trailer brake controller
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Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2010
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From: roy utah
trailer brake controller
hey guys, has anybody ever wired up a trailer brake controller in their truck? I need to put one in a '77 dentside. Im going to also be putting in the 7-wire harness.
thanks, kyle
thanks, kyle
Believe Nothing
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 7,516
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From: W. Central FL.
I've done a few on the old trucks and the new ones that have the plug and play connections and were designed for a controller. On the old trucks I've run new wiring the full lenth of the truck, not wanting to cut into the old wiring. Any controler you buy will have the schematics and instructions. Google "brake controller" and you'll find wiring instructions at some controller sites. Not a bad job.
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I have a controller setup that I installed on my '73 and then transferred it to my '74. It's one of those "Hoppy" units that I got, along with the hookup, from the local AutoZone.
It's true that the instructions are included, but somehow I've screwed it up because I got it all wired, but there still seems to be no power to it. I gotta retrace my steps and see what I did wrong. Full disclosure: I pretty much suck at wiring. But there is alot of info online if you do a search for it.
I've also been looking for one of those "era-correct" Kelsey-Hayes controllers, too. I found one for sale in New Zealand, of all places, that's fairly MIB. These are the ones that get tied directly into the brake line, but I'm trying to make sure all the accessories in mine are period perfect...
It's true that the instructions are included, but somehow I've screwed it up because I got it all wired, but there still seems to be no power to it. I gotta retrace my steps and see what I did wrong. Full disclosure: I pretty much suck at wiring. But there is alot of info online if you do a search for it.
I've also been looking for one of those "era-correct" Kelsey-Hayes controllers, too. I found one for sale in New Zealand, of all places, that's fairly MIB. These are the ones that get tied directly into the brake line, but I'm trying to make sure all the accessories in mine are period perfect...
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,674
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From: Ideeho
Ive got a MIB Sears if you are interested....................
Personally, I have used both the "old school" ones and the newer ones and much prefer the newer ones. Yeah, they may not look right in a Dent, but if youre actually going to use it for pulling a trailer, the adjustability and the option to fine tune your trailer braking are much better with the newer ones. I have a Tekonsha digital that I use on my 96 F350 and my 95 E350 motorhome. I can switch it between trucks easily because it has a quick connector on the rear of the controller that you can just unplug. I bought an extra bracket (which it just slips into, no tools required and no need to "T" into a brake line) and an extra plug pigtail so it is hardwired into both of the trucks. If I ever see the need to pull a trailer with my current Dent, I will buy another bracket and pigtail for it. If youre just putting it in for looks, the old school one is probably the way to go, but if youre going to actually use it, I wouldnt hesitate to go with the newer ones...........hands down WAAAAAY better......
Personally, I have used both the "old school" ones and the newer ones and much prefer the newer ones. Yeah, they may not look right in a Dent, but if youre actually going to use it for pulling a trailer, the adjustability and the option to fine tune your trailer braking are much better with the newer ones. I have a Tekonsha digital that I use on my 96 F350 and my 95 E350 motorhome. I can switch it between trucks easily because it has a quick connector on the rear of the controller that you can just unplug. I bought an extra bracket (which it just slips into, no tools required and no need to "T" into a brake line) and an extra plug pigtail so it is hardwired into both of the trucks. If I ever see the need to pull a trailer with my current Dent, I will buy another bracket and pigtail for it. If youre just putting it in for looks, the old school one is probably the way to go, but if youre going to actually use it, I wouldnt hesitate to go with the newer ones...........hands down WAAAAAY better......
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2010
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Dead-on, 78PEB. Hey, do you think it's possible to retrofit an old K-H unit with new unit guts? So that I'd have the vintage look with the new electronic function?
Sorry to hijack the post - just a thought I suddenly had...
Sorry to hijack the post - just a thought I suddenly had...
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GaryF629
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
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Sep 11, 2013 06:35 PM
