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Electric Brake Controller Help, Please

December 28, 2010, 06:49:08 pm

I am sorry that I wasn't sure where to post this but I know for certain that someone here can help me with exactly what I need. I have a 1998 Chevy Sub and just bought a tandem axle 16ft trailer with a 2 5/16 ball hitch. It has 1 electric brake with the battery already on the trailer but I have no 7 pin plug attachment on my truck and I don't have a brake controller currently.

Is there a simple "plug-n-play" type brake controller for my year truck or will I have to wire myself?
Can someone walk me through the process or offer suggestions?

A recommended controller and 7 pin plug would be great

Many thanks

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Re: Electric Brake Controller Help, Please

Reply #1 – December 28, 2010, 09:18:13 pm

On our 2001 Suburban, we use a Prodigy brake controller. The Suburban had wires installed, they just need to be terminated at the front in the Prodigy and in the back with the 7-pin. I let a trailer expert do the work.

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Re: Electric Brake Controller Help, Please

Reply #2 – December 29, 2010, 08:22:59 am

I will echo that a Prodigy controller is the best for the money. Extra wires are located under the dash and terminate at the back of the coach.
You have to locate the brake signal (I took mine from the brake switch under the front of the coach), 12V and ground. Then you 'output' a dc signal wire to the back for your brake wire. 7 wire wiring needs to be done to spec so your trailer will work with anything. If you do the controller and ID the signal wire you will save a lot of labor costs.

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Re: Electric Brake Controller Help, Please

Reply #3 – December 29, 2010, 10:01:20 am

I will certainly look for a Prodigy controller online. Dave, you explained in brief about the connection to your coach....I'm hooking it up on my Suburban to use with the new 16ft trailer. When I buy a Prodigy controller will it come as a complete set, i.e. controller, wire harness and 7 pin plug? Or will I be buying all parts seperate?

I have a flat 4-way currently wired on the truck so I know that I can find at least THOSE 4 at the back of the truck.

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Re: Electric Brake Controller Help, Please

Reply #4 – December 29, 2010, 11:05:23 am

Prodigy will have it's wiring harness. 7 pin socket will be separate. The Suburban will likely have wires already available for attaching Prodigy in front and 7 pin in back.

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Re: Electric Brake Controller Help, Please

Reply #5 – December 29, 2010, 01:28:01 pm

You will have to get a 7 pin male/female set separately. Also look at West Marine's 7 wire coiled cords - sweet! With a properly wired 7 pin on your truck you can plug in a 7 to 4 wire adaptor for the times you are towing something set up for a 4 wire.
That's what I use on the Tahoe.
I can't remember if I went to PPL or Amazon for my Prodigy - just know it was about $110.00 shipped. Only issue with the Prodigy is it needs to be mounted nearly or actually level to work properly.

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