Brake Controller Recommendation for a 1999 Coachmen Catalina 330MBS RV on a Ford F-53 Chassis

Question:

I have a 1999 Coachmen Catalina 330mbs RV on an Ford F53 chassis. I think it has a hitch package but the connector on the hitch is a round 5 contact design I think I would like to purchase all the right items to a trailer breaking system. Do you think the existing wiring from each to each will work with just replacing the connector at the hitch? Any help on the decision process would be great. Can any of the controllers be mounted with the face vertical instead of horizontal.? I already have an unused hole in the day panel I would like to fill. Thats no big deal, just asking. Thanks again,

asked by: Todd M

Helpful Expert Reply:

If your Coachmen Catalina was equipped with a hitch package it is possible it has the brake controller plug as well. The harness will be located under the dash near the center console on most vehicles.

If you find a plug then you will need the brake controller adapter # 3035-P, for the Tekonsha and Draw-Tite brand brake controllers, to mate with a brake controller. I recommend the Tekonsha P3 # 90195, because of its easy user interface. The P3 is a proportional brake controller which means it senses how the tow vehicle is slowing or stopping and applies the trailer's brakes with the same intensity. It also has a full display screen instead of codes that need deciphering. The Tekonsha P2 # 90885 is like the P3's little brother, it has all the great qualities but the display of the P2 isn't as user friendly.

As long as the P3 Brake Controller part # 90195 is mounted to where it is facing the direction of travel you can angle the controller basically however you like it. Check out the picture I attached that shows how it can be mounted. If you don't mount it properly it will not function properly.

It is possible that all the existing wiring will work with just replacing the connector at the hitch with # 37185. It is also possible it won't, your best bet is to test for function and continuity. It is possible that if you indeed have a 5-way on the back of your RV that the 5th wire is just the reverse light circuit. To test the wires, I recommend the circuit tester # PTW2993. I have attached a video of how this tester works for you to check out.

If you don't find a plug under the dash and the wires at the 5-way aren't what you need, then I would recommend the # ETBC7 with extra duplex wire # 10-2-1 because of the length of your RV.

If you tell me what you end up finding out with your RV, I would be happy to recommend the right setup for you.