Recommended Way to Pair a Tekonsha Prodigy RF Brake Controller With Another Vehicle

Question:

To comfortably tow a lightweight travel trailer T@B weighing about 2,000# loaded, Im about to upgrade my tow vehicle to either a Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Turbo or Kia Sorento EX. Both are rated at 3,500# with electric trailer brakes. Id been seriously thinking of the Tekonsha RF as a more flexible option to dash mounted wired controllers like the P2 and P3, but Im aware of issues with vehicles that have LED tail lights. The Santa Fe Sport does the Sorento EX doesnt. Is there a way to pair the RF without resorting to another vehicle with a 7-pin connector thats hard wired? Other than the LED low voltage issue, folks seem to really like the RF. Its too bad that Tekonsha hasnt upgraded it to address the LED shortcoming.

asked by: David A

Expert Reply:

You will need to pair the Tekonsha Prodigy RF # TK94FR because as you know vehicles with LED tail lights may not supply enough voltage for pairing. Once you pair the Prodigy RF it will work fine on either vehicle.

The Prodigy RF is a great unit, but if the pairing instructions are not followed exactly to the letter, the unit will not pair. The biggest mistake folks typically make is to begin the process with the trailer plugged into the RF unit.

Here is a run-down of the pairing procedure:

Connect the RF unit to the tow vehicle, but do not plug the trailer into the RF unit. Then, plug the hand held remote into the 12 volt power port (cigarette lighter). Next, turn the gain to minimum by rolling the power wheel towards the cord of the hand held. The display may show just a flashing NC-not the 0.0 mentioned in the instructions. Then, press and hold both the boost and manual buttons at the same time. The display will start counting down from P5 to PA. When the display shows PA, release both buttons and apply the brake pedal within one second. The display should change to a flashing 0.0. The control is now paired.

Once paired, you can plug the trailer into the RF box, and you will be good to go.

Just in case, We do offer a Adapter 4 Pole to 7 Pole and 4 Pole adapter # 37185, wire # 10-1-1 and a 40-amp circuit breaker # PK54540. The adapter # 37185 converts from 4 pole wiring on your Kia Santa Fe or Sorento to 7 pole round plug and 4 pole flat Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Turbo or Kia Sorento EX. If you don't have a 4-way connector, let me know the years of each of your vehicles, and I would be happy to provide a recommendation.

I have also included a FAQ link and installation video for you as well.