Will Brake Controller Install on 2015 Wrangler Unlimited Provide 12-Volt Accessory Power for Trailer

Question:

When I had a brake controller installed on my other vehicle the wiring accommodated the charging of my trailers battery. I watched your video and I am wondering if this set would work the same way. I think he called it a hot wire. I hope you understand my question and also what is the purple wire for ? I have a 2015 wrangler unlimited rubicon with 4 flat wiring already there. Thanks

asked by: Gee

Expert Reply:

If you follow the directions for the # ETBC7 brake controller install kit, your trailer connector will have a live trailer accessory circuit that can be used to provide a maintenance charge to a trailer mounted battery. The circuit won't have enough grunt to charge a depleted battery, so you'll need to charge using shore power and a battery charger like part # CTEK56353 if the battery becomes discharged.

The purple wire on the adapter that converts the 4-pole flat trailer connector to a 7-way is usually used for reverse lights on the trailer or for a lock out solenoid on a boat trailer that's included with a hydraulic brake coupler. If you need that circuit active for either of those purposes, tap it into the reverse lamp circuit on your Wrangler Unlimited. If you don't need the circuit active, you can just bundle the wire up out of the way, and tape off the end of the wire.

If you haven't already purchased a brake controller, you can't go wrong with the Tekonsha Prodigy P2, part # 90885. I'll link you to several FAQ articles and an install video that will walk you through the install.

expert reply by: Mike L