Brake Controller Recommendation for Truck with 7-Way

Question:

Hello, I’m working on a tandem axle trailer that is equipped with electric brakes and would like to test them for proper function. My truck currently does not have a brake controller, but does have a factory 7 plug connector with a blade that is labeled “electric brakes”. Does this mean that I can utilize the electric brakes without “tuning” them or can I only actuate the brakes through an aftermarket brake controller? How can I use my circuit tester troubleshoot and potential problems?

asked by: Derrick C

Expert Reply:

You have to install a brake controller to activate your trailer's brakes. There's no other way to activate the brake circuit you have in a way that will apply the trailer's brakes smoothly. If you ran a stoplight circuit to this pin of your 7-way you'd end up locking the brakes up every time you touched the brakes. A brake controller allows you to apply varying voltage to match the needs of the braking scenario you are in. If you go with a proportional controller it will sense how hard you are applying the tow vehicle brakes and apply a relative amount of braking power to the trailer.

For a brake controller I would recommend the Prodigy P3 Brake Controller part # 90195. This is our best selling brake controller because of how well it works and how easy it is to setup. This is a proportional brake controller that senses the amount of braking the tow vehicle is applying and applies a proportionate amount to the trailer brakes. This will be the last brake controller you buy. It can easily be transferred to future vehicles as well.

Next, for a wiring kit to install the brake controller to the 7-way you would want the Wiring Kit for 2 and 4 Brake Electric Brake Controllers # 5506. This will provide the power source and ground for the wiring for the brake controller. You will need to test the wires from the brake pedal switch of your vehicle to find a circuit that has voltage when the brakes are applied and none when not applied. This will be the circuit you will run the red wire to.

Finally you will need to run a length of 10 gauge wire (part # 10-1-1) from the brake output circuit of the controller to the brake output circuit of the 7-way (blue wire). The # 10-1-1 is sold by the foot so you will need to order a quantity of the amount of feet you will need.