Electric Brake Controller

[Mamil]

Anyone fitted an electric brake controller to a Disco Sport yet?

The LR towbar wiring loom already has the wiring for one, and I'm hoping there's also a take-off from the battery and brake pedal pre-wired so I just have to plug in the controller. However, when I mentioned it to the dealer he said they install new wiring from scratch from battery, to brake controller, and then all the way to the back of the car. Now, not only is this unnecessary extra cost, but seems ridiculous to rip up the trim from front to rear if there's already wiring in there?

So, my questions...

Has anyone else had one fitted, and is the wiring already done so it's a simple plug & play?

Did you get it done by the dealer or somewhere else?

There doesn't seem an obvious out of the way place to mount the controller - where did you put it?

Any recommendations of brand & model of controller?

Thanks.

[willem]

Anyone fitted an electric brake controller to a Disco Sport yet?

The LR towbar wiring loom already has the wiring for one, and I'm hoping there's also a take-off from the battery and brake pedal pre-wired so I just have to plug in the controller. However, when I mentioned it to the dealer he said they install new wiring from scratch from battery, to brake controller, and then all the way to the back of the car. Now, not only is this unnecessary extra cost, but seems ridiculous to rip up the trim from front to rear if there's already wiring in there?

So, my questions...

Has anyone else had one fitted, and is the wiring already done so it's a simple plug & play?

Did you get it done by the dealer or somewhere else?

There doesn't seem an obvious out of the way place to mount the controller - where did you put it?

Any recommendations of brand & model of controller?

Thanks.

I had a Redarc brake controller installed by a local auto elec here in Geelong. They came up with a pretty neat place to mount the controller, though I would suggest the other side of the storage opening would be better - I have to move my knee to see it. They installed wiring back to the battery.

121714

The unit did its job well when we towed the caravan from Geelong to Kennet River and back. Lots of hilly, twisty bits. No problems. The Redarc is easy to use and does its job.

[Mamil]

I had a Redarc brake controller installed by a local auto elec here in Geelong. They came up with a pretty neat place to mount the controller, though I would suggest the other side of the storage opening would be better - I have to move my knee to see it. They installed wiring back to the battery.



Thanks Willem. So it sounds like there isn't anything pre-wired from battery to behind the dash to power the controller then. But did your auto sparky have to run anything from controller back to the towbar, or did he pick up the blue brake controller wire from the wiring loom somewhere at the front of the car?

Also, can't tell from your picture, but is that just the adjustment knob mounted there, with the actual controller box hidden somewhere behind the dash? The controllers I've seen are much bigger than yours looks?

Thanks.

[willem]

Thanks Willem. So it sounds like there isn't anything pre-wired from battery to behind the dash to power the controller then. But did your auto sparky have to run anything from controller back to the towbar, or did he pick up the blue brake controller wire from the wiring loom somewhere at the front of the car?

Also, can't tell from your picture, but is that just the adjustment knob mounted there, with the actual controller box hidden somewhere behind the dash? The controllers I've seen are much bigger than yours looks?

Thanks.


That's the adjustment knob. It's mounted on a small aluminium bracket. I don't know where they stowed the head unit. I'll ask the sparky next time I see him about the wiring.

[BobD]

The Redarc TowPro is a good unit for LR's. The main box can go anywhere, as long as it is mounted rigidly. You only need access to the knob.

There won't be any wiring. They don't have brake controllers in the UK. If the DS is anything like the D4, the factory wiring will have the brake controller pin connected to the tail lights as per the UK standard. I'm not getting a tow bar on mine so I don't know much about the DS tow wiring but the D4 has no provision for trailer brakes as I indicated.

[Mamil]

Well I've had some fun today! As I'm on holiday I thought I'd look into this brake controller thing a bit by going to a few "experts" - another dealer, two of the big 4WD accessory shops, and two local auto-sparkys.

To cut a long story short, the dealer wasn't interested, and the other four all recommended the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite same as Bob and Willem. However, none of them had ever fitted one to a Disco Sport (though two claimed to have, but on further questioning it turns out was a Disco 3 or 4 instead), and all confirmed what my first dealer had told me that you need to run all new wiring, some said through the car by removing trim, and others under the car to avoid this. Prices varied quite a bit from $550 to $850 for supply and fitting.

TBH none of them particularly inspired confidence that I should trust them with the job, nothing specific, they just didn't seem to be able to give straight answers to quite simple questions.

So I came home and decided to do a bit of research for myself. First thing I found was the LR wiring diagram for the Disco Sport Australian Towing Electrics - 121742

You can see from this that the blue "service brakes" wire seems to go from the trailer socket to a box labelled "Module - Trailer brake controller". Not only that, but the same module also has connections to a fused 30Amp supply from the battery, a ground lead, and a feed from the brake circuit - in fact everything you need for an electric brake controller.
Getting excited now, I had a rummage around behind the panel in the driver's footwell, and sure enough I came across this plug dangling down which had all the wires as specified in the wiring diagram running to it :arms:

121744

So looks like LR have thoughtfully provided all the connections ready to plug in an electric brake controller. Unbelievable that none of the "experts" I talked to (including my dealer) knew this, and wanted to run completely new wiring :no2:

[BobD]

I doubt that there are many used for towing and most would assume like me that the wiring was as crap as it is for the D4!

Good to know that it is better. Maybe there is hope that the D5 will also have Australianised wiring.

Was that loom factory fitted or part of a tow pack?

Where did you get the wiring diagram?

[Mamil]

I doubt that there are many used for towing and most would assume like me that the wiring was as crap as it is for the D4!

Good to know that it is better. Maybe there is hope that the D5 will also have Australianised wiring.

Was that loom factory fitted or part of a tow pack?

Where did you get the wiring diagram?

Hi Bob, yes it seems like LR are getting a bit more sophisticated in their approach, offering specific pre-wired systems for different markets. And if the DS has it I see no reason why the D5 wouldn't.

The wiring for the brake controller, and all the feeds required for an Australian twelve pin flat tow socket (which includes a hot wire and an ignition switched supply for caravan batteries, fridges and the like) were already pre-wired on the car. I did purchase the LR towbar and wiring electrics, but the dealer just had to plug into a connector already in the spare wheel well and mount the 12 pin socket on the rear of the car. Does make a bit of a mockery of the amount the dealer charges for wiring up these things considering most of it is already installed at the factory!

The wiring diagram comes from the DS workshop manual, which you can access (together with lots of other useful stuff) via LRs online information portal called "Topix" Browser not supported (https://topix.landrover.jlrext.com/topix/vehicle/lookupForm) (edit: don't know why it's saying "browser not supported", but the link still seems to work if you click on it!)

[Mamil]

And here's the icing on the cake!

My original dealer who I asked for a quote to fit the controller a week ago has finally come back to me just now with a price of $1200, because they "have to run new wiring from front to rear of the vehicle and remove and refit all the interior trims"
:Rolling:

[DS Camping]

Have you had the controller installed as yet? Was it as simple as just connecting to the plug you found in the drivers footwell? Thanks

[Mamil]

Have you had the controller installed as yet? Was it as simple as just connecting to the plug you found in the drivers footwell? Thanks

I decided to have a go myself, so ordered a Redarc Tow-Pro Elite and a wiring loom with the correct connector off Ebay. The controller has arrived already as it came express post from over East, but the wiring loom is still on its way from the US as it turns out LR have used a Ford connector and I couldn't find anything that matched it locally. Will report back on success or otherwise when I've installed it.

Meanwhile got my multimeter out and checked the pins in the connector, and they all work as expected from the wiring diagram, so fingers crossed :thumbsup:

Still trying to decide where to mount the control knob. Willem's looks a neat solution, but that cubby is where I always put my man-purse :lol2: containing wallet, phone, glasses etc. and it's a tight fit already. One of the auto-sparkeys I talked to last week suggested mounting it on the side of the steering column, and showed me a Disco 4 he'd just fitted one in that position. It's certainly out of the way, but a bit too much as you can't see it if you want to adjust the sensitivity. So, any suggestions of a good place to mount it welcome....

[BJM]

Are there any updates on this?
I'm looking to purchase a Disco Sport soon and this is a definite must for me.

[markb]

I have just had a red arc towpro elite fitted to my 2017 Discovery sport.
I had it installed by a mobile auto electrician and the car was pre wired for the trailer brakes.

[BJM]

I have just had a red arc towpro elite fitted to my 2017 Discovery sport.
I had it installed by a mobile auto electrician and the car was pre wired for the trailer brakes.

Any chance of some photo of where you mounted the controls please? I'm looking for ideas...

[Mamil]

Are there any updates on this?
I'm looking to purchase a Disco Sport soon and this is a definite must for me.

Yes, it really is plug and play. You just need to locate the grey socket in the driver's footwell and connect your brake controller to it. Most people (including the auto sparkeys I talked to) would just cut off that socket and splice the wires from the brake controller straight in, but I made up my own little wiring loom as pictured below. The lower plug goes into the Recarc controller and the upper one into the DS socket.

124148

Still haven't decided where to put the control knob, so at the moment I only plug it in when I need it and it just hangs loose on the centre console, so I too would be interested in pics of where others have fitted theirs...

[BJM]

Thanks for the info. I now have my DS delivered and the controller was fitted by an autosparky who cut off the plug. He said he was going to look into ordering some plugs to make up a loom like yours for future customers.

They mounted the dial down in front of the gear selector as there is VERY little other place to mount it without massive amounts of work.

124178

[Mamil]

Thanks for the info. I now have my DS delivered and the controller was fitted by an autosparky who cut off the plug. He said he was going to look into ordering some plugs to make up a loom like yours for future customers.

They mounted the dial down in front of the gear selector as there is VERY little other place to mount it without massive amounts of work.

124178

Ok, so looks like yours was fitted in the same place as Willem earlier in the thread. And I agree there is little other choice, there really isn't any spare space anywhere around the driving position to add anything! I'm considering putting mine up high where the start button is, but on the other side of the instrument cluster. Haven't checked how easy it is to get access behind there yet though!

The socket LR are using is a Ford one, and I couldn't find a plug to match it locally (although an auto sparkey may have a better chance of sourcing one as they are in the trade) so I ended up ordering one off Ebay from the US and the postage was more than the plug itself cost!


124222

[Mamil]

A question for those who got an auto sparkey to connect their controllers to that socket...

Did your sparkey stay with the 30amp fuse that feeds that socket or did he replace it with a circuit breaker?

The fuse is adequate, but if it blows because of a transient over-current situation (say your brakes overheat on a long descent) you are left with no trailer brakes. The advantage of a circuit breaker in that situation is that it will re-set automatically so you get your brakes working again after a cool-down period. I'm probably going to stay with the LR fuse as fitted but carry a spare, but interested to hear what others have gone for?

[BJM]

We looked at putting the button up there too but there was a problem. I think it was either the material the dash is made of up there or the dash is double walled. Either way there was a problem that they weren't willing to tackle.

As far as the plug goes, they are probably the biggest auto electrical place in town and they didn't have a plug that would suit and the dealer hadn't given them the access or time to arrange a plug ahead of time.

[Mamil]

We looked at putting the button up there too but there was a problem. I think it was either the material the dash is made of up there or the dash is double walled. Either way there was a problem that they weren't willing to tackle.



Thanks, that's good info. I'll have to do a bit more investigation into that spot to see if it's viable.

[youngandrew24]

121744

So looks like LR have thoughtfully provided all the connections ready to plug in an electric brake controller. Unbelievable that none of the "experts" I talked to (including my dealer) knew this, and wanted to run completely new wiring :no2:


SO... Thanks for posting Mamil, its exactly what I wanted to find out! The only problem is I have taken the 'cliped' on cover under the airbag for driver's knee's but cant seem to find any hint of that plug. Can you possibly give me a bit more of an idea where the thing is hiding? I can see a black plug thats next the cover I removed, I assume its some sort of diagnostic port..... am I in the right area there?
Thank you for you time
cheers
Andrew

[Mamil]

SO... Thanks for posting Mamil, its exactly what I wanted to find out! The only problem is I have taken the 'cliped' on cover under the airbag for driver's knee's but cant seem to find any hint of that plug. Can you possibly give me a bit more of an idea where the thing is hiding? I can see a black plug thats next the cover I removed, I assume its some sort of diagnostic port..... am I in the right area there?
Thank you for you time
cheers
Andrew

Hi Andrew, the diagnostics port is on the far left of the driver's footwell, and the brake controller socket is on the far right. It's above the footwell light, which is probably why you can't see it because the light blinds you when you're looking for it, so take the bulb out to make finding it easier. Also my picture earlier in the thread is a bit misleading because it's clipped up in there, I had to unclip it for it to dangle down like that.

By the way, I never did find a good place for the controller head, and in fact have now removed the brake controller completely because I ended up buying a caravan with override brakes so don't need an electric controller afterall [bigsad]

Still, it was a fun project, and hopefully useful to others who do need one and get the same BS from their dealers about it needing all new wiring.

[jayray377]

Hi all,
any further thoughts on where to locate the dial?

[Mamil]

Hi all,
any further thoughts on where to locate the dial?

I never did find a place I was happy to permanently mount the remote knob, so I came up with this instead....

136491

The main unit is mounted under the driver's footwell and hard wired into the car electrics, and the remote just plugs into it's RJ45 socket and sits on the centre console near the gear knob when needed, and is stored in the boot the rest of the time. The plastic box was ten bucks from Jaycar, and the cable is the one that comes with the controller, though you can use a longer one if you want - it's just a LAN cable. I checked with Redarc that it wouldn't be a problem detaching the remote, and although they advised against it because the brake controller would not be "compliant" (because it doesn't work when the remote is unplugged, so technically you have a brake controller fitted to the car but it's not working), they said it would work just fine but to be careful with plugging and unplugging the RJ45 as the socket is a bit fragile!

If you're using a brake controller a lot then you'll probably still want to find a permanent place to mount the remote knob, but I only use it occasionally so this solution suits me fine, and I didn't need to drill any holes in my dash!

[Peefjay]

Thanks Mamil, I've got a recent D5 and am keen to have a look for the plug. I wouldn't mind betting that The two D4's I have had and paid through the nose to get the brake controller fitted, probably have the plug as well. I read somewhere that the plug is actually a Ford plug from the mid 2000's. So who knows. Anyway I am sick of being treated with disdain when I ask these so called experts technical questions.
Cheers
Peefjay

1976 RR
1988 RR Hi line manual with Vitesse 4.2 conversion, long range tanks, suspension kit, still driving the old girl weekly.
1999 Disco 2 TD5 7 seater
2004 Disco 2 Classic TD5
2007 Disco 3 S TD6
2011 Disco 4 SE SD6
2014 Disco 4 SE SD6
2018 Disco 5 SE SD4
And a few Jags







Well I've had some fun today! As I'm on holiday I thought I'd look into this brake controller thing a bit by going to a few "experts" - another dealer, two of the big 4WD accessory shops, and two local auto-sparkys.

To cut a long story short, the dealer wasn't interested, and the other four all recommended the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite same as Bob and Willem. However, none of them had ever fitted one to a Disco Sport (though two claimed to have, but on further questioning it turns out was a Disco 3 or 4 instead), and all confirmed what my first dealer had told me that you need to run all new wiring, some said through the car by removing trim, and others under the car to avoid this. Prices varied quite a bit from $550 to $850 for supply and fitting.

TBH none of them particularly inspired confidence that I should trust them with the job, nothing specific, they just didn't seem to be able to give straight answers to quite simple questions.

So I came home and decided to do a bit of research for myself. First thing I found was the LR wiring diagram for the Disco Sport Australian Towing Electrics - 121742

You can see from this that the blue "service brakes" wire seems to go from the trailer socket to a box labelled "Module - Trailer brake controller". Not only that, but the same module also has connections to a fused 30Amp supply from the battery, a ground lead, and a feed from the brake circuit - in fact everything you need for an electric brake controller.
Getting excited now, I had a rummage around behind the panel in the driver's footwell, and sure enough I came across this plug dangling down which had all the wires as specified in the wiring diagram running to it :arms:

121744

So looks like LR have thoughtfully provided all the connections ready to plug in an electric brake controller. Unbelievable that none of the "experts" I talked to (including my dealer) knew this, and wanted to run completely new wiring :no2:

[Mamil]

Thought people following this thread might be interested in this from an American DS owner who found another location for the brake controller remote...

Trailer Brake controller - Land Rover Discovery Sport Forum (https://www.discoverysport.net/forum/land-rover-discovery-sport-general-discussion/10097-trailer-brake-controller.html)

[NathanAird]

Does anyone know where the fuse is on the D5, that runs the constant 12 volts to the pre-wired loom for the trailer brakes? (The plug above the brake pedal).

Thank you.

[jayray377]

Thought people following this thread might be interested in this from an American DS owner who found another location for the brake controller remote...

Trailer Brake controller - Land Rover Discovery Sport Forum (https://www.discoverysport.net/forum/land-rover-discovery-sport-general-discussion/10097-trailer-brake-controller.html)

Thanks for the link.

Anyone used a wireless controller such as below?

Portable Electric Brake Controller | Elecbrakes Pty Ltd (https://www.elecbrakes.com/)

[simonplanicka]

I have a uk import D5 and can't seem to get a brake output at the trailer end ?
13 pin factory electric towbar

[Mamil]

I have a uk import D5 and can't seem to get a brake output at the trailer end ?
13 pin factory electric towbar

Electric trailer brakes are a U.S. and Australia thing, European regulations do not allow them. So, LRs destined for the U.K. market do not have prewiring for the brake controller or the blue brake wire at the trailer socket, as you can see by comparing the trailer wiring diagram from a Euro-spec DS below, to the one of an Oz spec DS I posted earlier.

143850

Doesn't mean you can't use electric brakes, but you'd need to add all the wiring yourself instead of it being plug & play like the Australian models.

[Mamil]

Does anyone know where the fuse is on the D5, that runs the constant 12 volts to the pre-wired loom for the trailer brakes? (The plug above the brake pedal).

Thank you.

Do you mean DS (Discovery Sport) or D5 (Discovery Five)? If the former it's fuse 29 in the engine bay fuse box next to the battery. If the latter, it's fuse 8 in the passenger compartment fuse box.

[Mamil]

Thanks for the link.

Anyone used a wireless controller such as below?

Portable Electric Brake Controller | Elecbrakes Pty Ltd (https://www.elecbrakes.com/)

Interesting, thanks. I can see the attraction of not having to find somewhere in the dash to mount the controller, especially in a car that's so tight on space like the DS. However, as the controller is attached to the trailer rather than the car, you'd need one controller for each trailer you use - and I have three! Also, I'm a bit puzzled where it gets the power to operate the brakes, which require a constant feed of up to 30Amps depending on the size of trailer. In their wiring diagram they show the power coming from pin 2 which is already used for reversing lights if you have a caravan or camper trailer. Then in the instructions they say using this pin is optional and it can be connected to any permanent 12v supply, which would mean running another wire to the trailer just to operate the brakes, which kinda defeats the point of it being wireless, doesn't it, or have I missed something [bighmmm]

[Mamil]

Thanks Mamil, I've got a recent D5 and am keen to have a look for the plug. I wouldn't mind betting that The two D4's I have had and paid through the nose to get the brake controller fitted, probably have the plug as well. I read somewhere that the plug is actually a Ford plug from the mid 2000's. So who knows. Anyway I am sick of being treated with disdain when I ask these so called experts technical questions.
Cheers
Peefjay


Hi Peefjay,
Sorry, haven't been on the forum for a while, and now catching up with a few posts.
Hope you've sorted your brake controller by now. I notice there's a couple of threads on the D5 forum about installing a brake controller, and it seems the pre-wiring is same as the DS so it should be pretty easy.

[DSport2021]

Interesting, thanks. I can see the attraction of not having to find somewhere in the dash to mount the controller, especially in a car that's so tight on space like the DS. However, as the controller is attached to the trailer rather than the car, you'd need one controller for each trailer you use - and I have three! Also, I'm a bit puzzled where it gets the power to operate the brakes, which require a constant feed of up to 30Amps depending on the size of trailer. In their wiring diagram they show the power coming from pin 2 which is already used for reversing lights if you have a caravan or camper trailer. Then in the instructions they say using this pin is optional and it can be connected to any permanent 12v supply, which would mean running another wire to the trailer just to operate the brakes, which kinda defeats the point of it being wireless, doesn't it, or have I missed something [bighmmm]

Thanks for the infomation I did some investigation and found this in their instaltion guide PDF.
Single or Dual Axle Trailers to 4.5 Tonne ATM
Elecbrakes can be wired into the trailers electrical circuit by splicing
into the loom or joining the wires in the trailer plug.
Elecbrakes when connected to the trailers electrical circuit draws power
from multiple circuits.
Pin 7 - Tail Light
Pin 6 - Brake Light
Pin 2 - Auxiliary (optional)

Cherrs
Nick

[DSport2021]

Interesting, thanks. I can see the attraction of not having to find somewhere in the dash to mount the controller, especially in a car that's so tight on space like the DS. However, as the controller is attached to the trailer rather than the car, you'd need one controller for each trailer you use - and I have three! Also, I'm a bit puzzled where it gets the power to operate the brakes, which require a constant feed of up to 30Amps depending on the size of trailer. In their wiring diagram they show the power coming from pin 2 which is already used for reversing lights if you have a caravan or camper trailer. Then in the instructions they say using this pin is optional and it can be connected to any permanent 12v supply, which would mean running another wire to the trailer just to operate the brakes, which kinda defeats the point of it being wireless, doesn't it, or have I missed something [bighmmm]

I did some research and found this in their installation PDF: https://www.elecbrakes.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/EB_InstallationGuide_V1_D2.pdf
Single or Dual Axle Trailers to 4.5 Tonne ATM
Elecbrakes can be wired into the trailers electrical circuit by splicing
into the loom or joining the wires in the trailer plug.
Elecbrakes when connected to the trailers electrical circuit draws power
from multiple circuits.
Pin 7 - Tail Light
Pin 6 - Brake Light
Pin 2 - Auxiliary (optional)

Cheers
Nick

[Peter Glen]

Hi all, if anyone is still following this thread I have just bought a Redarc loom, part #TPH-006 for $37. Have had a look for the socket but so far it is being elusive

Cheers, Peter

[JasGrego]

I have contorted my body on ways that seem unnatural and I still cant see or find the trailer brake connection in my 2015 Disco Sport (7 seater). I've just put my towbar on and was hoping to fit the brake controller myself.

There doesnt seem to be any wiring loom behind the ODB3 port on the left of the footwell, and the right hand side is covered by a piece of plastic and from the viewing angle I had, I couldn't see anything that looked remotely like a grey socket...

I read that all Aust DS's were wired for the controller, but I'm starting to think I'm either looking in the wrong spot or it just doesnt have one.

Can anyone give me any pointers? thanks!

---edit---
Found it!

there's a plastic panel concealing the wires and stuff which is released with 3 rectangular press studs (they're a bit different to get off, I had to work both sides as they both press towards the center, I've seen another pic of pressing towards the front of the car with a thin plastic thing) the connector is above the accelerator pedal, clipped away nicely.

Next step is the brake controller!

[Robbo DS HSE]

Well I've had some fun today! As I'm on holiday I thought I'd look into this brake controller thing a bit by going to a few "experts" - another dealer, two of the big 4WD accessory shops, and two local auto-sparkys.

To cut a long story short, the dealer wasn't interested, and the other four all recommended the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite same as Bob and Willem. However, none of them had ever fitted one to a Disco Sport (though two claimed to have, but on further questioning it turns out was a Disco 3 or 4 instead), and all confirmed what my first dealer had told me that you need to run all new wiring, some said through the car by removing trim, and others under the car to avoid this. Prices varied quite a bit from $550 to $850 for supply and fitting.

TBH none of them particularly inspired confidence that I should trust them with the job, nothing specific, they just didn't seem to be able to give straight answers to quite simple questions.

So I came home and decided to do a bit of research for myself. First thing I found was the LR wiring diagram for the Disco Sport Australian Towing Electrics - 121742

You can see from this that the blue "service brakes" wire seems to go from the trailer socket to a box labelled "Module - Trailer brake controller". Not only that, but the same module also has connections to a fused 30Amp supply from the battery, a ground lead, and a feed from the brake circuit - in fact everything you need for an electric brake controller.
Getting excited now, I had a rummage around behind the panel in the driver's footwell, and sure enough I came across this plug dangling down which had all the wires as specified in the wiring diagram running to it :arms:

121744

So looks like LR have thoughtfully provided all the connections ready to plug in an electric brake controller. Unbelievable that none of the "experts" I talked to (including my dealer) knew this, and wanted to run completely new wiring :no2:

Not sure if thread is still active, but this socket seams to be missing on my MY18 HSE, searched the area Mamil found his, located the brake switch wiring and throttle wiring feeding into the loom, but the trailer module socket doesn't seam to be there. Any thoughts?

[safc3773]

Thanks Mamil. Your post and photo were exactly what I was looking for after having joined the forum just a few minutes ago. I'll be starting to early November and was told by Redarc that Discoveries from 2005 should have a plug & play port fitted under the dash as your photo shows. Thanks again.
QUOTE=Mamil;2660563]Well I've had some fun today! As I'm on holiday I thought I'd look into this brake controller thing a bit by going to a few "experts" - another dealer, two of the big 4WD accessory shops, and two local auto-sparkys.

To cut a long story short, the dealer wasn't interested, and the other four all recommended the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite same as Bob and Willem. However, none of them had ever fitted one to a Disco Sport (though two claimed to have, but on further questioning it turns out was a Disco 3 or 4 instead), and all confirmed what my first dealer had told me that you need to run all new wiring, some said through the car by removing trim, and others under the car to avoid this. Prices varied quite a bit from $550 to $850 for supply and fitting.

TBH none of them particularly inspired confidence that I should trust them with the job, nothing specific, they just didn't seem to be able to give straight answers to quite simple questions.

So I came home and decided to do a bit of research for myself. First thing I found was the LR wiring diagram for the Disco Sport Australian Towing Electrics - 121742

You can see from this that the blue "service brakes" wire seems to go from the trailer socket to a box labelled "Module - Trailer brake controller". Not only that, but the same module also has connections to a fused 30Amp supply from the battery, a ground lead, and a feed from the brake circuit - in fact everything you need for an electric brake controller.
Getting excited now, I had a rummage around behind the panel in the driver's footwell, and sure enough I came across this plug dangling down which had all the wires as specified in the wiring diagram running to it :arms:

121744

So looks like LR have thoughtfully provided all the connections ready to plug in an electric brake controller. Unbelievable that none of the "experts" I talked to (including my dealer) knew this, and wanted to run completely new wiring :no2:[/QUOTE]