Recommended Brake Controller and Wiring for 2003 Itasca Motorhome on Workhorse Chassis

Updated 09/13/2017 | Published 09/12/2017

Products Featured in This Question

12 Gauge Wire - Black Primary - Per Foot

(30)

$2.02

Wiring Kit for 2, 4, 6, and 8 Brake Electric Trailer Brake Controllers

(164)

$57.20

Question:

I am looking for a brake controller for my 2003 Itasca Motorhome to be used ot pull a horse trailer. It has 2 axles. Do you have a recommended brake controller and wiring kit to match it. It is on a P32 workhorse chassis.

asked by: Michael K

Expert Reply:

Starting with the brake controller itself, I highly recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 # 90885. This is an excellent proportional controller that will activate your trailer's brakes at the same time and with the same intensity that you apply to them in your Itasca Motorhome. It features an easy-to-read digital display along with continuous diagnostics that will alert you to any potential issues.

Then to install the brake controller, you will just need a couple of items. While there isn't a brake controller wiring harness available for your Workhorse P32 chassis, it's possible that the RV came with one. Sometimes they plug in under the driver's seat but would otherwise be located under the dash. It is also very possible that the chassis does not have a place to plug a brake controller into and it may just have the tow package wires under the dash. In the case, check for a bundle of wires up under the dash with a white tag on it.

If you cannot locate a wire bundle or a port that a brake controller would plug into, you will just need to hardwire in the brake controller. The white wire is for ground, the black is for 12 volt power, the blue is for output to the trailer brakes and the red is input from the brake light switch.

The white wire will attach to the negative battery terminal. The black wire will go to the positive battery terminal via a 30 amp circuit breaker. The blue wire connects to the back of the 7-Way in the 7 o'clock position and the red will go to the cold side of the brake light switch. You can use the Draw-Tite Wiring Kit # 5506, which includes the necessary wires and circuit breakers for installation. Since your RV is pretty long, you will likely just need some additional 12 gauge wire with part # 12-1-1, which is sold by the foot.

I have attached installation details on these products along with a couple of articles you might find helpful.

expert reply by: Chris R