How Much Power/Amps Does the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Draw

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Question:

Can you tell me what a typical initial surge current Amps or power Watts is for a Tekonsha P3 brake controller when brakes are initially applied? Im mostly running this with a single axle trailer, but will occasionally use it with double axle trailers. My tow vehicle has a 24 volt system, so I will be powering the controller with a 24V to 12V DC to DC converter. I need to make sure I size the converters peak capacity to handle the initial surge when brakes are applied. Im specifically interested in the Tekonsha P3. Im familiar with that controller, since I have it installed in my other vehicles. However, since this vehicle is an antique military truck, Id consider other suggestions you may have for controller - especially those which may allow the main controller unit to be mounted remotely, with just a small control knob on the dash.

asked by: John M

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller part # 90195 will draw 1 amp of current per volt sent to the trailer brakes on a tandem axle trailer and 1/2 amp of current per volt sent to the trailer brakes on a single axle trailer. Therefore, the max amp draw would be around 12 for a tandem axle trailer or 6 for a single axle trailer. In order to transfer the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 from one vehicle to another you would need both the Pigtail Wiring Harness part # 7894 and the Replacement Mounting Bracket Kit part # TK5906.

For a wireless brake controller that would not require any splicing into the vehicle you could go with the Autowbrake Electric Brake Controller part # 3430001 which installs completely on the trailer and uses a remote for the manual override feature. That said, you would still need to make sure the controller is feed 12 volts. The only brake controller we offer for a 24 volt system is the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Trailer Brake Controller part # RED44FR which is controlled via a control knob on the dash like you wanted.

expert reply by: Conner L

1

Answer 1

You can put a maintenance charge on your trailer battery with the 12 volt accessory circuit of the 7-way. The 1:00 position of your 7-way carries this circuit. You would just need to run a length of 10 gauge wire like part #10-1-1 (sold by the foot),…

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Answer 2

I attached a link to this page that details exactly how to determine what parts you'd need to add brakes to your trailer axle but the most important piece of info we don't have yet is the axle capacity and wheel bolt pattern. Figure those…

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Answer 3

I would be happy to help. The Tekonsha P3 brake controller you referenced would be an excellent choice for you. The P3 is extremely easy to use, and has controls that are intuitive and simple to understand. The diagnostic feature is unique in that…

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Answer 4

To answer your first question, there isn't a traditional "adapter" to allow the 7 way on your trailer to plug into a 4 way connector on your vehicle- at least not in the manner that you're thinking of. For that reason you would…

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Answer 5

The wires of the Autowbrake Electric Brake Controller #3430001 are 14 gauge and were intended to be wired directly too a junction box where from there would run to all of the circuits of the trailer wiring. I would only run 18 gauge to lights and for…

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Answer 6

The Autowbrake brake controller part #3430001 that you referenced draws up to 15 amps. It's only going to draw amperage when the controller is activating the trailer brake so it would not be something you'd need to install an on/off switch on…

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Answer 7

The stop light switch circuit on a 2019 Toyota Highlander which will be needed to install a brake controller like the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller part #90195 can be found by testing the bundle of wires attached to the brake pedal.…

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Answer 8

The Tekonsha Prodigy P3 #90195 has the ability to show a few different voltages when your vehicle is parked. The first option is your tow vehicle battery voltage which should be at least 12V if not more. The second is output power from the stoplight…

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Answer 9

Yes, the Phoenix USA QuickTrim Hub Cover #QT545C will fit your 1/2" acorn style lug nuts. They are specifically designed to fit this style but also work with many open ended lug nuts as well.

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Answer 10

The Wheel Masters Lug Nut Cover Pliers, part #WM8211, are designed to remove any size lug nut covers. Just pinch the lug nut cover with the pliers and pull the cover off.

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Answer 11

There are 3 possible causes for the display reading - No Trailer Connected - on the Tekonsha P-3, Item #90195, when the trailer is connected. The first cause could be that you do not have the P-3 set up in the Hydraulic mode. On page 4 the…

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Answer 12

That fluid has to be going somewhere! What you can do is have someone activate the manual override on the brake controller in the vehicle cab while checking for leaks. Make sure the reservoir is full though. If it is not leaking at a line or…

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How Much Power/Amps Does the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Draw

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