air brakes but my trailer has electric. I am willing to buy what ever brake controller you recommend. I will be pulling app 25-30k lbs and my truck weighs 14k. Thanks guys

asked by: Pat L

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Expert Reply:

I will be happy to explain how to install an electric brake controller in your dump truck. First, if the truck does not have a trailer connector at all you will need to add a 4-Way first. If the truck has the brake lights and turn signals on the same bulb then you can use # 18252. If the dump truck has separate turn signals from the brake lights you can use # 119178KIT.

Next you will need to install a 4- and 7-Way installation kit # ETBC7. This kits includes the 7-Way and the wiring/accessories needed to install a brake controller. For a brake controller I recommend the P3, # 90195, because it is a reliable controller with easy to read diagnostics. It works on trailer with brakes on up to 4 axles.

I have included some links that show and explain the ETBC7 installation for you. If your dump truck does not have a brake switch to tap into to install the brake controller you will need to find a dedicated brake light only circuit to attach the red brake controller wire to. It is possible that there is one you can tap into in the fuse box/power distribution box.

expert reply by: Michael H

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Answer 1

The Prodigy P3 part #90195 will work for you because your trailer has electric brakes. The P3 can install and work just fine on vehicles with air brakes. The only thing it needs from the vehicle is access to a circuit that only sees voltage when…

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Answer 2

The blue electric brake power feed wire should be connected to the terminal in a 7-Way RV style connector, at the 7 o-clock position when looking at the inside of the connector. If looking at the outside of the connector the terminal is in the 5…

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Answer 3

We do offer the Trailer Connector Adapter, #HM47425, which converts a 7-pole round connector to a 7-pole flat connector. This adapter works for tow vehicles with combined taillight wiring, meaning that the turn signals and brake lights run on the…

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Answer 4

If you are talking about a brake controller, like the Prodigy P3 #90195, sending a small signal then there is nothing to worry about. Brake controllers like the P3 send a small signal to the connector to check to see if there is a trailer connected.…

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Answer 5

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 6

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 7

Actually, the P3 now has the upgraded axis accelerometer like the P2. The Tekonsha P3 Trailer Brake Controller #90195, will work with both electric over hydraulic brakes on the trailer as well as electric brakes. It has a menu option on the display…

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Answer 8

The trailer brakes work on a separate circuit than the lights. You have a couple of options to control the electric brakes on the trailer. One option is to use an air over electric brake control, #HA100400C. This unit connects to the air brakes on…

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Answer 9

The difference between an load range C and load range D tire in the same size is the capacity and psi rating. The two tires will still have the same dimensions and fit on the same wheel. The D rated tire has a higher capacity. For a ST175/80D13 like…

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Answer 10

That's a very good question, we tend to be extra cautious and say to use 10 gauge wire because that would be more than enough. When you get into longer trailers that will end up using a lot of wire the heavier gauge wire becomes more necessary.…

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Answer 11

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only give…

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Answer 12

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Installing a Brake Controller on a 2003 Sterling Acterra Dump Truck

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