Product Experts Available Now!
Call 800-298-8924
Draw-Tite Activator IV Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Time Delayed
(265 reviews)
Price: $55.22
In Stock
Draw-Tite Activator IV Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Time Delayed
Item # 5504
Retail:$143.95
Our Price: $55.22
You Save: 62%
Orders above $99 qualify for Free Shipping
In Stock
- All Info
- Reviews (265)
- Q & A (309)
- Photos
- Why etrailer?
Draw-Tite Trailer Brake Controller - 5504
- Draw-Tite
- Electric
- Time Delayed Controller
- Under-Dash Box
- Up to 4 Axles
- Dash Mount
- Automatic Leveling
- 360 Degrees
Palm-size brake controller activates trailer brakes with preset intensity when you apply the brakes in your vehicle. Adjust power output and braking aggressiveness with easily accessible, up-front buttons. Digital display and manual override.
Features:
- Brake controller activates trailer brakes with preset intensity
- Signal is sent to trailer brakes when tow vehicle's brakes are activated
- Adjustable power output lets you determine the amount of power sent to the trailer's brakes
- Set to higher output when towing in hilly terrain or with a fully loaded trailer
- Back off power when towing a lightweight or empty trailer
- Sync setting lets you adjust the aggressiveness with which the brakes are activated
- Increasing activation speed gives you full power output faster
- Supplying power more gradually gives you smoother braking
- Easy-to-read digital display communicates brake power output, sync setting, and error codes
- Shows diagnostic codes for overloads and open grounds
- Short circuit protected
- Slide-bar manual override
- Quick and easy installation
- Can be mounted at any angle in any plane, and in any direction
- Mounting bracket with hardware included
- Plug-in, vehicle-specific brake-controller adapter (sold separately) can be used for certain applications to reduce installation time
Specs:
- Application: trailers with up to 4 axles (8 brake assemblies)
- Designed for use with electric brakes only
- Dimensions: 4-3/16" long x 2-3/4" wide x 1" tall
- Harness length: 8"
- Limited lifetime warranty
Time-Delayed Braking
The Activator IV applies your trailer's brakes when the brake pedal in your tow vehicle is engaged. Every time you apply the brakes in your vehicle, a signal is sent - via the brake switch - to the Activator. The controller then sends power out to your trailer brakes to activate them with an intensity set by you, at a rate determined by you. Both the amount of braking power (output) and rate of application (sync) can be adjusted to suit your preference, the road conditions, type of trailer, and size of the load. To determine which levels are best for your application, you must test out your towing setup and choose what feels best.
A time-delay controller is so named because there is a delay between the time that you initially apply the brakes in your tow vehicle and the time that the controller reaches the set maximum power output. Unlike a proportional brake controller, which activates your trailer's brakes based on the deceleration of your tow vehicle, the Activator sends power out in the same way, with the same user-set delay, no matter the braking situation. Although this delay always exists, it can be adjusted by changing the sync setting. The controller will continue to send out power to the trailer brakes as long as your foot is on the brake pedal, even when your truck and trailer have come to a stop.
Built-In Controls on the Activator IV
The diagram above shows the controls and components of the Activator IV electric trailer brake controller.
Power Output Control
The power output control lets you set the maximum amount of power that will be applied to your trailer's brakes. Typically, the power output is only readjusted if you switch from a heavy, loaded trailer to a much lighter, empty trailer - or vice versa. During the initial setup process, use the plus and minus adjustment buttons on the top left of the Activator IV to adjust the output.
Sync Control
The sync setting represents the elapsed time from the point that the brakes are first applied to the point that the set power output reaches its maximum. This setting is responsible for determining the aggressiveness of the braking action.
To adjust the sync, use the plus and minus buttons on the top of the unit. If you want to reach maximum power output faster, press the plus button. To get smoother braking action by supplying power to the trailer brakes more gradually, press the minus button. You can alter the sync setting to suit your driving preferences or to improve handling based on changing road conditions or varied trailer loads.
Digital Display
The Activator IV brake controller features an easy-to-read LED window that displays the power settings as you adjust them. The power output is shown as a number, with 0 indicating minimum output and 10 indicating maximum output. The sync setting is shown as a number followed by the letter "o" to differentiate it from the output reading. The least aggressive sync setting is 0o and the most aggressive is 9o.
While braking, the unit displays the power output. To see or adjust the sync setting, step on your brake pedal and press either the plus or minus button at the same time.
The display will also show trouble codes to alert you to any potential problems, such as short circuits or overloads, or if there is an internal problem with the controller.
Slide-Bar Manual Override
The manual slide lever overrides the preset power output and allows the operator to engage the trailer brakes without using the vehicle's brakes. In addition to being a necessary safety feature, this option helps to control trailer sway by slowing the trailer to put it back solidly behind the tow vehicle.
You can also engage the manual override to help you move a sliding 5th-wheel hitch closer to your truck's tailgate for tight maneuvering during slow speed turns. Just apply the manual override to hold the trailer in place while slowly moving the tow vehicle forward.
Quick, Simple Installation
Because inertia plays no role in the functioning of this controller, you do not have to mount the unit at any particular angle or position it in any particular direction. As a result, mounting options are limitless, so long as you can still easily access the manual override.
Installation of the Activator IV requires that you either purchase a custom wiring adapter designed to plug into the controller or that you hardwire the controller directly into your vehicle. To hardwire the controller, you must remove the plug at the end of the integrated wiring harness.
Installation Accessories
A vehicle-specific, dual-mated wiring adapter is available for most newer trucks and SUVs with tow packages. One end of the custom adapter plugs into your vehicle's brake controller port, and the other end plugs into the controller - no hardwiring required.
A universal wiring harness (20127 - sold separately) that plugs into any Draw-Tite brake controller is also available. The 4 leads on the universal harness can then be hardwired into your vehicle. By splicing the universal adapter into your wiring instead of directly connecting the brake controller to your wiring, you gain the ability to unplug and remove the controller from your vehicle should the need arise.
Note: If a custom brake-control wiring adapter is not available for your vehicle, one of the following will be required:
20-Amp circuit breaker (9506P - sold separately) for 2- to 4-brake applications
30-Amp circuit breaker (38630 - sold separately) for 6- to 8-brake applications
See also etrailer.com's exclusive 7- and 4-way brake-control installation kit (ETBC7 - sold separately) if you don't already have a 7-way plug at the back of your vehicle.
5504 Draw-Tite Act IV Electric Trailer Brake Controller - Time Based
Replaces 5500
Installation Details
California residents: click here
Customer Reviews
Draw-Tite Activator IV Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Time Delayed - 5504
Average Customer Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (265 Customer Reviews)
Palm-size brake controller activates trailer brakes with preset intensity when you apply the brakes in your vehicle. Adjust power output and braking aggressiveness with easily accessible, up-front buttons. Digital display and manual override.
- 5504
by: Rodger02/11/2020
Easy plug and play installation. Great products, great ,professional seller and quick shipment. Thanks! 749564
- 5504
by: David J01/19/2020
I have used etrailer many years. This time like always very pleased. Great product ,great price. great service. 739629
- 5504
by: Maribeth R.10/16/2014
This brake controller was remarkably easy to install and worked well right out of the box. I followed the recommendation of etrailer for my make and model of truck, a 2000 Chevy Suburban, and everything was exactly as depicted in the video. After viewing the video I felt as if I had done it before when I went to install my device. I was surprised that it really was as easy as it had appeared in the video. Great job, etrailer! I will definitely be back! 156382
- 5504
Mike L - 01/15/2019
48583![Installation Instructions]()
Helpful Link
Barry - 01/16/2020
64382
by: Barry01/15/2019
I am still trying to install your product on my 2018 Chevrolet Silverado. I was under the impression I simply had to mount the bracket, mount the device, plug it in, and adjust it. Unfortunately, it does not plug into anything under my dash. I need to cut and splice some wiring...I need to discern which wires to cut and splice first. 597754
Comments
No need to cut or splice anything. Youll need a brake controller wiring harness adapter, which we offer as part # 3016
Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers
$14.34. The harness plugs into the junction panel under the dash on the firewall behind the emergency brake pedal, as shown in the video Ive linked for you. One end of the harness plugs into the connector in the junction panel, the other plugs into the connector coming off of the back of the brake controller.
-- Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers
$14.34. The harness plugs into the junction panel under the dash on the firewall behind the emergency brake pedal, as shown in the video Ive linked for you. One end of the harness plugs into the connector in the junction panel, the other plugs into the connector coming off of the back of the brake controller.
Mike L - 01/15/201948583
Helpful Link
Comments
Update: thanks much guys! I was not aware of the wiring harness control adaptor. I purchased it and the process went swimmingly. Thanks guys!
Barry - 01/16/202064382
- 5504
by: Rodger G01/30/2016
The draw tite brake controller arrived very quick. I installed it very easy on my 2015. Ram. I called Tekonsa and made sure what plug in wiring adapter need it was the 3024 p. I was told by service tech Tekconsa that they maiddraw tite. Also the guy from etrailer I order from new all the questions, very good at his job. I installed it in about an hour and that was finding the best place. The adapter plug is above the gas peddle. Will from etrailer again. Good Luck you will be satisfied. 236610
- 5504
by: Rmartin08/13/2019
I replaced a 20 year old one with this. It is used on a 40 foot motorhome. I have had no problems with it as long as I get good contact on the plug on the trailer. I simply cut the old wires and soldered it together. I would by another one like this if I had a need. 686651
- 5504
Mike L - 06/11/2018
39624
by: Henry06/09/2018
I used the trailer brake for only one trip and it performed just fine. I did have some issues "tweaking" the sensitivity....couldn't quite dial it in so braking was smooth near the stop. Otherwise, good product. 519807
Comments
A time-delayed controller like the Activator IV can be a little tricky to adjust for the smoothest braking. Use the gain control to adjust the amount of power delivered to the trailer brakes. Ideally, you want them set right before they would lock up. The synch control determines how quickly the power is delivered to the brakes. Its best to start in the middle of the range, and incrementally adjust it higher then lower until you find the setting that gives you the smoothest braking.
-- Mike L - 06/11/201839624
- 5504
by: Wayne01/24/2021
A great product, great service, easy install. The trailer brake connection installed in the production of my Honda Ridgeline can be difficult to locate. Tip- Look straight in through the small space between the bottom of the dash and the cover skirt below it. It is in clear view and although a tight space it can be unclipped pulled down to a workable area. 942327
- 5504
by: ROBERT12/28/2020
Easy to install, works great 931457
- 5504
by: Max12/16/2020
The Draw-Tite Activator lV Trailer brake controller appears well built, stout and sturdy. Along with the controller it was supplied with the mounting bracket as well screws and instructions providing for an easy install. Draw-Tite is a trusted supplier for trailer needs who have been around for a long time. 923768
- 5504
by: Charles12/13/2020
922530
- 5504
by: Earl P12/12/2020
Easy to install Still working great after one year of use 922157
- 5504
by: Travis12/07/2020
Replaced an outdated Activator II brake controller in my 1999 Ford F250 with this one. Very easy to install (Combined with the Tekonsha Wiring Adapter), and worked great right out of the box! Would definitely recommend this to anyone with an older truck looking to add or upgrade a break controller. I must also mention the excellent customer service from etrailer. Thanks again! 920345
- 5504
by: Jerry12/06/2020
This trailer brake works great! 919929
- 5504
by: Steven11/13/2020
911598
- 5504
by: Jim11/04/2020
EASY TO USE AND EASY TO READ THE DISPLAY. WORKS GREAT 908014
- 5504
by: James10/24/2020
Great product , works great 903245
- 5504
by: Nicholas10/23/2020
Easy install with appropriate connectors. Website does great job helping based on vehicle type. 902805
- 5504
by: Marie09/24/2020
Products working out great! 899427
- 5504
by: Ronald09/22/2020
Great product and super fast shipping. 884735
- 5504
by: Jim09/06/2020
Great products and fast delivery, easy website to navigate super easy to install 892232
- 5504
by: Gregory09/04/2020
We're a first time travel trailer owners. I purchased the CURT weight distribution hitch. It's heavy duty and easy to assemble. Then I purchased the Draw-tite electronic brake control with a Tekonsha wire harness for my truck. After watching you tube to see how to find the brake control cable on my truck and assemble the electronic brake control it all works perfectly. 889566
- 5504
by: Scot09/03/2020
Works good 873714
- 5504
by: Gary09/01/2020
882232
- 5504
by: James09/01/2020
Prompt service. 882401
26
268
Show More Reviews
Ask the Experts about this Draw-Tite Trailer Brake Controller
- What Does the Er Code On the Draw-Tite Activator IV Trailer Brake Controller MeanThe "Er" error code on the Draw-Tite Activator IV Trailer Brake Controller part # 5504 means there is an internal problem with the brake controller therefore it will need to be replaced. That said, this will be a great time to upgrade to a proportional brake controller which will outperform the time-delayed one you have now tenfold. For this, the Draw-Tite I-Command Trailer Brake Controller part # 5535 is a great cost effective option and it will use the same plug as the Activator IV which...
view full answer... - Er Error Code on the Draw-Tite Activator IV Trailer Brake ControllerThere is no "E1" error code on the Draw-Tite Activator IV Trailer Brake Controller part # 5504 but there is however an "Er" error code. If this is what you have then the brake controller would need to be replaced as there is an internal short. There is a troubleshooting chart in the manual which I have attached for you that shows what all the codes mean for future reference. For replacement, I recommend using the Tekonsha Primus IQ Trailer Brake Controller part # TK90160 which is a proportional...
view full answer... - What is Needed to Install Activator IV Brake Controller on 2006 Toyota TundraI would be happy to help you with the parts needed to install the Draw-Tite Activator IV # 5504 on your 2006 Toyota Tundra. If you have the factory 7-Way then you just need the adapter # 3040-P. If you have the factory 4-Way then you need the adapter # 3040-P and the Universal Wiring Kit # ETBC7. If you don't have any wiring then you need the pigtail # 20127, 4-Way Wiring # 119147KIT, and the Universal Wiring Kit # ETBC7. I have attached an installation video of the ETBC7 kit on an...
view full answer... - Harness Needed To Install Draw-Tite Activator IV Trailer Brake Controller on a 2004 Chevy SilveradoIn order to install the Draw-Tite Activator IV Trailer Brake Controller part # 5504 on a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado you'll need to use the Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers part # 3015-P for plug-in-play installation.
view full answer... - Does the Draw-Tite Activator IV Brake Controller Stay On with No Trailer Connected? The Draw-Tite Activator IV, # 5504 will show a decimal point when there is no trailer connected. The display will go blank when the controller goes into power-saving mode, which occurs when there is no motion for 15 minutes. This will not cause a significant drain to your battery as the LED lights on the display draw very little power.
view full answer... - Where to Get the Stoplight Circuit on a 2015 GMC Terrain for Brake Controller InstallYes, it should be the number 11 position of the BCM you have on your 2015 GMC Terrain for the stoplight switch of the vehicle for brake controller installation. I attached a picture that shows a diagram for the BCM with the correct pin pointed out.
view full answer...![]()
- Brake Controller Recommendation for a 1999 Dodge Ram 3500 Dually and 5th Wheel TrailerFor your 1999 Dodge Ram 3500 Dually and 5th wheel trailer I recommend using a proportional brake controller. A proportional controller will apply the trailer brakes in proportion to how much the truck is braking. This is the safest way to stop and it reduces wear and tear on the trailer and truck brakes. The proportional controller I recommend is the P2 # 90885 because its easy to set up and use and it is reliable. If your truck came with a factory installed 7-Way connector then you...
view full answer... - Troubleshooting Trailer Brakes After 7-Way Disconnected RepeatedlyIt sounds like your trailer's 7-way plug has disconnected from the 7-way socket on your 2018 Ram and may have been damaged. If you can see clear physical damage to the plug (such as from it dragging on the ground) the easiest way to replace it is with a junction box kit like Epicord # 277-000141 or Trailer 7-Way Wiring Kit # e99011. Both include a junction box, 7-way with cord and connectors. The linked article on trailer wiring will help you with correct installation. If you wish to...
view full answer...![]()
- Trailer Brakes Lock Up when Stepping on Brake Pedal on a 1999 Ford F-250The Draw-Tite Activator brake controllers are time delay controllers meaning that they send back a pre-determined amount of power to the trailer brakes no matter how hard you are braking in your 1999 Ford F-250. If the controller is set to high output then it could lock the brakes even if you only slightly touch the brake pedal. The other adjustment controls how quickly the controller ramps up to the power level it is set at. If could be that the contacts on the inside are dirty can...
view full answer... - Draw-Tite Activator II Brake Controller Decimal Point Always On Even without Trailer ConnectedOn the Draw-Tite Activator II if the decimal point is lit up all the time with no trailer connected it indicates an issue on the red wire. The red wire is an input wire that tells the brake controller when you are stepping on the brake pedal. It could be connected to the wrong brake switch wire or to a different switch such as the cruise control. You will need the brake switch wire that only has power when the brake pedal is pressed. If it has power at any other time, such as when the...
view full answer... - How to Install a Draw Tite Activator IV Brake Controller in a 2001 Ford F-250 Super DutyAll you would need to install your Draw Tite Activator IV part # 5504 in your 2001 Ford F250 is the Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter # 3035-P. This harness will plug into the back of your brake controller and then into the port underneath your dash. If there is a harness already plugged into that port on your vehicle with the colors you listed you would just need to match the wires from the # 5504 to those wires color by color. I attached an install video for the wiring adapter for you...
view full answer... - Recommended Brake Controller for 2010 Ford F-150The brake controller I recommend is the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller # 90885 and the # 22292 wiring harness. It is a proportional brake controller, and the wiring adapter allows easier connection and disconnection of this item from your vehicle. It is the easiest brake controller to use and once you have set up the controller you will not have to change with the settings again. I have provided a link to a video showing the installation of this item on a similar truck....
view full answer... - Where Is Factory Brake Controller Plug Located On 2010 Ford Explorer Sport TracOn your 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac the factory plug for your brake controller will be located under the dash, on the left side of the steering wheel, just above your left leg. The wiring adapter you will need to connect the Draw-Tite Brake Controller # 5504 to your vehicle is the Draw-Tite Brake Control Wiring Adapter # 3035-S. This adapter will have a 6-pin plug that will connect to your factory brake controller plug and the 4 wires on the other end will be butt-connected to the...
view full answer... - Wiring a Brake Controller on a 1995 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 LSYes, you will be able to install the Draw-Tite Activator IV Brake Controller, item # 5504, on your 1995 Chevrolet 2500 Silverado LS. You will not need the Universal Brake Control Wiring Adapter 1999-02 Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, item # 3025-S, on the 1995 model because there is no factory port under the dash to plug the adapter in to. Chevrolet did not start putting the brake controller wiring port under the dash until 1999 so you will need to hard wire the brake controller on your 1995...
view full answer... - How to Install Brake Controller Wiring on a 2004 Nissan ArmadaYou are looking for a 6 pin connector located near the emergency brake pedal. It is usually taped to another wiring harness. You will need a wiring adapter, part # 3050-S to complete the connection.
view full answer... - Brake Controller Installation on 2014 GMC Terrain DenaliI do not have any vehicle specific instructions, because the part can be used on just about any vehicle. I'd be happy to walk you through the process. You'll need the brake controller, like the # 5504 you were looking at, or a proportional controller like the Primus # TK90160. A proportional controller has an internal sensor that can determine how quickly the tow vehicle is braking. It will then send the appropriate amount of voltage to the trailer brakes so the vehicle and trailer...
view full answer...![]()
- Troubleshooting Brake Controller that Has Voltage on Brake Output Circuit all the TimeThe blue wire should not have power on it all the time. This would indicate that either there is a short on this circuit and it's showing voltage from contact with another circuit that does have voltage all the time like the 12 volt accessory circuit of the 7-way. Or most likely the issue is that the box has an internal problem and needs to be replaced. You can cut the blue wire, leaving enough room to reconnect it, and test both sides of the wires that you cut. If the wire on the controller...
view full answer... - Parts Needed for Brake Controller Installation on a 1990 Chevy 1500 and 2003 Chevy Silverado 1500You can certainly use the Activator IV Brake Controller, # 5504, on both your 1990 Chevy and the 2003 model. For the 1990, you will need the brake controller, 4-Way wiring harness # 118312 (unless the truck already has it), and a 4 and 7 Way Installation Kit, # ETBC7. You will first install the 4-Way wiring harness. I have included a link to the installation instructions for you to view. You will then install the ETBC7. I have included a link to an FAQ article and video that explain...
view full answer... - Where do the Wires of a Draw Tite Activator Run to Install in a VehicleThere are 4 wires coming out of the back of the Draw-Tite Activator IV Brake Controller part 5504. You are correct in that the red wire runs to the positive side of the vehicle battery through a circuit breaker. The white wire runs to the negative side of the battery. The blue wire runs to the brake output circuit of the trailer connector at the rear of your vehicle and the red wire runs to the brake light switch on your brake pedal that only sees voltage when the brakes are applied....
view full answer... - Troubleshooting Poor Brakes on a Triple Axle Trailer with One Wheel Locking UpWire size, brake shoes, hubs or magnets could be the problem here. You will need to inspect the trailer brakes to see what is causing your situation. We have a video (see link) that will help you to determine the problem and I will outline how to check things for you. If the brakes on one or more axles are worn significantly more than on other axles you may need to replace the brakes. In this situation I would replace all of the brake shoes at the same time to ensure even braking (see...
view full answer... - Weak Braking with Factory Brake Controller on a 2014 Ram 5500I know that on any aftermarket brake controller the max output is around 12 volts. I assume that on your brake controller you are testing with the truck not moving, or at least I hope you are! If you are testing without the truck moving use the manual override with the controller set to maximum output, and not the brake pedal. On some proportional brake controllers, the vehicle has to be moving to apply the full voltage back to the trailer brakes. If you are testing with the manual override...
view full answer... - Draw-Tite Brake Controller # 5504 Shows Output of 0.0 When Brakes Are AppliedOn the Draw-Tite Brake Controller, part # 5504, a periodic adjustment of the Sync and Output controls may be necessary to correct for changing road conditions, trailer loading, brake wear, and/or driver preference. The Draw-Tite # 5504 is a time delayed brake controller and needs to be adjusted for braking power and delay. In an open area, such as a large parking lot, drive forward and apply the trailer brakes using the manual control. If the trailer brakes are weak adjust the Output...
view full answer... - Installing Brake Controller in 2009 Chevrolet SilveradoThe Draw-Tite Activator IV # 5504 will work with a wiring harness adapter like part # 20127, for your 2009 Chevrolet Silverado. This means you will need to splice into the brake controller wiring under the driver's side dash in order to install the brake controller. There will be a bundle of wires tied together with white tape. These are the wires you will to connect your adapter to. You will want to connect the black brake controller adapter wire to the red factory brake controller wire,...
view full answer...![]()
- Troubleshooting a Draw-Tite Activator IV Trailer Brake Controller Only Works with Manual OverrideSo you have isolated the problem to the wiring of your 1999 Ford F250. If the manual lever works but the brake pedal does not that means the problem is in the stop light circuit. You will want to check to make sure the red wire of the controller is securely attached to a circuit that sees voltage when the brakes are applied and none when not applied. If that still does not fix the problem you will want to go over the rest of the wiring looking for anything not installed correctly. Most...
view full answer... - LEDs On Draw-Tite Activator IV Trailer Brake Controller Stay Lit With Vehicle OffThe Draw-Tite Activator IV Trailer Brake Controller part # 5504 will not turn off as soon as the vehicle is turned off. The Draw-Tite Activator IV like most trailer brake controllers will go into a sleep mode after about 15 minutes of inactivity. The controller will never lose power completely but after the set time has expired the display will go blank. That said, if you open the door that would trigger the system to awake so if you want to check you simply need to peek in through the window.
view full answer... - Draw Tite Activator IV Displays Decimal or Dot and Does Nothing When Manual Switch is ActivatedAccording to the instructions, when you have a decimal or dot displayed, it signals that there is no trailer connected. Without a trailer connected, there is no complete brake circuit so pressing the manual switch will do nothing. Try connecting a trailer first and following the setup portion of the instructions. In case you do not have your instructions, I have included a link to them below. I attached an FAQ page on brake controllers that you might find informative to the right.
view full answer... - Trailer Brake Controller Shows 12 volts on Blue Wire All of the TimeBased on what you have said here the brake controller is faulty and it will need to be replaced. There should not be power output on the blue wire behind the controller all the time. This indicates a problem with the internal circuitry of the brake controller but there are no user-serviceable parts inside so you will need a new one. I recommend the Tekonsha P2, # 90885. This is a proportional brake controller and one of our top sellers because it is easy to set up and use. I have included...
view full answer... - How to Install a Brake Controller on my 1999 Ford F-150 with Factory 4-WaySince your 1999 Ford F-150 has a factory 4-way, and have the correct plug-in wiring adapter # 3035-P (plug one end of adapter into your brake controller # 5504 and other end into the built-in harness beneath your dash). Based on what you referenced you probably have this already, but go through the help articles and videos showing typical installations. Once you mount the brake controller and plug it in, installation is complete. I also included a few informative articles, installation...
view full answer... - Which Plug Under The Dash Is The Factory Brake Controller Plug On A 2001 Ford F250 Super DutyOn your 2001 Ford F250 Super Duty with the towing package the brake controller plug connector is located under the dash, near the steering column. You will be looking for a 6 prong rectangular plug. The location for the plug should be under the steering column toward the left. If you have the factory brake controller adapter it will plug into the plug under the dash and the bare wires will be attached to the brake controller color to color. If you need a brake controller wiring adapter...
view full answer... - Recommended Brake Controller For 2015 Honda Odyssey It sounds like you have a great plan for travel with your new 2015 Honda Odyssey. The draw-Tite Activator lV Brake Controller, part # 5504 that you referenced is a time-delayed brake controller that uses a preset intensity for applying the brakes. To be honest, I would recommend a proportional brake controller like the Tekonsha Primus IQ, part # TK90160. This applies the brakes on your camper in direct proportion to the amount of intensity you apply to the brake pedal in your towing...
view full answer...![]()
Why etrailer.com?
At etrailer.com we guarantee:Highest quality trailer brake controller for the best price.
Our Lowest Price Pledge ensures you will never overpay for the parts you need.Real product know-how.
We make sure that the products we sell are what we say they are, and that they work the way they are supposed to work. Get real advice from a real person who has the knowledge and expertise needed to solve your problem.Most detailed, accurate trailer brake controller information available.
Because we take providing accurate product information seriously, we take our own detailed product photos, demo videos and installation videos, as well as verify measurements, instructions, and vehicle fit information.Installations, made easy.
We love helping people and have the most highly-trained customer service, hands-on experience, step by step videos and installation instructions.Fast shipping.
Your order is automatically routed to get out of our warehouse and to your door as quickly as possible. Receive free shipping on orders over $99.Personalized service for life.
We provide one-on-one, personalized service from the ordering process through the life of your product.Trusted since 1946.
We've been serving customers since our parts store first opened in 1946 and continue to be recognized by our customers, our vendors and third parties for exceptional service.Returns Policy
Need to return an item? No problem. Please read our Returns Policy for more information.
Info for this part was:
Expert Research:
Jackie C
Expert Research:
Mike L
Expert Research:
Michael H
Expert Research:
Jameson C
Expert Research:
Adam R
Expert Research:
Jeffrey L
Video Edited:
Zack K
Video Edited:
Jacob T
Video Edited:
Kathleen M
Video Edited:
Chris R
Edited by:
Lindsey S
Video by:
Joshua S
Video by:
Andrew L
Video by:
Dustin K
Updated by:
Laura H
Updated by:
Sarah W
Updated by:
Alexander C
Updated by:
Jenny M
Updated by:
Isabelle B
Written by:
Tammy D
Test Fit:
Randy B
Test Fit:
Andrew S
Test Fit:
Brent H
Test Fit:
Robert C
Test Fit:
David F
At etrailer.com we provide the best information available about the products we sell. We take the quality of our information seriously so that you can get the right part the first time.
Product Experts Available Now!
Call 800-298-8924
Thank you! Your comment has been submitted successfully. You should be able to view your question/comment here within a few days.
Error submitting comment. Please try again momentarily.