Electric trailer brake controller ...

**mojo** · 26th June 2015, 10:51 AM

Hi all,

I'm probably buying a camper trailer soon, and the one we are interested in has electric trailer brakes. I've never had an trailer with electric brakes before, but I assume I need to set the Defender up with a brake controller of some sort? So,

- what do you guys use/recommend in terms of controller?
- where do you mount them, and is it a DIY job?

Cheers
Sean

Tombie · 26th June 2015, 10:53 AM

Redarc Tow Pro

Tombie · 26th June 2015, 10:54 AM

And yes if you have a little electrical capability it's a DIY install.

**Fluids** · 26th June 2015, 11:14 AM

I'll second the Redarc Tow Pro. I installed one in the D2 recently. Control unit is hidden away under the dash with a single illuminated knob you mount on the dash somewhere (connects via a supplied Cat5/network cable to the brake controller). I mounted the knob in the top LH corner of the instrument binnacle ... push the knob for manual activation of the trailer brakes ... I can do this without removing my hand from the steering wheel.

Has 2 modes. 1st is an on-road proportional setup which applies trailer brakes based on how hard you are braking. 2nd mode is on off-road mode where the brakes get applied full strength (based on how high you've dialed the "knob"). Great offroad where you can bias the trailer brakes higher to act like an anchor so there's more braking on the trailer for down hill descents.

My first electric brake controller experience. Very impressed with it !

**Icecream** · 27th June 2015, 06:24 AM

Originally Posted by Tombie

And yes if you have a little electrical capability it's a DIY install.

Tombie, where did you tap into the factory wiring harness? Also any chance of a photo of the switch location that you chose.

Cheers,

Ice cream

**mojo** · 29th June 2015, 08:27 AM

Thanks for the replies guys. I've also spoken to a couple of mates who have recommended the Redarc, so it sounds like it's the way to go.

Cheers
Sean

**loneranger** · 29th June 2015, 09:52 PM

I have a Tekonsha Prodigy on one vehcile I had the wiring installed by an auto electrician and I did the other. When I picked up the 90 from the autosparkie I asked how he wired it in and they said the easiest way was to run the power directly to the battery and the brake wires to the trailer plug and connect in to the trailer harness.

When I did the 110 I did it that way and found it quite easy.

**weeds** · 30th June 2015, 10:48 AM

Pretty sure it's a requirement to power the brake controller direct from the battery.......

I had a P3 in the defer and worked well, tried to upgrade to TowPro but it wasn't compatible with with my electric over hydraulic pump

Tombie · 30th June 2015, 11:41 AM

Originally Posted by weeds

Pretty sure it's a requirement to power the brake controller direct from the battery.......

I had a P3 in the defer and worked well, tried to upgrade to TowPro but it wasn't compatible with with my electric over hydraulic pump

Can you provide any reasoning why?

Seems an interesting issue

**weeds** · 30th June 2015, 01:00 PM

Originally Posted by Tombie

Can you provide any reasoning why?

Seems an interesting issue

My pump is from Felk Trailers, thought I would try a tow pro in the new lux......couldn't get it to work, well it did to an extent but after first application the pump would receive a few volts and continue to pump. I first used the factory loom than ran news wires without luck.

Installed the P3 out of the fender and no problems.

A guy at work just upgraded his Kimberly with a pump with tow pro and has no issues.

Have the tow pro away in the end....was looking for a neater install but the P3 work that's all that counts.

I fact still have he tow pro knob in the dash

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