Brake Controller Recommendation for a 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis Towing a 1974 Play Mor Camper

Question:

I recently purchased a 1974 Play Mor camper, i believe it to be a model 160 as best as I can tell. and it is fitted with electric brakes, which work. I looked at your video about the 13707 hitch for a 2002 Mercury Marquis and read the specs. Do you think I will need to install a brake controller in the car. I do not plan on going into mountainous areas with this vehicle. I will be buying a more appropriate towing vehicle later as we plan on getting a larger RV, but this is just a starter camper for us. Thanks!

asked by: Phil H

Expert Reply:

A brake controller and trailer brakes are recommended any time the weight of the trailer being towed exceeds 50 percent of the weight of the vehicle. In your case the 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis weighs somewhere around 3900 lbs or slightly more, so If the gross trailer weight loaded and ready to tow is below 1,950 lbs then a brake controller would not be required but would still be a good idea for safety and would help with wear and tear on the vehicle brakes and suspension. We have articles on brake controllers and weight distribution that you may find helpful, see links.

Weight distribution is also recommended when trailer weights exceed 50 percent of the vehicles weight. Our article details how to weigh your trailer for proper selection of a weight distribution system. Keep in mind that you need to select a system that has a high enough capacity for anything loaded in the vehicle behind the rear axle.

To Install a brake controller on your 2002 Grand Marquis you will need to start out with a working 4-Way connector, like part # 119176KIT. We have detailed installation instructions and a video that will help with this installation.

Once the 4-Way is installed, you will need to install a brake controller and brake controller installation kit, ETBC7. The Prodigy P2 Brake controller, # 90885, would be a good choice, and when you upgrade to a larger towing vehicle it can be moved to the new vehicle. If you keep the Marquis you can use a new mounting pocket, # 7686, and Wiring Harness, # 7894, to install the prodigy in the new vehicle and easily transfer it between vehicles when needed.

We have detailed instructions and a video showing the installation of the P2 brake controller and # ETBC7 brake controller installation kit on a 2003 Mercury Mariner that should be helpful also, see links.