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07-14-2009, 09:34 AM
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#1
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Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Knoxville, TN
Posts: 3
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How to Install a Brake Controller???
I am wanting to get and install a brake controller for my 2000 TJ Sport. I'm not really sure what I need to get and how to install it. Can anyone point me in the right direction???
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07-14-2009, 09:38 AM
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#2
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Web Wheeler
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: 'Round Here, Florida
Posts: 5,212
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Are you reffering to a trailer brake controller?
__________________
My RHD TJ - Savvy equipped... And loving it! - Durty Rok Carolina Offroad
I drive on the right side, what's wrong with you?
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Be very careful with the wife mod. Uninstallation can be extremely expensive. Wife mods have been known to take the Jeep and all other mods during the uninstall process. Also, make sure you service your wife mod properly as often as humanly possible. Wife mods not properly serviced may malfunction or uninstall themselves at any time.
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07-14-2009, 09:40 AM
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#3
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Do it right or not at all
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Escondido, California, California
Posts: 57,644
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Any RV or trailer supply store will carry an assortment of electric brake controllers. I've installed two (TJ and Grand Cherokee) and they were something like $60-70 each IIRC. I installed the TJ under the steering wheel on the plastic housing. It's out of the way yet handy if I need to adjust the braking force while driving.
Basically you connect it to power, ground, and one of the wires on the brake light switch, and then run the brake controller wire to the back of the Jeep where it can be connected to the trailer. The only somewhat PITA part is connecting it to the brake switch wiring. 
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07-14-2009, 09:52 AM
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#4
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Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Knoxville, TN
Posts: 3
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So the wiring is not just "plug and play"? I'll actually have to do some splicing of wires??? 
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07-14-2009, 09:56 AM
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#5
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Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: CO
Posts: 98
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I do believe they have connectors that allow you to plug into the dash, so long as you already have the tow package wiring already setup. Just gotta find the right model for your vehicle.
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07-14-2009, 10:01 AM
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#6
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Do it right or not at all
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Escondido, California, California
Posts: 57,644
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ncarr
I do believe they have connectors that allow you to plug into the dash, so long as you already have the tow package wiring already setup. Just gotta find the right model for your vehicle.
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That's not going to be the case with a Wrangler, and it wasn't the case with my wife's Grand Cherokee either even though it came with the factory towing package.
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07-14-2009, 10:16 AM
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#7
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Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Knoxville, TN
Posts: 3
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any write-ups out there on the install??
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07-14-2009, 11:55 AM
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#8
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Ontario
Posts: 455
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I connected straight to the battery through a self-resetting 20amp circuit breaker. I also ran a heavy ground from the battery to my trailer plug. I wired a switch between the controller and the brake output wire. The trailer only weighs 350# empty and I turn the brakes off when it's empty. I do ocasionally load up a yard of stone in it though, so the brakes are quite necessary at times. The brake signal wire is simply spliced into the brake pedal wire as Jerry wrote. It really is simple. Just make sure you splice to the "out" side from the switch, or it will affect your gas mileage.
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07-14-2009, 04:59 PM
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#9
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Oregon USA
Posts: 8,403
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TJnTennessee
any write-ups out there on the install??
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There will be instructions in the package.... 
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07-15-2009, 04:46 PM
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#10
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Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Northern California
Posts: 596
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The Prodigy Brake Controller is an excellent unit, has detailed instructions, and is easy to install. The wire you want to tap into on the brake pedal switch is the white/tan wire. To make sure, use a test light.
I got mine from: http://www.etrailer.com/pc-BC~90185.htm
They have the best price that I could fine.
For tech help call 1-800-785-5832. They also have a generic wiring diagram that I used, it's p/n 4399, "Electronic Brake Control Installation."
Last edited by jpittman; 07-15-2009 at 05:05 PM..
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07-15-2009, 05:37 PM
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#11
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Rockin jeep
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Texas
Posts: 7,583
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TJnTennessee
So the wiring is not just "plug and play"? I'll actually have to do some splicing of wires??? |
The TJ only has a 2k tow limit and in many states trailers do not need brakes till 3k or better so why have the option to have a brake controller.
I don't have one in my TJ due to the handeling characterist of a 2k trailer behind it, I wouldn't want any more.
I did install one in my parents JK and it wasn't too bad just getting under the dash for the wire splices and mounting was a little difficult.
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07-15-2009, 07:56 PM
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#12
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Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Northern California
Posts: 596
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Wushaw,
You are correct about the maximum tow rate, etc. for the TJ. I put mine on for peace-of-mind. Most of our off- road trips are into the Sierra which are a high altitude climb. I want to have the ability of the trailer to help with braking when coming back down out of the Sierra. My maximum weight is 2k on an off-road tent trailer.
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>
How to Install a Brake Controller???
