Recommended Brake Controller for a 1985 Ford L-8000

Question:

Looking for a brake controller to fit my truck, 1985 Ford L-8000 straight truck , diesel engine with hydraulic brakes. Trailer has 4 axles. Please identify.

asked by: Steven B

Expert Reply:

The Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller item # 90885 you were looking at would be a great option and one I highly recommend. It is compatible with hydraulic braking systems and trailer's having up to four axles. You will have to hardwire this brake controller in with the included universal wiring harness.

You'll need to use a circuit tester like item # PTW2993 to test the functions of the wires behind your dash. You will have to find the following wires to connect the brake controller:

Black - 12V power (constant power)
Blue - Brake controller output to 7-way
Red - Brake Light switch cold side which will only power on when you hit the brake pedal
White - Ground

If your 1985 Ford L-8000 truck does not have a 7-way connector you'll need to install the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller item # ETBC7. The kit includes a pre-wired 7- and 4-way trailer connector that mounts easily at the rear of your vehicle with an included bracket.

You will then connect the blue wire to the blue wire on the brake controller, connect the black wire to the positive post on the vehicle's battery, the white wire to ground, and the yellow wire to vehicle's reverse circuit if applicable.

The item # ETBC7 kit include all of the wiring, connectors, and circuit breakers needed to install a brake controller, as long as you already have a working 4-Way at the rear of the truck. If you do not have a working 4-Way at the rear of the truck you will need to install one. You can use the 4-Pole 72 inch Long Vehicle End, item # 18172 for this.