What Is Needed To Add Trailer Brake Controller To 1966 Dodge For 1966 Camper With Trailer Brakes

Question:

Hi Im installing AKEBRK-35L-SA and 35R on a old 1966 camper. The brakes Im removing are 10 inch drums with 2-1/4 shoes. The towing truck is a 1966 Dodge. The camper has basic lights, turn, stop, running. What brake controller should I use? Also what connector should I use on the truck and the camper? Thanks,

asked by: Dennis P

Expert Reply:

That sounds like an awesome setup you are building! Id love to see some pictures once you get it all done.

There is a few options for trailer brake controllers that I recommend. If you do not want to mount a trailer brake controller inside of the cab I recommend using the Curt Echo Wireless Trailer Brake Controller # C51180. The Curt Echo # C51180 is a great option since it mounts directly to your 7-way connector of your truck and doesn't require you to run any wires inside of the cab or drill holes in your dash to mount.

If you would prefer a more traditional style trailer brake controller I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 # 90195 which will mount inside of the cab of your truck and has an easy to read and understand built in diagnostics system.

Since there is not a custom vehicle wiring harness for your 1966 Dodge you will need to start by installing a 4-way connector. I recommend the Vehicle Wiring Harness Kit w/ 4-Pole Trailer Connector and Installation Kit # C59496 which will require you to wire the green wire to the passenger side turn signals. Yellow wire to the driver side turn signals. Red wire to your brake lights if it is a different bulb than your turn signals and ground it if your turn signal lights and brake lights are the same. Brown wire to your tail lights. White wire to your vehicles frame. Black wire to your vehicle's battery with included fuse.

With your 4-way connector installed you will need to install a 7-way connector. If you are using the Curt Echo # C51180 you will need Universal 7-way Kit # ETBC7, and if you are using a traditional trailer brake controller like the Tekonsha P3 # 90195 you will need the Universal 7-way Kit # ETBC7.

For a connector for your camper, you can use the Hopkins 7-Way RV Style Connector with Molded Cable - Trailer End - 8' Long - RV Standard Item # H20046. Just cut off the existing connector on your camper and wire them to the new connector. You may need a circuit tester like # PTW2993 to verify the function of each wire on the trailer.

Since you are adding trailer brakes you will need to add some wire from your trailer brakes to the 7-way connecter using # 12-1-1.