trailer brake controller addition

[96RedRunner]

[MENTION=177073]poisedforflight[/MENTION], fine thread self tappers for thinner metal what's held the OE 4 pin in place
next easiest RivNut, welded nut strips like used to mount hitch to frame.

 

[poisedforflight]

[MENTION=177073]poisedforflight[/MENTION], fine thread self tappers for thinner metal what's held the OE 4 pin in place
next easiest RivNut, welded nut strips like used to mount hitch to frame.

Thanks, I'll give it a shot.

 

[phattyduck]

Where are y'all mounting your 7 pin connector?

I used this: Just a moment...

Modified for a bit more clearance and to mount in the stock 4-pin mount location. Its tight, but I didn't want the larger connector to eat up much of my off road clearance. The main plug is standard equipment on many newer trucks, so easy to get a replacement at a parts store if needed in an emergency.

-Charlie

 

[96RedRunner]

Just a moment...-Charlie

Thanks, can see that working lotta places covering both bases.

 

[poisedforflight]

I used this: Just a moment...

Modified for a bit more clearance and to mount in the stock 4-pin mount location. Its tight, but I didn't want the larger connector to eat up much of my off road clearance. The main plug is standard equipment on many newer trucks, so easy to get a replacement at a parts store if needed in an emergency.

-Charlie

Can you post some pictures of your setup?

 

[diverscale]

I went the lazy way since I don't tow that often with it (like once a month).

I have a long isolated wire "sausage" that I just tuck back in the rear left square compartment. I like that I don't loose clearance and it will never rust or corode.

Ask if you need any picture but it's pretty simple.

When using, I close the backdoor over the wire "sausage" and that's it. My english sucks today but the "sausage" is just a tick, soft and transparant silicone-like tube where my trailer wires are routed. Comes with brake controller plug kits.

Been like that for years and now upgraded from 4 to 7 pins.

 

[phattyduck]

Can you post some pictures of your setup?

Here ya go...

Connector mounting:

Controller interface:

Controller box (looking up above driver's left foot location):

The grey wire that comes through the waterproof grommet on the firewall is a dual jacketed 10 gauge wire that I'm using half for brake controller power/signal and half for a trailer charge wire. I'm on my third trailer adapter box in the back, even though I don't tow all that often...

-Charlie

 

[poisedforflight]

Here ya go...

Connector mounting:

Controller interface:

Controller box (looking up above driver's left foot location):

The grey wire that comes through the waterproof grommet on the firewall is a dual jacketed 10 gauge wire that I'm using half for brake controller power/signal and half for a trailer charge wire. I'm on my third trailer adapter box in the back, even though I don't tow all that often...

-Charlie

Thanks, that looks exactly like what I want to do. That plug is expensive but it looks like it will be worth it if I can use the factory mounting holes.

I also have a RedArc, it's been great so far.

 

[shadow247]

I went the lazy way since I don't tow that often with it (like once a month).

I have a long isolated wire "sausage" that I just tuck back in the rear left square compartment. I like that I don't loose clearance and it will never rust or corode.

Ask if you need any picture but it's pretty simple.

When using, I close the backdoor over the wire "sausage" and that's it. My english sucks today but the "sausage" is just a tick, soft and transparant silicone-like tube where my trailer wires are routed. Comes with brake controller plug kits.

Been like that for years and now upgraded from 4 to 7 pins.

I have my 4 pin connector tucked and tied up high on the frame behind the bumper. I use an extension cable when I need to tow. When I go to a 7 way, I will actually just add another 4 way cable and build an extension harness for the 7 way plug when I need it. I anticipate needing it 5 to 7 times a year, so this seems the simplest way in my mind. I already have power running to the back from the battery, so I just need to tap into the brake wires and run 1 more back there. A 7 way actually uses onlyl 6 of the 5 of the 7 pins. 4 for the standard trailer lights, and 1 additional for the trailer brake signal. The other 2 are for constant power to recharge batteries, etc and for reverse lights if you have them.

 

[poisedforflight]

Here ya go...

Connector mounting:

Controller interface:

Controller box (looking up above driver's left foot location):

The grey wire that comes through the waterproof grommet on the firewall is a dual jacketed 10 gauge wire that I'm using half for brake controller power/signal and half for a trailer charge wire. I'm on my third trailer adapter box in the back, even though I don't tow all that often...

-Charlie

I ordered the plug/bracket/pigtail you recommended. Could you elaborate on the modifications you did to it?

 

[phattyduck]

I ordered the plug/bracket/pigtail you recommended. Could you elaborate on the modifications you did to it?

I can't remember exactly what I did, but it involved flattening it and re-bending it for more clearance. I can't remember if I flipped the bend direction or had to re-drill for the stock bolt locations too.

If you aren't looking for the max clearance possible, it will be much easier.

-Charlie