Electric Brake Controller for D4 and Caravan

[Roger]

Hi Folks,
I recently asked LR dealer in Geelong to install a Electric Brake Controller (ECB ) in my new D4, they advised that they only fit Hayman Reese (HR), so I requested their IQ model with is a rebadged Tekonsha Primus. When I picked it up they had fitted the bottom of the range HR Electronic ECB:angry:.
They advised it was the only one that could be fitted to a D4. They mounted the HR ECB on the steeply angled panel infront of my left knee.
They offered to take it out if I did not want it, so I have posted this to get the facts from AULRO D3/4 forum members.
Can any one advise if any one has a HR Electronic ECB fitted in a D4 and how it works for them? My van weights about 1700 kg empty. Has anyone got a HR IQ ECB or a Tekonsha Primus in a D4? And can any one advise what ECB does work well for them with a D4? Thanks in advance.

[baldivistribe]

Hello we are in the same boat as you. We pick up our new discovery on thursday without a brake controller fitted which i still have sitting in the box. I have been told too many conflicting stories regarding the brake controllers and led lights. Our caravan is fitted with led lights and apparently they will not work corectly without the computer being programmed (salesman told us this).I also need an led load box fitted for the led lights to work and for the car to do its thing ie suspension, rear park sensors and tow assist.
It all gets a bit confusing really so i was going to wait until i had the car home and got myself used to it before i start playing with things. And as for the brake controller i have had the basic hayman controller in a few vehicles now and it works just fine. I cant see how the flash ones work any different to the basic one. It still sends electrons down to the magnets just fine. I will be interested to see how you get on.
Cheers
steve

[mowog]

I have a Tekonsha P3 fitted to my D4.

I have no issues with it at all.

[mervwho]

There have been quite a lot of negative reports on the various Caravan Forums in relation to the Hayman Reece controllers with most users seem to be going for the Prodigy 2 system, apparently this is still bug free compared to the newer P3. I believe if you do a search here there have been some very favourable coverage of I think the Redarc system? I have a Kedron Top Ender on order and have been doing a lot of reading on all the controllers and I have still not made up my mind I will see what happens just prior to the van being completed as to which way I go because it is a big heavy van.

[roamer]

I have 3lt D4 with a Tekonsha P3, no dramas operates disc brakes on KK fine.
You will need pulsebuster (or similar), to stop pulsing indicators, and activate tow stability and cut rear sensor.

Never had anything activated by my dealer

Cheers Ken

[Roger]

I have a Tekonsha P3 fitted to my D4.
I have no issues with it at all.

Hi Mowog, thanks for the vote for the Tekonsha P3, could you please advise where it is mounted and on what angle did you mount it?

[Peter041]

Hi Folks,
I recently asked LR dealer in Geelong to install a Electric Brake Controller (ECB ) in my new D4, they advised that they only fit Hayman Reese (HR), so I requested their IQ model with is a rebadged Tekonsha Primus. When I picked it up they had fitted the bottom of the range HR Electronic ECB:angry:.
They advised it was the only one that could be fitted to a D4. They mounted the HR ECB on the steeply angled panel infront of my left knee.
They offered to take it out if I did not want it, so I have posted this to get the facts from AULRO D3/4 forum members.
Can any one advise if any one has a HR Electronic ECB fitted in a D4 and how it works for them? My van weights about 1700 kg empty. Has anyone got a HR IQ ECB or a Tekonsha Primus in a D4? And can any one advise what ECB does work well for them with a D4? Thanks in advance.

I have a HR controller for towing my boat (2.5T) which works fine, EXCEPT the D4 does not know the trailer is attached. Two problems here: 1. the reverse alarms are on the whole time you reverse, 2. no trailer stability assistance - not that I've needed it.

It is not wired according to standard because the standard LR plug does not have the same wiring as required for a power electric hydraulic brake with battery backup.

I'll get it fixed at next service by ULR if possible.

[mowog]

Hi Mowog, thanks for the vote for the Tekonsha P3, could you please advise where it is mounted and on what angle did you mount it?

It is mounted under the dash on the left of the steering wheel. It is at the same angle as the dash. The P3 dose not need to be level.

[mowog]

I have a HR controller for towing my boat (2.5T) which works fine, EXCEPT the D4 does not know the trailer is attached. Two problems here: 1. the reverse alarms are on the whole time you reverse, 2. no trailer stability assistance - not that I've needed it.

It is not wired according to standard because the standard LR plug does not have the same wiring as required for a power electric hydraulic brake with battery backup.

I'll get it fixed at next service by ULR if possible.

I believe the trailer stability assist dose not need a trailer connection to be detected for it to be active.

[elsey]

I too have a Tekonsha P3 that I fitted myself to my D4 following Sniegy's detailed instructions (see link below) and it works quite well, the Prodigy is another good unit. Another that is quite popular is the Redarc which has a remote control head however it works on a different principal to the Tekonsha (see link below).

I have wired my P3 into a 12 pin flat plug which also connects the reversing camera that is on the back of my Bushtracker caravan. The van dose not have LED tail/stop lights and I do not have any problems with beeping while reversing and the trailer symbol is displayed each time that I activate the turn indicators as it should.

If your van dose have LED lights please see links below for info on shunts.

elsey...

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/d3-d4-rrs/97935-d4-electric-trailer-brakes-12.html

brake_controllers (http://www.campertrailers.org/brake_controllers.htm)

Home Page (http://www.labtronx.com.au/)

www (http://www.linearelectronicdesign.com/)

[Roger]

Hi, Great info so far thanks so much, I am thinking I will definately go back to the LR dealer in Geelong and insist on upgrading to what I initially ordered, however, I have not heard from anyone on this forum if anyone has fitted the Hayman Reece Guardian IQ, or the Tekonsha Primus IQ to their D4?

[Nomad9]

Hi Mowog,
Same same, same place, same brake controller no problems at all. I did wire mine into the connection block on the nearside rear of the vehicle and ran the cables back. I had heard of all sorts of nightmares trying to wire the unit directly into the brake pedal. Might be just urban myth, not sure, I just know mine works.

[TerryO]

I have a P3 mounted on top of the dash just left of the instrument panel in my D3, yes I had to have two small holes drilled into the dash for mounting but I can easily reach the manual override control in an emergency if I need to. This is important to be able to do quickly in any vehicle that uses a electric brake controller, even when fitted in a D3/4 even though they have great stability controls standard for towing.

Plus I can easily adjust the brake force without taking my eyes off the road if need be.

The other thing is if you mount the brake controller under the dash as many do then not only can you not reach the manual override quickly and safely but in a head on accident you are likely to break and badly gash your leg when it hits the controller and bracket.

By the way the P3 has never let me down either when I had it in the D2 or now in the D3.

I reckon for the sake of not having two small holes in a dash many people seriously compromise their safety and the way I look at it is once a brake controller is fitted to any vehicle chances are it never will be taken out so why worry about a couple of small holes?

Surely it is better to have the brake controller mounted in a safe, quick and easy to reach and see position more then anything else?

cheers,
Terry

[mowog]

Terry

I have to agree with you. I am concerned about the location of my controller.

Can you post a picture of where yours is?

[Thinkbig]

Hi, Great info so far thanks so much, I am thinking I will definately go back to the LR dealer in Geelong and insist on upgrading to what I initially ordered, however, I have not heard from anyone on this forum if anyone has fitted the Hayman Reece Guardian IQ, or the Tekonsha Primus IQ to their D4?Hi Rodger
I have an HR Guardian IQ installed. It was installed in Brisbane by the guys from Arrow Towbars - they do the installations for the local Jayco dealer. They did need to use a guy who was familiar with the D4, as a lot of other installers freak out for some reason. I installed the controller on the right side panel next to the steering wheel - I found that it was too cramped on the left side (I'm 6'6"). I can still access the manual switch easilly with my right hand.

I have towed approx 5,000 km with it so far and haven't had any issues. I set it up on delivery with the van and haven't touched the settings since. I tow a 2300kg van.

I had a Linear Electronics LED adapter box installed on the a-frame of the van - this works fine, but did cost a couple of hundred dollars.

Hope this info helps
Chris

[Steele]

I have 3lt D4 with a Tekonsha P3, no dramas operates disc brakes on KK fine.
You will need pulsebuster (or similar), to stop pulsing indicators, and activate tow stability and cut rear sensor.

Never had anything activated by my dealer

Cheers Ken

Hi Ken just picked up my MY 16.5 LR4 it has led lights - as does my caravan do you know if this would need a pulse buster ?
Also I have a P3 ready to fit plus I have the OEM connector - any ideas of where this plugs in ? Passenger footwell ? Drivers footwell ? Thanks hope you can help Steve .

[LRD414]

Steve,

Only the D3 needs a "pulse buster" but the D4 does need additional resistance in the trailer circuit in order to detect an LED only trailer/van.
Once detected, it activates the towing program (gearbox shift points), disables the rear sensors and illuminates the flashing trailer symbol when indicator is on.
This can be achieved via diy means or you can purchase a ready-to-go module.
Note that without anything additional fitted the trailer lights themselves will work, just not the other things mentioned.

Best to get a cuppa (or something stronger) and read this:
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/l319-discovery-3-4/97935-d4-electric-trailer-brakes.html
It covers brake controller install options and also the LED module options.
It is now a very long thread but has everything you'd need to know.

Regards,
Scott

[hv_man]

Hi, Great info so far thanks so much, I am thinking I will definately go back to the LR dealer in Geelong and insist on upgrading to what I initially ordered, however, I have not heard from anyone on this forum if anyone has fitted the Hayman Reece Guardian IQ, or the Tekonsha Primus IQ to their D4?

I have the HR guardian IQ fitted. Was fitted by the dealer when originally delivered to previous owner.

[Hugh Jars]

I completed the P3 install yesterday. I used the ashtray out if my former Grand Cherokee (which is a perfect, solid fit in the front cup holders).
The reason I went down this path is I already have the P3, but will probably fit a Towpro Elite down the track.
I get a good view of its screen, and when not in use can be easily removed.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/08/667.jpg

[hv_man]

I have the HR guardian IQ fitted. Was fitted by the dealer when originally delivered to previous owner.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/08/612.jpg https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/08/613.jpg