Parts Needed to Install Tekonsha Primus # TK90160 Brake Controller on 2013 Honda Odyssey

Question:

I am looking at the Tekonsha Primus IQ Trailer Brake Controller TK90160. My vehicle already has a hitch and a 7-way/4-way wiring harness. How would I connect this to the existing wire harness? The video showed installing the wiring harness first. Does it matter what kind of brakes are installed on the trailer? I am going to use this with a pop-up camper that currently has no brakes but I found a trailer shop near where I am picking up the camper that said they could install the brakes.

asked by: Eric A

Expert Reply:

The Primus brake controller you mentioned, part # TK90160 would be an excellent choice. Proportional brake controllers like the Primus provide the most predictable and reliable braking, compared to the older technology used by time-delayed controllers. A brake controller like the Primus is compatible with the electric braking systems that would be found on a pop-up.

To install the brake controller, I'd recommend our brake controller installation kit, part # 5506. I'm unsure of the wiring situation you currently have at the rear of your vehicle, but behind your 7-way up behind the bumper, you should be able to find two wires that need to be extended and ran to the front of the vehicle, a blue wire for the trailer brakes and a black wire to carry 12 volt power to the trailer for any accessories that might need it.

The blue wire should be connected to the pin in the 5:00 position on the 7-way, the black wire to the pin in the 1:00 position.

Using the duplex cable included in the kit, connect the brake output from the trailer connector to the white wire in the cable, the 12volt feed to the black wire in the cable. Run the duplex cable to the front of the vehicle, being careful to avoid anything that's moving or hot. The black wire will connect to the positive battery terminal, via the 40 amp circuit breaker included with the install kit. The white wire will continue through the firewall into the passenger compartment where it will connect to the black wire exiting the rear of your Primus brake controller. This leaves the black controller wire that connects to the positive battery terminal via the 30 amp breaker included in the kit and the white wire that connects to the negative battery terminal. You'll have some leftover wire from the duplex cable to make these connections.

The red brake controller wire connects to the brake stoplight switch located atop the brake pedal. There will be several wires exiting the switch, you'll use a circuit tester like part # PTW2993 to probe the wires until the find the wire that only shows power when the brake is pressed. This wire should be light green in color, but I'd urge you to use a circuit tester to confirm, as wire colors aren't always consistent within the same model year. Tap the red wire into that circuit using a quick splice connector like # SWC502905-1.

I've linked you to some FAQ articles and an install video you might find helpful. The video shows a brake controller being installed on a 2011 Odyssey. Other than the fact that your vehicle already has a 7-way, the installation procedure shown would be identical.

I'll also link you to an FAQ article that will explain what's needed to add brakes to your pop-up. As shown, you'll need to make sure your axles have brake mounting flanges on them. If you'd care to reply with your tire size, wheel bolt pattern and with the reference numbers stamped on your inner and outer wheel bearings, I'd be happy to recommend some specific parts for you.