See what our Experts say about this Draw-Tite Trailer Brake Controller

• Troubleshooting a Draw Tite Activator Brake Controller part # 5504 that Only Displays a Dot
  Sounds like the problem lies somewhere in the brake output circuit. When a trailer is connected to the Draw Tite Activator Brake Controller part # 5504 and all that is displayed is a decimal point it means that the controller is not sensing a trailer being connected. Typically the problem lies in the trailer connectors. Usually there is corrosion on this circuit that prevents the circuit from being completed. Check both the inside and outside of the connector for corrosion or exposed...
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• Troubleshooting ER Code on Draw Tite Activator Brake Controller
  I wish I had better news, but the ER code means that there is an internal problem on the Draw Tite Activator part # 5504 and that it needs to be replaced. For a new brake controller I would recommend the Prodigy P2 Brake Controller part # 90885. This is our best selling brake controller because of how well it works and how easy it is to setup. This is a proportional brake controller that senses the amount of braking the tow vehicle is applying and applies a proportionate amount to the...
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• Troubleshooting A Draw-Tite Activator IV Trailer Brake Controller That Won't Sense The Trailer
  Hey Phil, Are you hitting the manual override when you're testing the output of your Draw-Tite Activator IV Trailer Brake Controller # 5504 or are you just hitting the brake pedal? Is the decimal point always on the display or only while you're pressing down on the brake pedal. If you are seeing the decimal point all the time then you have the red wire from the brake controller harness spliced into the wrong wire for the sold side of the brake light switch. LED lights don't really have...
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• Factory Brake Controller Port Location on 2017 Nissan Titan
  To install the Draw-Tite Activator Trailer Brake Controller # 5504 that you referenced to your 2017 Nissan Titan, all you will need is the Plug-In Wiring Adapter # 3050-P if the truck is equipped with the factory 7-Way. One end of the harness will plug into the brake controller itself, while the other end will connect directly to the factory port on your Nissan Titan. The factory brake controller port should be located behind the dash, on the left hand side by the emergency brake pedal....
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• Where Is Factory Brake Controller Plug Located On 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  On 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 4...
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• Why is my Brake Controller Reading Overload and How Can I Find Where the Problem is?
  If your controller, item # 5504, is reading overload without the trailer connected then that means there is a short in the blue trailer feed wire on the vehicle. If the controller is reading overload only when the trailer is connected then there is a short or overload in the trailer wiring or breaks. Use a circuit tester, item # 3808 if you need one, to test the wiring to find out where the short is. If it is on the trailer end and you cannot find a wiring problem then the problem may...
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• Where is the Brake Switch Wire on a 2014 GMC Savana Van to Install a Brake Controller
  I can tell you were to access the correct brake switch wire to install a brake controller on your 2014 GMC Savana Van. You will need to access the wire behind the BCM (body control module) located behind the dash on the passenger's side of the vehicle. There should be a brown connector coming out of the back of the BCM. At that connector you should find a light blue/white wire. This is the wire that carriers the dedicated brake light signal. Use a circuit tester such as # PTW2993 to confirm...
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• Troubleshooting Trailer Wiring That Stopped Working on 2005 Chevy Silverado
  I'd check the backside of the connector for the condition of the wiring. Most likely something damaged some wiring if several of the circuits just stopped but one is left working. Another possibility is corrosion on the pins of your 7-way. You can try cleaning them with sandpaper. Or you can also check the trailer wiring fuses underhood to see if you can find any blown fuses.
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• Best Brake Controller & Harness For A 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
  Yes, the Trailer Brake Control Harness part # 3016 4-pin connector is a direct plug-and-play fit for your 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD and compatible with all Tekonsha brake controllers. The pigtail harness is located underneath your drivers side kick panel. The next step in choosing a brake controller is to decide between a proportional and time-delayed brake controller. A timed delay controller functions with a slight delay between the time that you initially apply the brakes in...
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• Replacement for Malfunctioning Draw-Tite Activator Trailer Brake Controller
  Based on your description of the problem with your Draw-Tite brake controller I suspect an internal fault within the controller itself. There is a chance that the red input signal wire could be loose, and this would cause the unit to stop generating output, but it would not explain the varying power level displayed. That specific issue makes me think that the internal circuitry has finally given up the ghost and the controller needs to be replaced. I recommend the # 5504 in its place....
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• Troubleshooting Poor Brake Performance and Low Brake Output Voltage
  First thing I would check is the blue wire that is at the rear of your vehicle for voltage when you apply the brakes and when you slide the manual override of this controller. You could also try sliding the manual override a few times and adjusting the gain knob up and down to help clear the contact points. I attached a link to the manufacturers instructions for your Draw-Tite Brake Controller, part # 5504, below for you to check out also. If all this checks out it sounds like the problem...
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• Troubleshooting a Tekonsha Draw-Tite Activator
  It sounds like there is either a problem with the wiring of your Activator Brake Controller # 5504, the wiring of your vehicle/trailer 7-way or the # 5504 is bad. The first thing to check will be the 7-way of your vehicle. You will want to visually inspect the front and back of the connector looking for loose wiring or corrosion and fix as necessary. Next, you will want to test the brake output circuit of the 7-way with a circuit tester, like our # PT89ZR, for the correct voltage when...
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• DrawTite Activator Brake Controller 5504 Flashing Error Code
  It sounds like you installed the Draw-Tite Activator Trailer Brake Controller 5100 in a vehicle with an integrated factory brake controller. If that is the case, installing an aftermarket brake controller like the Activator will cause the instrument cluster to flash the error code you mentioned. While this can be annoying to look at, it does not interfere with proper functioning of the aftermarket brake controller. The only way to clear the code is to take the vehicle to your local dealer...
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• What is the Red Wire Function on an Electric Trailer Brake Controller
  The red wire on the brake controller connects to the stop light wire on the brake switch located above the brake pedal. You will need to use a circuit tester like # PTW2993 to probe the wires. You need the one that shows a signal ONLY when the brake pedal is pressed. If you find a wire that has a signal when the headlights are on or when the turn signals are engaged, it is not the correct wire. Brake Controller Wire Colors and Functions: The white wire is ground The blue wire is output...
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• Display of the Draw-Tite Activator II Brake Controller When Not Connected to a Trailer
  The Draw-Tite Activator II Brake Controller, # 5500, will not display numbers under any function when the trailer is not connected. You should only see a single decimal on the display. Check out the video that I made showing you how the brake controller should function without a trailer connected. If you do not have any signal on the display, then there could be an electrical issue that is preventing power from reaching the brake controller. If this is the case, I would recommend using...
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• What Does Sync Control On Brake Controller Do For Trailer With Electric Brakes
  Setting the sync on a Draw-Tite Brake Controller # 5504 allows you to set the amount of power the brake controller will put out. If you set the sync power low it does not matter how hard you hit the brakes, as they will be applied with the amount of pressure you set the controller at. If you are traveling where there is gravel or loose rock or even in the rain you may wish to set it a bit lower so that the brakes do not lock up on the trailer when you press the pedal. If you are on the...
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• Locating The brake Switch Wire To Install A Brake Controller On 2009 Nissan Murano
  When trying to locate the correct wire on the brake switch to install your # 5504, you will need a circuit tester like part # PTW2993. You will need to find the wire that shows power only when the brake pedal is depressed. The colors of the wires may vary which is why we always recommend using a circuit tester to find the right wire. It sounds like the manufacturer may have used the same color wire for multiple locations. I have attached a photo of the switch located under the dash at...
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• What Does ER Error on an Activator Brake Controller Indicate
  It sounds like you meant to type the ER code that would be on an Activator IV part # 5504. That indicates that there is an internal problem and the controller would need to be replaced. For a brake controller replacement I would recommend the Prodigy P2 Brake Controller part # 90885. This is our best selling brake controller because of how well it works and how easy it is to setup. This is a proportional brake controller that senses the amount of braking the tow vehicle is applying and...
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• Troubleshooting Brakes Not Working on One Side in Mountains
  Hi Vincent; have you tried checking the voltage at the brakes with a circuit tester # PTW2993? Perhaps one side has a weak ground compared to the other or for whatever other reason isn't getting the same amount of power. Since the brake controller sends power down a single brake output line and the brakes function I don't think the brake controller is your issue. However, it wouldn't hurt to check the brake output line just to be sure. It sounds like you're getting more braking force...
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• Draw-Tite Activator 2 Diagnosing Decimal/Period Error Code
  If the trailer is connected to the vehicle when this happens, it means "NO CONNECTION BETWEEN BRAKE CONTROL AND BRAKES - BLUE WIRE CIRCUIT", possible solution is "CONFIRM CONNECTION TO TRAILER CONNECTOR, CONFIRM CONNECTOR TERMINAL POSITIONS, CHECK TRAILER". In other words, there is possibly a connection issue somewhere between the brake controller and the trailer's brakes, which is all along the blue wire. If the trailer is NOT connected to the vehicle when this happens, it means "RED...
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• 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch and Install Bracket Kit for a 1995 Chevrolet 1500 with 6-1/2 Foot Bed
  I do have a solution for you but the Curt E16 Fifth Wheel Trailer Hitch with Universal Install Kit # C16616 is not confirmed to fit your 1995 Chevrolet 1500. The E16 hitch will work just fine for you. It's a sliding hitch which will help with turning clearance since you have a short bed truck. For the hitch use # 16516. Then you need a bracket install kit with base rails. A universal it that does fit your truck is # RP30035. This fits just fine with the Curt hitch. You may also want...
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• Wire Diagram for Installing a Voyager Brake Controller on a 2002 Ford F-250
  On your 2002 Ford F-250 you will need to connect the Red wire to the Black wire on the brake controller for +12 Volts power and the Light Green wire to the Red Stoplight wire on the brake controller. The Dark Blue wire is connected to the Blue wire from the brake controller to send power to the Trailer Brakes, and the White wires are connected to each other providing a ground for the brake controller. I posted a diagram with your wire colors added to it for you, see drawing at right. The...
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• Meaning of Flashing OL Code on Draw-Tite Activator Brake Controller
  The OL code on your Draw Tite Activator # 5504 has a different meaning depending on if the trailer is connected or not, but in both situations it indicates an overload or a short on a wire. If the OL code is flashing without the trailer connected, then the short is in the Blue wire from the back of the controller. You'll want to trace this wire starting at the brake controller back to your vehicle's 7-Way to find the damaged or pinched section of wire that is causing the short and repair...
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• Troubleshooting the Draw-tite Activator II Displaying Random Power Settings
  Hey John! Sorry but it sounds like your Draw-tite Activator II is going out. The numbers bouncing all around happening on multiple trailers rules out a few possible issues. There is a chance that the red input signal wire could be loose, and this would cause the unit to stop generating output, but it would not explain the varying power level displayed. I recommended replacing it with the newer Draw-Tite Activator IV Trailer Brake Controller item # 5504.
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• Which Brake Controller Install Harness Fits 2022 Ford E-450 Cutaway
  For your 2022 Ford E-450 cutaway chassis the correct Tekonsha brake controller install harness is actually the part # 22292. This is why what you have doesn't look like it would work with the 3035-P.
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• Below Bed 5th Wheel Installation Kit Needed For A 2000 Ford F-250
  Hey Judah, For below bed you would need to go with the B&W Turnoverball Underbed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch # BWGNRK1108 and then use either the fixed base Companion # BWRVK3500 or slider base Companion # BWRVK3400-5W depending on whether you have a long bed or short bed. If your bed is less than 8' then you'll want to go with the slider base to gain some additional turning clearance when making tight turns. This setup would also allow you to tow gooseneck trailers but removing the hitch...
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• Recommended 7-Way Trailer Wiring On 2007 Ford E-350 Super Duty Van
  If you don't already have a 4-way wiring harness, we need to start there to get your 7-way. For a 4-way, I recommend the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # C56020 which plugs in behind the tail lights of your 2007 E350. You will have to remove the tail light assemblies and interior trim paneling to access the factory connections. I've attached a video to help. Then you will use the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way...
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• Brake Controller Wiring for Ford E-450 Motorhome
  If your vehicle has a factory brake controller plug, you can simply use the Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers – Ford, Item # 3034-P, which will connect to the vehicle plug and the brake controller. On the new E-450 vehicles, the plug is located behind the storage compartment above the radio. Once you remove the storage compartment, you can plug in the adapter and run the cord behind your dash to the brake controller. I've attached several images showing where...
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• Is Reese Voyager and Tekonsha Voyager the Same Brake Controller
  They are the same controller as Reese and Tekonsha are made by the same company. The Tekonsha part # 39510 does not come with the vehicle specific install harness part # 3035-P which is custom fit for your 2003 Ford F-250/350.
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• Tekonsha Voyager Brake Controller Not Activating Trailer Brakes When Brake Pedal Is Pressed
  Yes, we can help you test your brake controller and determine if the controller is bad or if there is a wiring issue that is causing the problem on your 2003 Ford F-250 pickup. Lets start with the easiest things first. Be sure that when you are testing the trailer brakes with the brake pedal that the vehicle is moving. The trailer brakes will not apply with the brake pedal if the vehicle is not moving because of the proportional sensor. The first thing I would check is the red wire that...
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• Where is Brake Controller Install Port for 2018 Ford Explorer
  To install your Reese Pod brake controller in your 2018 Ford Explorer will require the install harness part # 3035-P which is a confirmed fit. If you check out the 9:55 mark of the install video I attached to this page you'll see where to find the port on your vehicle to plug the controller in. It is a bit hidden under the dash underneath the panels.
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• Parts Needed To Install a 7-Way and Trailer Brake Controller On a 1996 Ford F-350 With Factory 4-Way
  Since you already have a factory 4-way flat on your 1996 Ford F-350 you will need the Adapter 4-Pole to 7-Pole # 37185. This will plug into your factory 4-way and the rest of the wiring will have to be spliced into your factory wiring as I do not see anyone makes wiring for your factory connectors. The Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter # 3035-P will allow you to plug into the 6 pin connector you found under the dash. Then you can connect the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller # 90195.
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• Installing A Reese Brakeman Controller In A 202 Ford E250 With Factory 4-Flat
  Hey John, I can definitely help with that. The Reese brakeman controllers are compatible with the Tekonsha brand plug-and-play adapters. For your 2002 Ford E250 you can use the # 3035-P to plug directly in to the factory brake controller plug. You will also need item # 37185 to complete your wiring. The brake (blue) wire will need to be run from the brake controller back to the plug in the rear. The brake controller power and brake pedal wires are already run. A 12 volt hot lead from the...
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• Brake Controller Recommendation for a 2008 Ford F-150 with Factory 4-Way
  To install a brake controller in your 2008 Ford F-150 you would be able to use the brake controller port under the dash and you will need to complete the wiring at the rear of your vehicle to the 7-way at the rear of the truck. For a brake controller I would recommend the Prodigy P2 Brake Controller part # 90885. This is our best selling brake controller because of how well it works and how easy it is to setup. This is a proportional brake controller that senses the amount of braking the...
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• Brake Controller Connector Location on a 2020 Ford Explorer
  If your 2020 Explorer is equipped with the factory 7-way trailer connector, it will have the brake controller connector under the dash. The connector is located under the dash, above and to the right of where the driver's right knee would be. The connector will be rectangular, and will be gray in color. If you use a Tekonsha brake controller like the Tekonsha Primus, part # TK90160, the # 3035-P wiring adapter is the correct harness. If the vehicle doesn't have the factory 7-way, the connector...
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• Recommended Wiring for 1998 Ford F-150 to Add 7-Way to Factory 4-Way Trailer Connection
  For your 1998 Ford F-150 Extended Cab with factory 4-way flat, you need the Tekonsha Ford Replacement OEM Tow Package Wiring Harness, 7-Way # 118242. This will give you the two additional relays needed as well as the wiring harness. Then you will need a brake controller. I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 # 90195 as well as the wiring adapter # 3035-P. This will give you an easy to use proportional brake controller with easy to use presets as well as a nice LCD screen for diagnostics....
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• Factory Brake Controller Harness Location on a 2013 Ford Explorer
  The harness for the 2013 Ford Explorer is located above and behind the hood release lever. There will be a 6-pin connector that mates with the one on the adapter at the end of the harness # 3035-P. For a brake controller i recommend the Tekonsha P2, # 90885, because it is one of our best selling controllers for its ease of use. I have included a link to the installation details for you to view.
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• Brake Controller Wiring Harness Location on a 2013 Ford Explorer Limited
  On your 2013 Ford Explorer Limited, the factory brake control wiring harness should be located above and behind the hood release under the dash on the drivers side. To connect your P2 brake controller to the harness, you will need the Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter, # 3035-P. This adapter has one end that plugs into your P2 brake controller and a larger end that plugs into the 6 pin connector that should be located behind the glove box on the vehicles brake control harness. I have attached...
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• How Would EZ Connector Magnetic 7-Way Trailer Connectors with Built-in Seal # 319-R7-02 Install
  If your 1994 Ford F-150 has a 7-way installed on it already the EZ Connector Magnetic 7-Way Trailer Connectors with Built-in Seal # 319-R7-02 will easily plug in line with it once you remove the 7-way from your truck's wiring and then plug this in place. Then on the trailer side you have to remove your current 7-way and then wire the trailer side connector in it's place.
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• Recommended Brake Controller for a 2018 Thor Ace Motorhome
  For your 2018 Thor Ace Motorhome, I recommend using the Curt Spectrum Trailer Brake Controller part # C51170. The reason for this is because this unit is composed of two main parts, the control box and the output knob. The control box gets mounted out of site and then the output knob will get installed up on your dash for easy use and a very aesthetically pleasing look. The color output of the knob also helps with ease of use. Since your motorhome is on a Ford F-53 chassis, you can use...
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• Recommended Brake Controller and Wiring Harness For 2005 Holiday Rambler Ambassador on F53 Chassis
  For your 2005 Holiday Rambler Ambassador motorhome, I recommend you use the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Brake Controller # 90195. This controller utilizes a LCD screen that gives you easy to read and understand diagnostics and comes with simple presets to make set-up easy. It is proportional, so it will allow you to apply the trailer brakes at the same time and with the same amount of pressure so your trailer doesn't end up pushing or pulling your RV. It doesn't have the codes of most brake...
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• Why Is the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Blowing a Fuse in My 2006 Ford Van when I Plug it in?
  Hello Bry, I am sorry the Prodigy P2 keeps popping a fuse, let's see if we can get you in good working order. You're dealing with a fuse that keeps blowing whenever you plug in your Tekonsha Prodigy P2 brake controller # 90885 in your 2006 Ford van (that was the vehicle in the fitguide). This usually points to a short somewhere in the wiring, most often with the black wire that supplies 12V power to the controller. If that wire is pinched or the insulation is damaged especially where...
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• Recommended Plug in Brake Controller Adapter for a 2016 Range Rover TD6
  Hey Patrick! I would love to give you a quick yes but the best I can do is maybe and then show you what you need to look for. There is conflicting information on Tekonsha's website that says your 2016 Range Rover TD6 has the brake controller adapter port but I can tell you exactly where to look to find it. I linked a diagram below that shows the wiring on your Range Rover. This will be at the base of the left side a-pillar or to the left of your left foot right before your driver's side...
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• 2001 Ford F-150 Trailer Hitch Needed with a 700 lbs Tongue Weight and Fits with Spare Tire
  The Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver # 37130 is a Class IV trailer hitch with a 2" receiver opening that is confirmed to fit your 2001 Ford F-150 and will allow you to keep your full spare in it's current location. This has a 7,000 lbs Gross Towing Weight (GTW) rating and a 700 lbs Tongue Weight (TW) rating. When used in conjunction with a Weight Distribution (WD) system those ratings are bumped up to 12,000 lbs GTW and 1,200 lbs TW. I have attached the installation details for you to...
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• What Vehicle Specific Pigtail do I Need for My Tekonsha P3 for My 2001 Ford F-350, Mounting Bracket?
  Hello Kip, Nice choice on brake controller, definitely my go to! For your 2001 Ford F-350 you will want the Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - Ford, Lincoln, Mercury # 3035-P. For the bracket it comes in 2 pieces, the part that attaches the brake controller # 2178, and for the bracket that mounts to the vehicle # TK5906. Getting a second truck all set-up for easy swapping?
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• Wiring Needed to Install 7-Way and Brake Controller on 2005 Ford E-350
  There is no reason you couldn't use the Universal Wiring Kit # ETBC7 that you referenced to install a fully functional 7-Way on your 2005 Ford E-350, but you may not need the entire kit depending on what the van is already equipped with. If the E-350 has the factory 4-Way installed at the rear, then the blue (brake output) wire is not already run like you mentioned. If you have the factory 4-Way though, the brake controller power supply along with the brake pedal wires ARE already run,...
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• Brake Controller With Plug and Play Wiring Harness for 1999 Ford F-250
  Hi Tom; we do have a custom wiring harness if you want to install the Tekonsha BRAKE-EVN Trailer Brake Controller # TK63VR in your 1999 F-250. Assuming you have the factory 4-way or 7-way you can use the Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers # 3035-P.
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• Parts Needed to Add 7-Way and Brake Controller to 2007 Ford F-150 with 4-Way
  If your trailer does not have brakes all you would need is the part # 37185 as an adapter to convert the 4-way to a 7-way. If you do have trailer brakes you would need the # 3035-P, the # 37185, and a brake controller. For a brake controller I would recommend the Prodigy P2 Brake Controller part # 90885. This is our best selling brake controller because of how well it works and how easy it is to set up. Follow the 4-way trailer connector wires from the trailer connector to the front...
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