Brake Controller question

[laserjock]

So long as you can get it working. If not, the new controllers are stupid simple to install.

 

[oworm]

Drive with just a smidge of common sense and you don't even /need/ a brake controller for a 4k trailer. Should you have one? Yes. Is it a have-to? IMO no, again, with a little common sense. Shucks, with my luck these days, the trailer brakes wouldn't be working anyways......

JM2CW

My driving style is totally different when I'm driving the truck compared to my wife's VW TDI. Especially when the beds fully loaded and hauling the little 1 ton maxed out single axle trailer

 

[oworm]

So long as you can get it working. If not, the new controllers are stupid simple to install.

I suppose I could just leave the old one intact with the brake lines still attached. (It's been that way since I got it anyway) and just install the SS controller.

 

[oworm]

So if I leave the old one in place and just install a new one to the existing wiring I should be good to go?

 

[laserjock]

For a quickie install sure. It shouldn't hurt anything so long as you unhook the power wire going to the plug and re-route it to the new controller.

 

[oworm]

For a quickie install sure. It shouldn't hurt anything so long as you unhook the power wire going to the plug and re-route it to the new controller.

The old one is completely isolated from all wired connections.

 

[oworm]

So................ which controller?

 

[laserjock]

The connection to the trailer plug. There has to be a wire going to the trailer plug from the old controller. Disconnect it and route it to the new one. I'd probably disconnect the power off the old controller too just for good measure.

 

[oworm]

The connection to the trailer plug. There has to be a wire going to the trailer plug from the old controller.

Yes, that wire is blue and is already disconnected from the old controller.

I'd probably disconnect the power off the old controller too just for good measure.

Actually All electrical connections are disconnected from the old controller.

 

[BDCarrillo]

So................ which controller?

I've got one for $20 shipped, will have to look at the brand tonight

 

[Waystro]

I've got one for $20 shipped, will have to look at the brand tonight

If the Op isn't interested. I might be for $20 Shipped it's better than nothing.

 

[oworm]

I've got one for $20 shipped, will have to look at the brand tonight

Thanks for the offer. Your in TX, I'm in Grand Rapids and need it yesterday. It probably won't arrive on time.

 

[laserjock]

The Reese ones you can buy at a lot of stores aren't terrible especially if you arent using it much.

 

[oworm]

Thanks for all the help to everyone who replied in this thread. Very helpful

 

[OLDBULL8]

You've got an 84 that your going to use to pull the trailer. The 84's don't have the receptacle for the newer controllers that are plug and play. IIRC But you can check if there is, if there is it's under the dash midway, if it's not there it's gonna take some wiring to install a new controller. I was in the RV service business from 89 to 2004, just threw all the info away last week for various brake controllers, just looked and only have the Kelsey Hayes info from 89 to 92 yet, and it's for electronic controllers.
Just hookup what you have and you'll be fine, but be sure you have brake voltage on the blue wire.

What plugin do you have on the back of the truck? 7-way or 6-way?

http://www.etrailer.com/faq-wiring.aspx