Trailer Brake Controller Function with Jake Brake on Motorhome that Activates Brake Lights

Updated 12/18/2017 | Published 12/16/2017

Products Featured in This Question

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

(6641)

$155.79

Roadmaster Single Park Light Diode

(120)

$22.21

Question:

The Tekonsha P3 brake controller or any proportional system is activated by the brake light switch in the towing vehicle. When my Jake brakes are activated Which also activate my BRAKE LIGHTS on motor home, will the electric brakes be activated on the towed trailer? Thus, wearing out trailer brakes prematurely, because I only want my Jake brakes slowing me while going down a long, steep grade until I actually APPLY my brake pedal. What system will work for me? Tow vehicle-2006 Travel Supreme 40foot DS04 Motor home Vehicle towed-16foot enclosed cargo trailer, 2 axleelec. brakes on both axles

asked by: Craig R

Expert Reply:

The Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional # 90195 will only apply the brakes to your trailer when your brake light switch is activated. The internal deceleration sensor will sense the slowing with your jake brake, but only if signal is being sent to the cold side of your brake light switch will activate your trailer brakes.

It is very likely that your jake brake will send that signal all the way to your tail light switch and that is difficult to test because you'd most likely need to be driving to test it.

If this is the case, you have two options:
The first option is you can adjust the braking intensity on your controller so that it won't apply as much trailer brake pressure when you know you will be using your jake brake, so you can drastically lesson the effects on your trailer brake wear.

The better option would be to install a diode just past the brake controller connection on the cold side of your brake light switch. This will allow your brake lights and function of your jake brake without affecting your trailer brake controller. I recommend using the Roadmaster Single Park Light Diode # RM-690 to allow the use of your brake pedal to affect the trailer brake controller function. This will only work if the jake brake tail light connection is down line from the brake light switch.

expert reply by: Jason S