Brake Controller Recommendations for 2009 International Workstar

Question

Question:

Our customer is looking for the correct brake controller to put on his 2009 International Work Star. Can you give us a few examples?

asked by: Terry

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

Trailer electric brake controllers are typically pretty universal and can be wired into most vehicles, such as the 2009 International Workstar. I personally recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 # 90885 because of its reliability. This is a proportional brake controller that will send power to the trailer's brakes at the same time and with the same intensity that the brakes are applied to in the Work Star. This brake controller also has 3 boost levels to choose from and continuous diagnostic checks to alert you of any potential issues.

Another great but more economical option is the Tekonsha Primus IQ # TK90160. This is also a proportional brake controller with continuous diagnostics and an easy to read LED display.

I have included video reviews of both of these brake controllers for you to check out.

There are no custom wiring harnesses available for the 2009 International Workstar to make installing a brake controller a simple plug-and-play process, but the brake controller can be hardwired into the truck. If there is not a 7-way already installed in the truck, you will need to install the Universal # ETBC7 kit. This will include everything needed to install the brake controller and a 7-way connector. Since the Workstar is larger than a typical recreational tow vehicle, you may need additional wiring. You can use # 10-2-1, which is sold by the foot.

expert reply by: Chris R

1

Answer 1

A 6-way round-pin trailer plug like Pollak #PK11604 has a center pin that can be wired in two ways. The most common function to be found on that center pin is 12V trailer power. This is a low-level maintenance charge that will maintain a charged…

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Answer 2

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 3

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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Answer 4

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 5

By all accounts the Curt Spectrum Trailer Brake Controller #C51170 works well and is easy to use and install on most vehicles. It is a brand new item so not a lot of feedback has come in on it. I did learn a few things though after speaking with our…

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Answer 6

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 7

According to my research, AL-KO 8490 references an AL-KO hub for 3,500 lb axles with a 10 x 2-1/4" drum and a 5 on 4-1/2" bolt pattern. For a drum assembly that will work with these hubs I recommend taking a look at the Electric Trailer…

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Answer 8

Dexter part 10-41 is a grease seal for a mobile home utility hub. It has a specified inside diameter of 1.938-inches and an outside diameter of 2.523-inches. The nearest match we offer is the Redline part #10-40 which is a single-lip seal that has…

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Answer 9

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

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Answer 10

You do not need to remove the bed of your truck to install the HappiJac part #LC182906-182971 that you referenced. I found a copy of the install instructions for this part number (see attached pictures) and there's no mention of the bed needing…

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Answer 11

The Dexter brake assembly 023-217-00 is a 10 by 2-1/4 brake for 3,500 pound axles that fits a 4-bolt brake mounting flange. For replacements I recommend part #AKEBRK-35-SA that includes both sides. They're labeld to make the install easier and…

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Answer 12

The grease cap part number that you referenced cross references to a drive in cap with a 2.44 inch outside diameter. If you have a standard cap then the Grease Cap, 2.44 inch OD Drive In, item #RG04-060, is the correct part. If you have a grease…

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