Can the Prodigy RF Brake Controller Use 12 Volt Power from a Trailer Mounted Battery

Published 06/12/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Tekonsha Prodigy RF Wireless Brake Controller - Trailer Mount w Remote - 1 to 3 Axles - Proportional

(325)

$353.64

Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires

(3398)

$119.76

Question:

I was really interested in the Prodigy RF for an 1800 pound camping trailer that we are going to be pulling with multiple vehicles that currently have 4 wire setups. From the QandA it appears that it doesnt use the brake signal and the reverse light signal but does need the additional power. So why could it not be hooked up to the 12V battery in the camper instead of changing the wiring on all the vehicles to 7 wire? It seams to defeat the purpose of using a wireless controller if everything has to be wired for 7 wires. It makes sense to me because if the battery is has a reserve capacity of 120 minutes at 25 amps and the trailer brakes draw a maximum of 8 amps that would equal 375 minutes the brakes could be used which is longer than any of the trips we are planning on taking it on.

asked by: Rodney

Expert Reply:

If the trailer became disconnected from the tow vehicle the Prodigy RF # TK94FR would not have that power interruption from the vehicle 12 volt circuit to tell it to apply the trailer brakes. The RF does actually need the brake signal to function properly.

Also if something were to happen to the trailer mounted battery or its charge level was not what you thought it was you could have weak or no trailer brakes. the 12 volt circuit from a vehicle is reliable since the alternator charges the battery while the vehicle is running.

It would be much safer and work properly if you installed kit # ETBC7 on each vehicle that has the 4-Way. And if you do that you might as well use a regular in cab brake controller and use it in either vehicle.

The RF was primarily designed for a trailer that would be towed by any number of vehicles, such as a rental or fleet trailer, or for vehicles that cannot have a regular brake controller installed. Going with a regular set up would likely be more cost effective unless you had more than 2 vehicles you wanted to tow the trailer with.

expert reply by: Michael H