Do Proportional Brake Controllers Require a Stoplight Switch Connection

Question

Question:

I currently have a timed trailer brake controller in my 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe and I dont like it. My first question is this: My current timed controller had to be connected to the brake light switch which was very difficult to get at. Do proportional type controllers also require a brake switch connection? Second question: Your wiring diagram shows a 12 volt connection from the battery through the red wire and 7 pin connector to the trailer. With this setup, the trailer would be draining the tow vehicles battery whenever it is hooked up. Most pickup trucks have a relay to prevent this. Is it possible to install a relay such as this on a small SUV? Thanks

asked by: Bob I

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

A proportional-type brake controller will need a brake stoplight switch connection, just as a time-delayed controller does. In some vehicles, obtaining the stoplight switch signal can indeed be difficult. If obtaining the signal from the circuit feeding the third brake light would be easier, you can certainly do so. Of the proportional controllers we offer, the Tekonsha Prodigy P2, part # 90885 is one of the most popular. The controller is very easy to set up and use, and is extremely highly rated by our customers.

The 12-volt trailer accessory power circuit can under certain circumstances deplete the battery in the tow vehicle, if there is an accessory on the trailer to draw power. This can be prevented by simply unplugging the trailer when the tow vehicle is not running or by installing a battery isolating solenoid like part # PK5231201. Once installed, the solenoid would interrupt that 12-volt accessory circuit when the ignition of the tow vehicle is turned off, thus preventing the battery from being drained.

expert reply by: Mike L

1

Answer 1

The 1999 GMC Yukon will not have a brake controller plug-in port under the dash. To install a brake controller on your vehicle you will need to hardwire the brake controller with the Brake Controller 7 and 4 Way Installation Kit, part #ETBC7. To…

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Answer 2

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 3

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only give…

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Answer 4

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 5

You do have the option to utilize the air brakes on your 2023 Freightliner Cascadia to control electric trailer brakes using the Hayes Air Actuated Trailer Brake Controller, part #HA100400C. However, we mostly recommend just using an electric brake…

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Answer 6

The trailer brakes work on a separate circuit than the lights. You have a couple of options to control the electric brakes on the trailer. One option is to use an air over electric brake control, #HA100400C. This unit connects to the air brakes on…

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Answer 7

There are a number of factors involved when converting a semi 7-way to an RV 7-way. Semis generally use a 7-pin round pin socket, similar to #PK11720. And RV style 7-way uses blades, like #PK12706. We do not offer any pre-made adapters to make this…

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Answer 8

On a 7 pin round which is the common connection on a semi trailer, the clearance/marker lights are at the 10 o clock position when you look at the trailer wiring connection. When looking at the connector on the back of the truck, that will put the…

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Answer 9

Either way is correct. It depends on if you want to keep the semi-style 7-Way (if you need to tow that type of trailer) or if you will never be towing a semi-trailer. If you need to keep the 7-Way semi active on the truck, then you would need to make…

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Answer 10

Hey Donald, the best Blue Ox weight distribution would be the pat #BXW0550 as it has a perfect tongue weight range for your 450 lb tongue weight trailer.

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Answer 11

If your vehicle has a factory brake controller plug, you can simply use the Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers – Ford, Item #3034-P, which will connect to the vehicle plug and the brake controller. On the new E-450…

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Answer 12

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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