Recommended Brake Controller and Wiring for a Semi Trailer

Updated 07/03/2018 | Published 06/30/2018

Question:

Hi Guys, Ive been reading your Q and A on the topic of what controller to use in my semi truck to pull a travel trailer with electric brakes and Im getting mixed messages. Several recommend the Hayes Air Actuated Brake controller while others recommend the Prodigy P2 or P3. Advantages and Disadvantages of both in the Semi Truck w Travel Trailer application? Also I would really appreciate any wiring adapter product you might have that converts the Electrical Outlet wiring from the semi to the Electrical Input of the travel trailer. Thanks

asked by: Rick

Expert Reply:

The Hayes Air Actuated Trailer Brake Controller part # HA100400C and the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller part # 90885 will both work on your semi, they just operate in different ways. The Hayes controller will apply force to the trailer brakes relative to the how hard the brakes in the tow vehicle are depressed whereas the Prodigy P2 will apply force to the trailer brakes relative to the deceleration of the tow vehicle. I recommend using the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 because it is more cost effective and it will be simpler to install.

According to my research, most semi's come with a 7-pole round trailer connector. If this is the case then I recommend using the Hopkins Trailer Connector Adapter part # HM47425 which will allow you to plug a trailer with a 7-blade round trailer connector into a semi with a 7-pole round trailer connector.

I have attached a review video on the brake controller and trailer connector for you as well.

expert reply by: Conner L