Installing an Electric Trailer Brake Controller on a 1997 Winnebago Motorhome  

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To install the Tekonsha P2 Brake Controller, # 90885, on your 1997 Winnebago, you will most likely have to hardwire the controller. You will need the controller and a 7 and 4 Way Installation Kit, # ETBC7. If the Winnebago has a 4-Way then it will be a little easier to install. If it does not, there is just a little more hardwiring that will need to be done.

If the Winnebago has a 7-Way, you will need the controller and Universal Brake Control Wiring Kit for 2-8 Brakes, # 5506, a 40-amp circuit breaker, # PK54540, and possibly a 20-amp circuit breaker, # PK54520, depending on what is indicated in the brake controller instructions linked below. The kit contains 25 feet of duplex cable. You will need an additional 20 feet. The cable is sold by the foot as part # 10-2-1.

With no trailer connector at all on your Winnebago, you will need to hardwire all the wires on the ETBC7. You will need to clip off the 4-Way and hardwire the yellow wire to the left turn signal, the green wire to the right turn signal, and the brown wire to a running light wire. You can then follow the FAQ linked below and the video showing the installation of an ETBC7 below.

If the Winnebago has a 7-Way, you will need to use the 5506. Splice one of the wires into the wire coming from the pin in the 7 oclock position from the back of the 7-Way. In the cab, attach the white wire, through the fire wall, to the negative battery terminal. Attach the black wire through the fire wall, to the positive battery terminal via a 20- or 30-amp circuit breaker. There should be plenty of wire to make the connections. Last, find the wire on the brake switch above the brake pedal that carries a signal ONLY when the brake pedal is pressed using a circuit tester like part # PTW2993. Attach this wire to the brake controller red wire.

If the 7-Way also needs power, connect a wire to the pin in the 11 o'clock position on the back of the 7-Way and route it the same way under the vehicle as mentioned earlier. Route this wire up through the engine compartment over near the battery. Attach this wire to the positive battery terminal via a 40-amp circuit breaker.

I have linked you to an installation video and some FAQ articles that you might find helpful.

expert reply by: Michael H

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