Hayes Energize III+ Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 3 Axles - Proportional part number: HA81742B
This proportional brake controller keeps towing simple with a straightforward design and user-friendly controls. Includes an LED indicator and a slide-bar manual override. Adhesive backing gives you the option of drill-free mounting.
Features:
Brake controller activates your trailer brakes in proportion to your vehicle's braking action
Automatically adjusts trailer's braking based on deceleration of tow vehicle
Simple controls keep your settings within easy reach
Gain setting lets you adjust the amount of power sent to the trailer's brakes
Slide-bar manual override allows you to control trailer sway or stop in emergencies
Deceleration sensor lever lets you adjust initial braking power and aggressiveness for smooth, safe braking
Red LED indicator lights up when brakes are engaged
Quick, simple installation with included bracket and hardware
Drill-free installation option with included adhesive tape
Optional universal wiring adapter (HA81789-HBC) sold separately for a plug-and-play installation
Plug-in, vehicle-specific brake control adapter (sold separately) can be used to reduce installation time on certain vehicles
-35-Degree to 90-degree mounting range - must be horizontally level
Made in the USA
Specs:
Application: trailers with up to 3 axles (6 brake assemblies)
Compatible with electric brakes only
Dimensions: 5-3/8" long x 3-1/4" wide x 1-3/8" tall
Mounting angle: -35 degrees to 90 degrees vertically
5-Year limited warranty
Gain Setting for Braking Power
You can adjust the gain setting (also known as braking output) on the Hayes Energize III+ using the thumbwheel on the front of the module. This will set the maximum amount of power that will be applied to your trailer's brakes. You want to go as high as you can without the trailer brakes locking up. Typically, the gain is only readjusted when you experience changing road conditions or if you switch over from a heavy, loaded trailer to a much lighter, empty trailer, or vice versa. To get more power to your brakes, turn the wheel up. To get less power to your brakes, turn the wheel down.
The red LED indicator on the front of the module will light up when the brake controller is activated. This way you can keep your eye on your braking and be sure that it's working.
Sensitivity Adjustment with Deceleration Sensor Lever
Once you have the overall power set, you can fine-tune the power output by adjusting the sensitivity of the internal sensor. This controls the aggressiveness of your trailer's braking, meaning how quickly the brakes reach the maximum braking level. You can adjust this when you're towing heavy loads and you need more umph to bring your trailer to a stop. Your tow vehicle doesn't need that much power to brake in time, but your heavy trailer does. Boost gets the braking power to your trailer brakes faster and with more intensity so that it doesn't push your tow vehicle forward. To increase the sensitivity for towing heavier loads, move the lever away from you. For a lighter load, move the lever toward you.
Slide-Bar Manual Override
The Hayes Energize III+ comes with a built-in, easy-to-reach slide-bar manual override, great for stopping sway or controlling your trailer's momentum in emergencies. To engage the manual override, just push the slide-bar to the left, toward the center of the controller. This will activate the trailer's brakes and brake lights without you having to apply the brakes on your tow vehicle, perfect for limiting trailer movement while you're cruising.
Quick, Simple Installation
The Hayes Energize III+ is easy to mount wherever you want it. Simply use the bolts or the double-sided tape to secure the included mounting bracket to your dash, and then install the controller in the bracket.
If your vehicle already has a plug-in brake controller wiring harness, just connect the unit to it. Otherwise, you will need to purchase a vehicle-specific wiring harness (sold separately) to plug into. If a harness is unavailable for your vehicle, hardwiring will be necessary.
Because the Hayes Energize III+ operates with an internal inertia sensor, it must be mounted between -35 degrees and 90 degrees vertically. The brake controller also needs to be horizontally level and parallel with the direction of travel to function properly.
Installation Accessories
See 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
Note: One of the following will be required to ensure proper installation:
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
Proportional Braking
The Hayes Energize III+ brake controller comes equipped with proportional braking to give you the best towing experience. Proportional braking means that your trailer brakes mimic your tow vehicle's brakes. If you slam on the brakes in your vehicle, your trailer brakes will activate with the same intensity; if you brake lightly, your trailer brakes lightly too. The trailer's braking is in proportion to your vehicle's braking. This saves wear and tear on the tires and the brakes on both your vehicle and trailer.
The Energize III+ uses a pendulum system to sense how your vehicle is braking so it can send the right amount of braking power to your trailer. It detects the inertia of your tow vehicle and activates the trailer's brakes to slow at the same rate. The result is uniform braking across your towing setup. No push-pull action - just smooth, proportional braking every time.
81742B Hayes-Lemmerz Energize III Plus Brake Controller - 1 to 3 Axles - Proportional
Replaces 81741B and 81745
Is this right for you? Product Expert Kathleen M says:
Yes, if you:
Worry about premature brake wear which is less likely to happen with a proportional brake controller
Only tow occasionally and don't want to pay a bundle for a controller you won't use often
Prefer products that are made in America
No, if you:
Tow often and need something a little more user friendly
Have limited room between your knees and the dash of your tow vehicle
Have a trailer with hydraulic brakes or more than 3 axles
Custom Wiring Adapter for Hayes Brake Controllers - Dual Plug part number: HA81783-HBC
Install your Hayes electric trailer brake controller quickly and easily with this custom wiring adapter. One end plugs into the controller, and the other plugs into the built-in port beneath your vehicle's dash.
Features:
Plug-in wiring adapter allows for quick, simple installation of your electric trailer brake controller
No cutting or splicing required
Custom connector end plugs into the built-in port beneath the dash of your vehicle
Opposite end plugs into the back of your electric brake controller
Compatible with time-delayed and proportional brake controllers from Hayes
Made in the USA
Installation of Hayes Brake Controller Adapter
To install your Hayes electric brake controller, you need to connect the wiring of the controller to your vehicle. Certain auto manufacturers offer pre-wired options, typically known as tow packages, in which the wiring is run for you from the dash to the trailer connector on the back of your vehicle. Usually when this is done, a port is installed at your dash so that you can easily plug in a brake controller.
For most applications, the factory plug is located beneath the dash, near the center console.
No hardwiring is required to install this adapter. After you plug it into the factory port, you simply plug the other end of the adapter directly into your electric trailer brake controller. Because there are no wires to connect, installation is not permanent. You can unplug and remove your brake controller at any time to transfer it to another vehicle or securely stow it away.
81783HBC Hayes Dual-Mated Brake Control Wiring Harness - Ford, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercury
Hayes Energize III+ Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 3 Axles - Proportional - HA81742B
Custom Wiring Adapter for Hayes Brake Controllers - Dual Plug - HA81783-HBC
Average Customer Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (160 Customer Reviews)
This proportional brake controller keeps towing simple with a straightforward design and user-friendly controls. Includes an LED indicator and a slide-bar manual override. Adhesive backing gives you the option of drill-free mounting. Install your Hayes electric trailer brake controller quickly and easily with this custom wiring adapter. One end plugs into the controller, and the other plugs into the built-in port beneath your vehicle's dash.
by: Terry 11/10/2022
This controller was truly "plug&play". Installation was 30 min. Works perfectly. E-trailer has always been my go-to for all my truck and camper needs!1466546
by: Robert Barker04/23/2024
This is my second order with etrailer. Both experiences with your company have been very positive. The knowledge and friendliness -along with following up on orders and satisfaction have been much appreciated. Brittany, the customer representative, is a huge asset to etrailer.1771943
by: 09/25/2023
Controller installed easily. Unit applies brakes ok. My big concern is the lack of the voltage setting being displayed. This is first controller I have worked with. Video says good back unit. Ok that it is. But if I had known what I know now, would have purchased unit with digital voltage setting. Setting wheel to same spot each use is causing me to go through setting process each time. There is a difference with brakes with unloaded and loaded trailer.1672971
by: Jeff05/05/2023
The controller is not at all smooth in applying brakes. very abrupt in braking, have tried adjustments and mounting with no improvement. Would not recommend.1571495
by: Luke04/12/2024
Works like it should. Easy install. Other models will offer more features, but for a part time camper puller like myself, it does the job1766149
by: Brent09/07/2023
It continues to do its job flawlessly. Have not had a single concern with it while towing. It allows for manual application of braking "pressure", but except for testing it at low speeds to verify operation, I have not had to touch it at all while highway towing, as it achieves smooth, even stopping power. Still very pleased with the purchase!1662189
by: Marshall02/25/2023
Easy to install and great customer service. One problem: writing on instructions was so small I had to use magnifying glass to read it and my vision is 20/20. This needs to be corrected by manufacturer. Instead of tiny writing in several non English languages, print it so the vast majority of customers can actually read it. This would probably eliminat e many customers calling etrailer for help in installation.1526006
The plug and play wire harness that I ordered for my pickup should have been 5-6 inches longer. Otherwise everything was fine.1641200
by: Charles11/11/2022
Remember the adage, "you get what you pay for"? Certainly applies here...I will never know if this unit was faulty when I received, or if it simply is poor quality. But the "gain" function on it does nothing, and therefore I can't dial in the sensitivity that is needed. Again, I don't know when/how it became inoperable, but I just ordered it's replacement. Am hopeful for a better experience...1467424
by: Marc C11/06/2023
Appreciate the installation videos 1690187
by: Dale10/25/2023
Easy to install. Clear instructions.,Works great.1686234
by: Ken 03/14/2024
Great service good people to deal with 1747486
by: Liam11/05/2022
Nicole was outstanding in knowledge and patience with me. She helped me get through my mistaken order and get me the right brake controller and adaptor harness for my truck. I installed it in less than and hour and it is working great. She also made the return of the controller and harness a breeze.1463661
by: Jodie03/01/2024
work's great, thanks 1740624
by: William 02/26/2023
Perfect, exactly what I needed great price, fast delivery, easy installation. It only took about 30 minutes total. The hardest part was for an old man to get down that low in the floor well. Thanks again etrailer.1526109
by: Ernest 11/04/2022
This brake controller has worked great no problems at all I would recommend it to anyone using this style of brake controller.1462834
by: Richard 10/23/2019
Got tip off Utube for the wiring harness adapter for a 2019 Ram. Installation was plug and play. We have a 26 ft camper we will be towing. Very easy install. 719795
by: Chris04/20/2019
2017 Ford Explorer
I have a 2017 Ford Explorer Sport with the 5000lb tow package and there was contradictory information about the factory installed grey brake controller connector being there. I ordered the Hayes Brake Controller and the wiring harness and took a chance. I had taken a look before ordering but couldn’t see it. Once the parts came I went ahead took off the plastic panel under the steering wheel and the metal plate underneath it. Tucked high underneath steering wheel the grey plug is there. Plugged in the wiring harness replaced the metal plate, attached the Brake Controller bracket to one of the screws that holds the plastic panel. Done. It took less than 30 minutes. I haven’t hooked up a trailer yet, so I have no comment on the actual usage of the Brake Controller. But if anyone has a question about the grey plug for the factory installed brake control wire on a 2017 Ford Explorer Sport, it’s there. 633545
by: Noel11/08/2017
Ford F-250 Super Duty
Once my son-in-law tracked down a burned out fuse and we eliminated the previous owner's wiring mess at the back bumper, the new brake controller and adaptive wiring turned out to be "plug and play" on my '96 F250. Worked just as easily as the wiring harness from etrailer that got me trailer brake lights from my '94 Jeep XJ several months ago. If I need something else for trailers, I'll check etrailer again.450765
by: Richard 04/29/2023
Simple install with wire harness from etrailer, plugin, adjust, done. Works and does what I anticipated.1567225
by: Chris 09/07/2021
Best of the four brake controllers I've had so far in my truck. Easy to adjust on the fly if brakes are too strong or weak. Manual override felt solid unlike some controllers out there. The instructions could've been written a little clearer though. 4 prong square plug also fits Curt controllers if swapping. Overall nice controller for the money, should've bought this one first and saved the cash1145991
by: Bill11/10/2017
I needed a brake controller for my vehicle that I am going to use for towing a new travel trailer I purchased. I found the etrailer site on the internet and was able to quickly locate an appropriate controller and vehicle specific connection cable. My order arrived in a timely manner. All of the necessary installation information was included and I was able to install it in my vehicle in just 20 minutes. Very pleased with the whole process.451028
by: James08/04/2018
Very pleased with the Hayes controller and the installation videos and information available at etrailer. My installation was hardwired due to an earlier install which removed a connector, so etrailer support was very beneficial plus their price was very competitive...a winning combination. 549748
Yes, the signal for the trailer brakes comes from the stop light lead. The red wire on the controller is meant to be connected to the stop light circuit which is the light blue or orange wire on GM vehicles with the factory tow package. This wire will then send a signal to the brake controller when the brake pedal is pressed which in turn sends power to the trailer.
I would first start off by testing the light blue stop light wire on your 2009 Chevrolet Silverado. You will want to use view full answer...
In order to install the Hayes-Lemmerz Energize III+ Electric Trailer Brake Controller part # HA81742B on a 2020 Toyota Sequoia you can use the Custom Wiring Adapter for Hayes Brake Controllers part # HA81785-HBC so long as you have the factory tow package. If you don't have the factory tow package you will need to hardwire the unit, let me know if this is the case. view full answer...
The brake controller you sent in a picture of will only affect the brakes of a trailer you would be towing. It does not affect the brakes of your vehicle in any way if you were to leave the controller installed.
I attached an FAQ article on brake controllers for you to check out as well. view full answer...
In addition to the Hayes Energize III # HA81742B brake controllers, you'll need a # HA81783-HBC wiring harness for the 1999 Ford F550.
The 2000 Chevy 1 ton and cab/chassis models weren't prewired for a brake controller until the 2001 model year, so you'd need to hardwire in the controller for that vehicle. You'll also need a # HA81789-HBC universal pigtail, unless you want to cut off the black connector on the controller. I'd recommend using the pigtail, as it would allow you to easily view full answer...
You will need to start with a 4-way (if you do not have one) installed on your 2012 Volvo XC60 to install a brake controller. For that you would want the # 118739 which I attached an install video for.
From there you would need to convert the 4-way to a 7-way so that you can install the Hayes brake controller # HA81742B. For that you will want the Brake Controller Install Kit and 7-Way Adapter part # ETBC7. I attached installation instructions and an install video for this product as view full answer...
There are no plug in adapters for the 2020 Ford Transit T250 so you will either have to tap into your van's wiring harness or use a wireless brake controller like the Curt Echo item # C51180. This Bluetooth-enabled brake controller wirelessly connects to your smartphone. The compact unit plugs in line with your 7-way trailer connector completely eliminating the bulky controller on your console and the hassle of wiring. This is a proportional brake controller that automatically adjusts your view full answer...
Yes, the red indicator light will illuminate on your Hayes-Lemmerz Energize III+ Electric Trailer Brake Controller # HA81742B when either the brake pedal is pressed or when using the manual override. This will happen both when disconnected from a trailer or connected. view full answer...
The LED light on your Hayes Trailer Brake Controller comes on when it senses power from the brake light switch or the controller is manually activated.
Your brake light switch on your 2015 Nissan Pathfinder may be faulty. Since it is just blinking it does not see the power long enough to activate the trailer brakes.
Since you have a 2nd Hayes controller on your other vehicle I would recommend swapping them to see if the same issue occurs with the other controller. This will tell view full answer...
Since the trailer brakes are working when you press on the brake pedal, it sounds like there could be one of two things going on here. It could be something as simple as the connections inside the controller being dirty or dusty. Give the manual override button a series of pushes and let the button snap back up into place- we just want to try to dislodge anything that might be keeping the button from making a full connection to the internal parts that operate the manual override.
If view full answer...
For brake controllers like your Hayes Lemmerz Energize III part # HA81742B the white wire gets grounded, the black wire runs to a constant 12 volt power source, the red to a wire that only has voltage when brakes are applied (normally on the brake pedal switch), and the blue to the output circuit of the 7-way connector. view full answer...
Hi Wayne,
For your 2022 Honda Ridgeline I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller # 90885. The P2 is a proportional brake controller with an easy to use sliding lever on the bottom to manually activate the brakes. The installation will be super easy with the plug-and-play wire harness # 3070-P. I've attached a video below where Brad installed this brake controller on a Honda Passport so you can get a better idea of how to install it in your Ridgeline. view full answer...
Correct, if you have constant power on the blue brake output wire then your brake controller is faulty and will need to be replaced. The Hayes Blackbird Trailer Brake Controller part HA81726 is a timed delayed brake controller so this would be a great time to upgrade to a proportional brake controller which will be much smoother and will have a faster response time. The Hayes-Lemmerz Energize III part # HA81742B would be a good option for this and it uses the same plug and mount you have view full answer...
When you're installing the Hayes controller, like the Energize III+ # HA81742B, on your 2011 Ram 2500 you should be able to install it by using the Wiring Adapter # HA81795-HBC. This plugs into the existing factory plug so you won't have to do any splicing with your wiring.
If you're disconnecting wires and splicing the brake controller in then that may be why you're experiencing this. Under normal circumstances a brake controller should not be affecting the tail lights on the vehicle view full answer...
The lever on the side of the Hayes-Lemmerz Energize III+ Electric Trailer Brake Controller # HA81742B allows you to adjust the proportioning of the brakes on the trailer. I have linked the instructions below that cover setting this lever to the correct position when installing. view full answer...
Not all manufacturers will utilize the same brake controller wiring harness. Hopkins, Tekonsha, Curt, etc, all have their own connections on the brake controller side and the vehicle manufacturers will have a specific connector if they are prewired for a controller as well.
For instance the Hayes-Lemmerz Energize III+ Electric Trailer Brake Controller - Proportional # HA81742B will use the Custom Wiring Adapter for Hayes Brake Controllers - Dual Plug # HA81794-HBC for a 2017 Ford view full answer...
The Hayes Energize III brake controller part # HA81742B that you referenced will work great on a tandem axle trailer that has one brake axle. That means your trailer has two assemblies which is perfect with this controller. view full answer...
If your 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 came with a factory 4-Way or 7-Way trailer connector at the rear then yes, there is an OEM harness under the driver's side dash and to the right of the emergency brake pedal. Typically this should be blue but the color could vary. If you don't have a factory trailer connector at the rear of your vehicle then you'll need to hardwire everything.
The brake controller I recommend, if you don't already have one, is the Hayes-Lemmerz Energize III+ # HA81742B because view full answer...
We do indeed have a harness that would work for you.
The actual plug and play harness you need will depend on who manufactured the brake controller you have. I'll run through some of the major players and the part number for the compatible harness:
• Tekonsha, Reese or Draw-Tite, use # 3035-P
• Curt, use # C51322
• Hayes, use # HA81783-HBC
• Redarc, use # RED87FR
• Hopkins, use # HM47715
If your controller is from a different manufacturer or just has blunt-ended wires exiting view full answer...
If your Kelsey brake controller is for electric brakes, like the Hayes Energize III+ # HA81742B, then you'll be looking for the red wire to only show power when your brake pedal is pressed. If you're seeing constant power on the input side of the red wire then that would be an issue and why you're seeing constant power on the blue wire.
You'll want to either find the cause of your red wire being constantly hot, and/or find a different source that only gets power when you press the brake view full answer...
That's an excellent question!
The Curt # C51180 Echo wireless trailer brake controller will work with your aftermarket brake controller installed.
The Echo gets all its inputs from the 7-way trailer connector, bot the brake lamp circuit and the 12V power for the trailer brakes, so once you plug it in it'll completely bypass any existing aftermarket brake controller. The existing brake controller won't even 'know' there's a trailer connected.
As long as the 12V feed to the 7-way view full answer...
For easy installation, you can use the Universal Brake Control Wiring Adapter Ford, part # HA81783-HBC. One end of part # HA81783-HBC will plug into the factory connector under the dash and the other end will plug into the connector coming out of the Hayes brake controller.
I have linked a video installation of a brake controller on a 2005 Ford E-250. view full answer...
Yes, the Custom Wiring Adapter for Hayes Brake Controllers part # HA81783-HBC is required to install the Hayes Blackbird Trailer Brake Controller part HA81726 on your 1996 Ford F-250. The plug you will need to access for the above adapter will be located under your dash, near the emergency brake pedal. view full answer...
Info for these parts were:
Edited by:
Lindsey S
Expert Research:
Jameson C
Updated by:
Laura H
Updated by:
Wilson B
Written by:
Tammy D
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