Thread: DIY - Installing brake controller

I've just installed a Prodigy on a MY18 that was fitted with the factory tow pack. The 3035 cable works as is so no need to change any of the wiring. I have a few extra cables as shipping was going to cost as much for one as for a few so if anyone is after one please PM me. Interestingly an auto electrician was going to charge me $750 to install the brake controller. All up this took about 45 minutes to do so dead easy if you have basic skills given it's just plug an play.

Hi, I still have some 3035 harnesses. I don't log on here often so my apologies to those that PM'd a while ago. Please drop me a note at ozequestrian@gmail.com if you are after one.

I recently had fitted the Redarc Elite Pro to my Rangie, and I used this info above as a start point. Fortunately my son is an Auto-Elec and ECU expert, so I get exceptional 'Mates Rates'.
There are a couple of things to note about this installation.
Note that my RR has the factory 3.5 tonne hitch.
Firstly, although the factory wiring and fusing in the RR is fine for this, the grey connector that is behind the dash on the end of this wiring is very mediocre.
Given that the brake controller can provide quite a high current on full braking application the prongs in this plug could be considered quite dangerous, as they would be incapable of any sustained use at these levels.
It is rumoured that this may be the cause of some RRs burning to the ground with horse floats or largish vans on the back.
It's a simple safety exercise to bypass these plugs altogether and hard wire by soldering correctly.
Secondly, if you want to avoid drilling holes in your dashboard the control knob for the Elite Pro can be installed in the small panel by your right knee beside the boot release.
It does take a little more work to remove some of the plastic structure behind the panel, but well worth it.
If you do this you will notice that all these panels and bits are stamped with the Jaguar logo on the back. Cost sharing at it's best.
The braking system works perfectly with no other modifications or additional wiring.
Cheers

I am considering a caravan,at this time in my life. Used to have a van 15 years ago , wondering what size van I can look at with my SDV8? I am thinking around the 20 foot mark with all the solutions required for a couple of our age, shower and loo. Wondering if other that have a van can give me some insight?

Originally Posted by Bails

I am considering a caravan,at this time in my life. Used to have a van 15 years ago , wondering what size van I can look at with my SDV8? I am thinking around the 20 foot mark with all the solutions required for a couple of our age, shower and loo. Wondering if other that have a van can give me some insight?

Hi Bails. If you have the appropriate tow bar etc. you should be able to legally tow up to 3.5 tonnes, with a tow ball load of up to 350 Kg. Note that the RR is not to use weight distribution hitches.
I tow a Swan Outback, but that is only about 1500 Kg loaded up. The van you are looking at would easily top out over 2000Kg.

Also remember, the longer the van the more difficult it will be to get through obstacles like ditches, so I would advise going for the shortest that will do you for comfort.... assuming you may wish to go to some out-of-the-way places. We had a Jayco Expanda pop-top Outback for a while ( body length 5m) with single axle. That had a shower and toilet, and was ample size. If you have lots of $ you can go for something like a Track T4 Rhapsody - you wont even have to get extension mirrors, and easier to keep in lane than the other slightly wider vans out there. The vans of this size are around the 2t mark, you wont even notice they are there from engine performance point of view. My car is the SDV6, I just put it in cruise control at 110kph (in NSW - I think other states have different speed limits for vans?) and let the car do its thing.... yours will romp it in even easier. With the redarc tow-pro elite (and I imagine others similarly), the adjustment is very straight forward and easy to get right.
Might I also suggest to also invest in a level action jockey wheel (around $180) for adjusting the position of the van without the car attached.... much easier than trying to shove the van around with the original jockey wheel.

Originally Posted by Nessie

Hi Bails. If you have the appropriate tow bar etc. you should be able to legally tow up to 3.5 tonnes, with a tow ball load of up to 350 Kg. Note that the RR is not to use weight distribution hitches.
I tow a Swan Outback, but that is only about 1500 Kg loaded up. The van you are looking at would easily top out over 2000Kg.

Interesting the swan was my van years ago. I have factory fitted tow bar which looks very much like Haymen Reese . Thanks for the info still at the research side of things.

Originally Posted by Gregz

level action jockey wheel .

oops typo , that of course should have been lever action jockey wheel.