How to Determine if Older Camper is Equipped with Electric Brakes  

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Expert Reply:

I really can't be sure if your 1980 Serro Scotty Camper M-18 is equipped with electric brakes. The only way to know this for certain will be to simply look at the hubs to see if drums and brake assemblies are installed. If it is wired up for brakes, you should also see a couple wires coming out from each brake assembly on each side of the axle.

It sounds like you are just trying to figure out how to wire the 4-Way to 7-Way adapter like the Tow Ready # 30717 on your tow vehicle. This will plug right into the 4-Way on your vehicle to provide a 7-Way connector on the other end. If you find that the trailer is not equipped with brakes and you don't want to add them, then the blue wire coming from the adapter can simply be tied off as it won't be needed. If you also don't need an active 12V pin or reverse circuit pin on the 7-Way, the yellow and black wires can be tied off as well. The white wire will secure to the vehicle frame for ground.

If you find that the trailer does have electric brakes, a better option will be to use the Universal Wiring Kit # ETBC7. This kit includes everything necessary to convert the 4-Way on your vehicle to a fully functional 7-Way, along with the extra wiring and circuit breakers needed to install a brake controller. I have attached the detailed written instructions for this kit that you may find helpful.

Then for the brake controller itself the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 # 90195 that you were looking at is a great choice and exactly what I would recommend. It features an easy-to-read display, storable settings, and continuous diagnostics that will alert you to any potential issues.

expert reply by: Chris R

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