D4 Brake Controller

[dwaters]

Hi all, I recently purchased a new D4 TDV6 Graphite and would like to fit a brake controller to it.
We have not yet purchased a caravan but have plans to.
I know there are lots of threads in this forum on brake controllers but I ended up getting a bit lost and confused as they sometimes deviate a bit........


Can anyone recommend a decent brake controller that is going to suit the majority of trailer brakes?
Also, can you direct me or provide me options on best spots to mount the controller?


I was looking at the Redarc towpro elite and then read that they would not be suitable for certain brakes?? I think it had something to do with the NSW regulations?? Not that I am in NSW.
I quite liked the redarc as it was small and would have been easier to mount than some of the more bulky units.


BTW, I plan on putting a traxide dual batt system in, so the reason I want to put a brake controller in prior to buying a caravan is so I don't have to pull the car to bits twice............


Thanks in advance
Darren

[LandyAndy]

NSW have their own regs it seems.
Most of have fitted the Redarc unit.
Make sure it gets wired as posted in the D4 trailer brake fitting thread.
Andrew

[dwaters]

Thanks Andy!
Do you have a link for the trailer brake fitting thread?
I know you need to run the wires down to the rear left tail light and tap in there.
Cheers

[Narangga]

It is a 'sticky' at the top of the main forum section page here

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/l319-discovery-3-4/

[DI5CO]

Another vote for the tow pro elite. I put that in mine recently and put it next to the headlight switch. It seems to be a common place to put it.
I would get a LR specialist to install unless you are very competent with that sort of stuff.
Dave.

[Nod]

I think that the Redarc Tow Pro is a great choice for the D4... mostly due to installation size... no black box in the driver's leg area. AL-KO do not recommend it for their iQ7 disc brake controller... though I use it on this system fine.

In NSW there is an extra requirement that the charge condition of the trailer breakaway battery can be monitored from within the towing vehicle. The NSW Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) vehicle inspection bulletin VIB6 stipulates:

It will be satisfactory if any trailer-mounted battery is constantly charged by the towing vehicle and a warning device is fitted to warn the driver (from the normal driving position) if the trailer battery charge falls to such a level as to render the trailer brakes incapable of meeting the requirements.


Trailers required to be fitted with caravan breakaway systems are not registerable if there is no means for maintaining the breakaway energy source in a fully energised condition (for example, if a charging and warning circuit is not fitted).


An acceptable warning circuit must incorporate either a visual or an audible warning device.

The iQ7 doesn't have a backup battery but uses an air compressor/reservoir.

Mounting locations include:

headlight switch plate


cigarette/power socket


a couple of locations on the console

[Tombie]

Redarc Tow Pro...

And Redarc support it very well so you won't have a problem.

[plusnq]

Another vote for the tow pro here

[Meken]

Tow pro - there's a lot of brake options that are fine with it

[dwaters]

Tow Pro it is!
Thanks for all the feed back fella's!

[Kandy]

Dealer put in Tow Pro but for the control button said not enough space near headlight switch so I agreed to L side steering column where I can just see it but easy to get to to adjust and see LED lights. Dont bother playing with it anymore, I think its on 3 or 4.

[DI5CO]

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/08/1004.jpg
It fits!

[D4206]

Got my unit ready to install...just need to understand what you needed to do to make it fit in that location

Did you have to do any modifications to the back of the facia or dash to get it to fit? A picture of the back of the light switch plate would be good if you have one?

Cheers,
Bill

[DI5CO]

I didn't fit it so I'm sorry I can't help there! But I believe there were no mods needed. It's to the side because of the switch gear that's behind sits to the side.

[Meken]

Got my unit ready to install...just need to understand what you needed to do to make it fit in that location



Did you have to do any modifications to the back of the facia or dash to get it to fit? A picture of the back of the light switch plate would be good if you have one?



Cheers,

Bill


Search Aulro - there's a very comprehensive guide

[imaz]

Tow Pro it is!
Thanks for all the feed back fella's!

I purchased a 6amp diode “6A10”. It is rated up to 1000v. Is this ok to use for the brake light circuit?