Recommended Brake Controller for a 2012 Nissan Pathfinder Towing 19 Foot Travel Trailer

Updated 09/12/2017 | Published 09/10/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(6643)

$155.79

Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(2763)

$159.00

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

(3397)

$121.25

Question:

I have a 2012 Nissan Pathfinder SV and just bought a used, but very good condition 19ft 1997 Fleetwood Wilderness travel trailer, with electric brakes. Visually saw wires to all four trailer wheels. The trailer also has a round 7 way electric connection to the tow vehicle..so I bought and installed a similar 7 way round adapter to accommodate the Nissan's 4 pole flat connector. I've driven the trailer several times locally 45 min or less each way and it seems to handle well. Signals, running lights, brake lights and emergency flashers all work. But now I am planning an extended 10-day trip over several hundred miles a day. Does the connection I've made...actuate the trailer's electric brakes? Or am I only braking with the tow vehicle Nissan? Or...do I need to install a brake controller? What is best and can I do this myself or must I take it to a brake shop / licensed mechanic? Ive seen the Tekonsha Voyager Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional-/and Hayes Blackbird Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Time Delayed.... these two listed manual leveling which seems to correspond to my trailer which does not have automatic leveling. Both say factory 7-way ....Does my adapter to the 4 pole flat connector do the job? Your advice is greatly appreciated by this newbie camper...! THANKS!

asked by: Patrick M

Expert Reply:

Since your 2012 Nissan Pathfinder has just a 4-flat connector and no brake controller, your Fleetwood trailer's electric brakes are not being activated. For that you would need a brake controller and proper wiring installed in the Pathfinder.

Your first step towards working trailer brakes would be to install the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller # ETBC7, which will provide you with the needed wiring and 7-way and 4-way trailer connector. You may be able to accomplish this task yourself depending on how comfortable you are with vehicle wiring. To get a better idea of how it works take a look at the video I've linked which shows a brake controller being installed on an '09 Nissan Murano.

In regards to leveling, this does not refer to your trailer, it refers to the brake controller itself, which must be level in order to operate effectively. Manual leveling means you must complete the process yourself, which is not difficult in itself, but improper leveling can lead to a host of issues. Due to this, a brake controller with an automatic leveling system is highly desirable.

I strongly recommend going with one of our two most popular options, the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 # 90195 or Prodigy P2 # 90885. Each of these controllers activate your trailer's brakes immediately and in proportion with the brakes of your 2012 Pathfinder. They each have automatic leveling as well as safeguards to protect your brakes from overheating and against electrical shorts. The P3 # 90195 also has a digital LCD display compared to the P2's # 90885 LED display, and the P3 also features storable settings for your display, brake type, language preferences, desired boost levels and power levels.

I've added links to video reviews of each of these controllers for you, as well as a helpful article about brake controllers and the # ETBC7 kit.