Troubleshooting Brake Controller Installation in Ford E450-Based Coachmen Class C RV

Updated 08/03/2017 | Published 08/01/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Activator IV Trailer Brake Controller - Up to 4 Axles - Time Delayed

(357)

$103.31

Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - Ford

(348)

$17.42

Hook Probe Circuit Tester

(60)

$12.27

Question:

I have buy a Brake Connector for Yall and # 47855 plug in, and I also got the trailer brake control,#5504, it is for my tow dolly,but I found the factory plug up at the dashboard, plugged it in, but will not for me so what am I doing wrong, Thank You

asked by: DENA C

Expert Reply:

The Draw-Tite Activator brake controller # 5504 would normally use the matching wiring adapter # 3034-P to plug in to your Ford E450-based Class C but the Hopkins part 47855 should still work since the wiring configuration is the same.

Is the controller not lighting up at all?

This means it is not getting power, which comes to the controller on the black wire. You can use a tester like # PTW2993 to check the black wire at the back of the Activator to see if it is getting power. If not, check the pins in the wiring adapter to make sure they are not bent or corroded.

Does the controller light up but not send a signal to the trailer brakes?

This could mean a problem on the blue output wire that leads to the 7-way. You can set the controller for maximum power and boost and test the blue wire while you press the manual override lever. You should detect an output voltage on the blue wire. If you do find a signal there then test the pin at the 7-way socket. If there is no signal there then the issue is in the vehicle wiring between the controller and the 7-way. Please refer to the linked photo that shows you which pin to test (the one at the 5-o-clock position).

Please have a look at the two linked articles on troubleshooting brake controllers and also feel free to tell me more about what the unit is doing and not doing and I will be glad to help further.