Why Wont the Tekonsha Prodigy RF Pair to a Boat Trailer with a 4-Way

Question:

Hi there, My FJ Cruiser and X5 both have 7-pin female with hitch but my boat trailer has 4-pin male cable. Could I just use a 4-pin to 7-pin adaptor to connect my trailer to Tekonsha Prodigy RF # 90250 or do I need additional wiring such as grounding? I used this adaptor and tried few times pairing with both cars according to the # TK94FR manual. Initial steps are all OK, but after connecting my trailer cable to # TK94FR, using the 4-7 adaptor, it still displays n.c. although signals turn and running light in the trailer seem to be OK trailer grounding would need to be improved though, which indicates that connection is OK. What do you think may be the source of the problem? Thank you for your help!!

asked by: Eric

Expert Reply:

Most boat trailers do not have electric brakes. For the most part this is avoided since electronics and water do not mix well. Some people still do this but its often not recommended. Especially an RF brake controller that would mount on the trailer and potentially get submerged. With that being said since your trailer only has a 4-way I really doubt you have electric brakes. Most likely you have surge brakes.

4-ways only carry turn signal/brake circuits, since that is what you have on your trailer there isn't a brake output circuit for electric trailer brakes. If you wanted to email me back with a picture of your trailer coupler I can tell you for sure. I attached a picture of a surge brake actuator for you to check out also.

expert reply by: Jameson C