Can an Electric Trailer Brake Controller be Used on a 2004 international 4400 with Air Brakes

Updated 10/30/2012 | Published 10/28/2012

Products Featured in This Question

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

(6643)

$155.79

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

(159)

$56.26

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

(3397)

$121.25

Pollak Circuit Breaker - Cycling/Automatic Reset - 30 Amp - Straight Mount Bracket

(66)

$8.38

Question:

Can I use the above mentioned controller on a 2004 International 4400 with air brakes. I will be pulling a Gatormade 40foot flatbed w/ a 5foot dovetail that is equipped with three axles all with electric brakes that has a GVW rating of 34,000 lbs. Attached picture is of a very similair trailer but not exact, but you get the idea.

asked by: Ronald L

Expert Reply:

You can use the Tekonsha P3, # 90195, on your 2004 International even with air brakes. All the brake controller needs as far as input is a 12 volt power source (from the battery), and a dedicated brake light circuit usually found at the brake light switch above the brake pedal. And you will need a 7-Way trailer connector on the truck.

You will need to hardwire the brake controller. The white wire will need to be grounded to the negative battery terminal. The black wire will need to connect to the positive battery terminal by first going through a 30 amp circuit breaker, # PK54530. The blue wire will need to connect to the brake output pin on the 7-Way. And the red wire will connect to the cold side of the brake switch.

Use a circuit tester like # 3808 if needed to test the wires on the brake switch. You need the wire that shows a signal only when the brake pedal is pressed and not when the headlights or turn signals are on. Instead of getting the circuit breaker and wire separately you can use a wiring kit # 5506.

I have included a link to an FAQ that might help. If you need to add a 7-Way, you can use # ETBC7 and it will come with the wiring and circuit breakers you will need. For 6 electric brake assemblies be sure to use the 30 amp circuit breaker.