Can a Tekonsha P3 Brake Controller Receive Power from a Keyed Power Source

Updated 02/19/2014 | Published 02/16/2014

Question:

I have recently installed the tekonsha P-3 trailer brake controller on my 2012 suburban LT. I hooked up the power wire under the hood to the post on the front of the fuse box. The problem is I would like keyed power instead of constant power so I dont drain the battery and have to keep unplugging the brake controller when it is not in use. Is there somewhere under the hood in the fuse box I can possibly put a fuse tap in that would give me keyed power? Or is there somewhere under the dash or in the fuse box on the side of the dash? Let me know what you think. Thanks

asked by: Alex R

Expert Reply:

It is not recommended to supply power to a brake controller from anything other than the vehicle battery or a dedicated fuse in the fuse box. When the brake controller is sending power to the trailer brakes, it will draw approximately 2 to 3 amps for each brake assembly. If the brake controller is tapped into another fuse, the additional amp draw on that circuit could blow that fuse and cause other damage to the vehicles electrical system.

The brake controller will not drain your vehicle battery. It only draws a few milliamps when it is not powering the trailer brakes. Also, once you shut your truck off, it will go into sleep mode after 15 minutes of inactivity so it does not draw any power.

expert reply by: John H