Brake Controller Installation for Motorhome with Air Brakes

Updated 08/19/2020 | Published 07/14/2012

Products Featured in This Question

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

(6643)

$155.79

Deka Jacketed 2 Wire, 10 Gauge, Brake Wire - per Foot

(323)

$3.91

Tekonsha Tail Light Converter with 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector and Install Kit

(380)

$48.21

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

(3397)

$121.25

Question:

I have a motorhome with air brakes and I want to hook up an electric brake controller for my car trailer.

asked by: Dale B

Expert Reply:

A brake controller like the Tekonsha P3 will work just fine with the air braking system on your motorhome.

The controller will get its input from the brake stoplight switch, which tells it when the brakes are being applied.

If there is a 7-way trailer connector at the rear bumper, there might be a connector located under the dash that the controller would simply plug into. You would need to contact the motorhome manufacturer for more information about this.

If you do not have a 7-way trailer connector at the rear of the motorhome, and have no connector under the dash, you would need our Brake Controller Install Kit, part # ETBC7. You will also need an extra length of duplex cable, part # 10-2-1 probably about 20 feet. If you do not already have a 4-pole trailer connector, one will need be be installed. If your turn signals are combined with the brake lights on your motorhome, you can cut off the 4-pole connector on the adapter included with the kit, and extend the wires to tap into the circuits feeding the tail light assemblies, or you can hardwire in part # 18002. If your motorhome uses separate turn signals and brake lights (if this is the case, you will have amber lenses or bulbs on the turn signals), you will need a tail light converter like part # 119178KIT.

If you would care to respond with the make and model of your motorhome, and information regarding what trailer connector you have, I would be happy to make some recommendations that are more specific in nature.

I will link you to instructions for the converter and the brake controller install kit.

expert reply by: Mike L

Paul W.

8/9/2020

I have a 1998 tradewinds class a With the car motor and Allison trans I need to hook up a electric Brake controller what do I need to do so? Thank you for your help. And also do you by any chance sell a up grade for the hitch?? It says it is rated for 5000k and I would like to tow my sandcar ona flatbed.. trailer is 3200 and sandcar is 2500 5700 total..

Jon G.

8/19/2020

You should just be able to use any brake controller like the Prodigy P2 # 90885. You will need to find all of the different wiring connections with a circuit tester though because I'm not sure if any wiring already exists. Blue - 7-Way Output to Trailer Black - 12V Power White - Ground Red - COLD Side of Stop Light Switch (only gets hot when brake pedal is pressed) None of our trailer hitches that would fit a motorhome are rated for over 5,000 lbs.