How to Install the Prodigy RF Brake Controller on a Vehicle with a 4-Way

Updated 06/23/2015 | Published 06/22/2015

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Question:

Ive read many of the QandAs about this wireless controller about use of a 4-way connector from the tow vehicle. I understand the 4-way only supports trailer lights and not the brake and it seems that the main issue is that the wireless controller to be mounted on the trailer tongue needs 12V power to operate. Rather than get power from the tow vehicle, would it be OK to use the 12v battery on the trailer instead? Id rather not add a 7-way connector on the tow vehicles, at least not right away. Im building a small 6x10foot tear trailer and have installed electric brakes to avoid the wear on the tow vehicles brakes even though the trailer will be about 1000 lbs or slightly more when loaded. Both my 2003 Outback and 2008 Highlander have 4-way connectors. I plan to start trips with the battery charged and have AC power and solar panels on the trailer maintain the battery so it should have power for the brakes on the way home. I may someday add a 12v line from my tow vehicles but also want to allow use with other tow vehicles that may have just a 4-way connector. I see this controller as an option to buy and install only 1 controller for the trailer and not have to install a brake controller in each vehicle that might someday tow it. Finally, as a bonus, can this controller act as a breakaway emergency brake in case the trailer separates from the tow vehicle if the trailer has its own 12V power, with activation by the acceleration sensed when the tongue s and scrapes along the pavement? Thanks!

asked by: Steve

Expert Reply:

I am sure there would be a way to temporarily wire up the RF part # TK94FR so that it ran off of a trailer battery, but since the unit would draw more amperage than what a solar panel could maintain the battery would eventually drain and you would be left with a dead trailer battery and non-functioning trailer brakes. I can't recommend this.

The only solution I can recommend for either vehicle is to install the part # 37185 on both vehicles. You would need to run the black wire of the 7-way to the positive post of the battery through a breaker like part # 9510 and that is all you would need.

Because of the recommendation I just made you can not use the # TK94FR as a breakaway system either. Instead you would want the part # 50-85-315.

expert reply by: Jameson C