Trailer brake controller question
- Thread starter Bjordnolf
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Yes you can as I have one on my 2000 TLC. I did not install mine as they installed it when I bought my pop-up so I can't help you out with that part.
Mike
Mike
An auto reset 20 - 30 amp circuit breaker, connectors, heavy duty power supply cable to the prodigy, and then from the prodigy down to the back of the vehicle to the trailer connector, I would recommend 8 gauge(minimum 12 gauge), also if you have a standard trailer connector loom that plugs in to the vehicle harness, be sure to replace the earth wire in this loom with 8 gauge wire and hook up to a suitable earth point on the chassis, also if the plug in loom is pre-wired for electric brakes, replace this brake wire with 8 gauge as well. The reason being that the earth wire and brake wire(if it has it) will be about 20 gauge and cause voltage drop problems. (Also ensure you vehicle has a decent earth wire from the battery or engine to the chassis).
100 TD said:
He said "earth" wire 
I took my 2000 lc to get a trailer brake installed and it's a bigger job than I thought. The trailer guy said I had to hard wire everything from scratch. I'm not so elecric inclined for that. The guy said it would be a 4-5 hour job. Whoa
I installed mine. Excluding mounting of the actually controller unit, it was a few hours. I bought all the wiring from a trailer place and went pretty slowly.
I reused the light signals (brake, turn) from the factory 4 pin and added the brake, power and ground myself from the engine compartment.
My work sounds similar to what 100 td suggests above. Not really all that hard if you are so inclined. I ran the wiring down the inside of the driver side frame rail.
I also installed the prodigy inside the ash tray. I carved it up to allow the controller to fit inside the little tray. Totally reversable, and it is out of the way, yet available for working the brakes manually.
I am a bit jealous when I hear about the guys with the later cars where it is just a plug in.
Pete
I reused the light signals (brake, turn) from the factory 4 pin and added the brake, power and ground myself from the engine compartment.
My work sounds similar to what 100 td suggests above. Not really all that hard if you are so inclined. I ran the wiring down the inside of the driver side frame rail.
I also installed the prodigy inside the ash tray. I carved it up to allow the controller to fit inside the little tray. Totally reversable, and it is out of the way, yet available for working the brakes manually.
I am a bit jealous when I hear about the guys with the later cars where it is just a plug in.
Pete
A basic/rough wiring diagram attached, you need to run the heavy red power (hot?) wire from the battery to an auto reset circuit breaker located near the battery, then from the circuit breaker to the controller. The controller needs a ground connection and you also you need to tap/join into the load side (cold?) of the brake switch circuit which is going to the brake lights, to activate the controller. You then need to run the heavy power wire to the trailer socket and a heavy ground wire to the trailer socket. This is a basic circuit for any standard electric controller, there will be wiring instructions supplied with them. Be sure to follow the wiring instructions supplied with your controller, NOT THESE.
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I described the procedure I used for the 03 in the FAQ thread, with relay and all. For my 80 I did it from scratch and combined an existing 4 wire plug with an additional 2 lines (brake and aux) for a 7 wire plug combo. I put fuses in both the brake and the aux power lines, direct from the battery. I can now use it as either a 4 pin or a 7 pin, interchangeably with a couple of quick disconnects.
On the 03 I mount the Prodigy on the plastic lower leg bolster. It's all put together with disconnects so I can move the Prodigy between the 03 and 97 very easily.
On the 03 I mount the Prodigy on the plastic lower leg bolster. It's all put together with disconnects so I can move the Prodigy between the 03 and 97 very easily.
Here's my cheapo Valley controller in the ashtray slot. Installation is just as TD100 said, I believe I used a 30A circuit breaker at the feed from the battery. You'll need to upgrade your flat four wire connector in the rear to a six or seven pole connector, when you do that ground the proper terminal right there at the bracket.
I've got the Prodigy in my other vehicle and it's not worth the premium.....just my $.02
I've got the Prodigy in my other vehicle and it's not worth the premium.....just my $.02
I used Velcro to mount mine below the steering wheel. I did this “temporarily” trying to decide on the location before I drilled the holes in the dash. But it holds so well I forgot about mounting it! lol.
Where are you guys mounting the trailer harness, under the bumper? I hate mine down there; it gets hung up when going over stuff. Any suggestions on an alternate location for my 7 way plug?
Thanks,
DMX
Where are you guys mounting the trailer harness, under the bumper? I hate mine down there; it gets hung up when going over stuff. Any suggestions on an alternate location for my 7 way plug?
Thanks,
DMX
DMX84 said:
I can't remember if there is enough room on the side of the receiver or not...but it seems like you could fab a bracket to weld or strap to the side of the receiver to hold the harness adapter?
Not much room on the side. I think my receiver hitch is a little different from some that I’ve seen. This one is slightly recessed under the bumper. See picture.
So can I wire my prodigy in to the brake wire instead of the brake light switch?
