Electric Brake Controller Question

[Rok_Dr]

Hi All,

My next job on the Discovery is to get it set up for towing the van so I have a question regarding electric brake controllers and wiring in a 2003 D2a TD5.

Previously I have used a removable system designed around a basic Hayman Reese solid state controller. It is modelled on what Caravan hire companies provide when the customers vehicle is not fitted with a controller.

The brake signal (Blue) and stop light (red) are wired into an in line plug which plugs in between the the vehicle trailer plug and the caravan socket. The controller is powered from the cigarette lighter. This set-up has worked well on my classic range rover and older land cruisers, but these vehicles have significantly less electronics compared to the Discovery 2.

So the question is, will this set-up cause problems or conflicts with the Discovery electronic systems and if so what modifications may be required resolve them..... or am I better off getting a controller permanently wired into the vehicle?

Cheers

Steve

[robbotd5]

Steve.
If your planning to keep your D2a long term, it would be a lot better to fit/hard wire one in. I have fitted a Tekonsha P3 to my D2a and it is brilliant, was easy to fit an a dream to use. It has an LCD display and you can even use it to fault-find. Highly recommend them. Look for them on eBay.
Regards
Robbo.

[gavinwibrow]

Hi All,

My next job on the Discovery is to get it set up for towing the van so I have a question regarding electric brake controllers and wiring in a 2003 D2a TD5.

Previously I have used a removable system designed around a basic Hayman Reese solid state controller. It is modelled on what Caravan hire companies provide when the customers vehicle is not fitted with a controller.

The brake signal (Blue) and stop light (red) are wired into an in line plug which plugs in between the the vehicle trailer plug and the caravan socket. The controller is powered from the cigarette lighter. This set-up has worked well on my classic range rover and older land cruisers, but these vehicles have significantly less electronics compared to the Discovery 2.

So the question is, will this set-up cause problems or conflicts with the Discovery electronic systems and if so what modifications may be required resolve them..... or am I better off getting a controller permanently wired into the vehicle?

Cheers

Steve
Steve, I have hardwired my Tekonsha P3 in and after initially squeezing it in under the dash (LHS) then later bit the bullet and relocated it by fixing the bracket to the vertical face of the LHS ashtray/coin holder (which we rarely use anyway). It does not foul SWAMBO there, whereas I was always touching it with my knee whilst it was on the drivers side

[Rok_Dr]

Thanks for the replies, Gavin, Robbo.

Yes I am tempted by the P3. Has any one managed to mount one on the right side dash between the instrument cluster and the A pillar?

But getting back to the original question is my removable system safe to use with the D2a electronics?

Cheers

Steve

[Pedro_The_Swift]

Both my D2's have had brake controllers between the instrument cluster and the A pillar. its such a good spot. within 10 cm of your hand, and in your line of sight, no flailing around under the dash trying to find the brake slide.
and if mounting is your concern, velcro it.

The only thing that comes close to electronics is the trailer dash light.

[Rok_Dr]

Hi Pedro

That's exactly why I am eyeing off that position, its nice and close to hand. What model controllers did you have? I suspect that the P3 may be a bit wide to squeeze in there.

Cheers
Steve

[John W]

A P3 will fit in that spot.

As to electronic interference I have no absolute answer just an opinion. The D2 electronics have never let me down with the exception of the common problem of parking somewhere and you can't open your car with the remote due to interference. I would think that if the electronics cope with a 5w UHF radio then it should cope with the system you are interested in using just fine. I think the D2 electronics are quite robust but that is just an opinion. At launch and continuing to this day the D2 was bagged out big time by the 4x4 media as having all that electronics to go wrong in the bush but as it turns out it is probably the strongest part of the D2, it is still all the mechanicals that don't go the distance and will snag you when you least expect it.

It is quite easy to hard wire and then later remove, if that is what you want, a controller. The only thing I would suggest is not to skimp on the wiring gauge, battery to controller and controller to your coupling socket. And also make sure you have a good negative earth from your van back to your car.

[Gullible]

Hi,
Just firing up this old post for a bit more info.

Has anyone who has fitted a P3 to a Disco 2 done a tutorial/photos to help us less electronically abled?