What Happens if Hand Held Remote from Tekonsha Prodigy RF Unplugs from Power While Towing

Published 09/22/2016

Question:

Wireless Brake Controller, what happens if the remote controller is un-plugged from power while the trailer is in use? Is it only used for set up and braking on demand or is is used during the normal braking cycle? I presume that the trailer mounted box gets its power from the 7 way plug? Is there a battery inside the box, does it require a charged breakaway battery?

asked by: Mark E

Expert Reply:

It sounds like you are referring to the Tekonsha Prodigy RF Wireless Trailer Brake Controller # TK94FR. I spoke with my contact at Cequent to find out what would happen if the Remote Hand Held Unit were to come unplugged, and he confirmed that the trailer-mounted Power Module would function on the Hand Held Unit's previous settings. If the Remote Hand Held Unit were to come unplugged, it should be plugged back in and the unit will continue functioning properly. Keep in mind that this brake controller is not designed to be operated when the Remote Hand Held Unit is disconnected. When the Hand Held Unit is disconnected, there would be no way to communicate with the Power Module on the trailer to change braking settings or operate the manual override.

The Prodigy RF works to apply the trailer's brakes whenever the brakes in the tow vehicle are engaged. The Power Module interprets the brake light signal sent through the 7-Way connector to the unit, and the Prodigy RF unit is designed to apply the trailer's brakes proportionally to the brakes of the tow vehicle. The Hand Held Unit features a manual override lever that allow you manually apply the trailer's brakes without stepping on the vehicle's brake pedal.

The trailer-mounted Prodigy RF Power Module gets power through the 7-Way plug when it is connected to the tow vehicle. The Prodigy RF's connector is plugged into the 7-Way socket on the back of the tow vehicle, and the trailer's 7-Way connector is plugged into the Prodigy RF unit. No additional wiring is needed outside of the connectors to power the brake controller.

The Prodigy RF system does not have an integrated trailer breakaway battery. This would need to be installed on the trailer separate of the Prodigy RF system. If you need a trailer breakaway unit, the Engager Trailer BreakAway Kit with Charger and Tester # 20099 is a great option because it features a built-in battery charger. I've attached a review video of this unit for you.

expert reply by: Victoria B