newbie Brake Controller

[Royalwapiti]

I just bought a Sprinter 255RKS (have not picked it up yet) and usually only tow utility trailers with my 2013 Tahoe, so no need for electric brakes.

I have a Hayes Lemmerz Equalizer III brake controller, been sitting in my tool chest for 14 years, used it with a Coleman popup back then.

Would that work for the Sprinter or has there been technology changes that would make me want to buy a newer design.

Are there aftermarket quick connects so I can make an easier job of connecting to the Tahoe?

Thanks

[chuckster57]

Welcome to the forum!!

Brake control technology has advanced by leaps and bounds in the 14 years your talking about. I would definitely upgrade to a tekonsha prodigy.

If your TV is plug and play ready, there will be a harness available. Quick trip to E trailer on line and some simple navigating and you’ll know the P/N. Amazon might have better pricing.

Make sure you check for the fuse and or wiring that needs to be connected at the Underwood fuse box for the charge line and power to the brake controller.

[jsb5717]

Ditto on the Prodigy. I wouldn't get anything but a good proportional controller.

Here's the one I use...it works great. You can probably shop for pricing but either this or the P3 would be a good choice

https://www.amazon.com/Tekonsha-90885-Prodigy-Electronic-Control/dp/B002YIACG8/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=tekonsha+prodigy&qid=1556024495&s=lamps-light&sr=8-2

For the harness you should be able to find something like this. You'll need to verify one specific to your vehicle. Found this one at Camping World

[sourdough]

Welcome to the forum!

I have to join the bandwagon and encourage you to upgrade the brake controller. You will need all you can get with that trailer. Looks like the trailer is 8800lbs. gvw and you will be towing with a Tahoe. For your own knowledge you might look at the sticker inside the door for the payload of the Tahoe. Deduct about 1056 and see how much weight you have for people and stuff. You will really want everything in tip top shape on the Tahoe (especially a very good weight distributing hitch with top notch sway control) trying to pull that heavy of a trailer. Not trying to rain on your parade, just want to make sure you are aware of what kind of situation you may face when you take off with it.

[Royalwapiti]

Ordered a Prodigy, figured I saved $650 with the Equalizer WD and Sway bar setup he is giving me with the camper.

The trailer max is 8800, the trailer itself is 6200, the Tahoe rating is 8200.

Camper is basically empty and getting hauled to a resort for the year. If we like it we are prepared to step up in vehicles to pull it around..but my thinking is by the time I pull a camper across the territory I might as get a hotel, especially for the short trips we make and the company vehicle that is almost free for me to drive.

Thanks guys.

[Royalwapiti]

Welcome to the forum!!
Make sure you check for the fuse and or wiring that needs to be connected at the Underwood fuse box for the charge line and power to the brake controller.

Are you referring to the under the hood connections? Never heard it called the underwood box, unless you have fat fingers like me and meant to say "under hood."

I assume because GM already put a ring connector on each they are ready to connect. There's a fuse right inside the panel inside the box for each post.

Am I missing something?

[jsb5717]

if the Tahoe came with a hitch it is likely prewired for a controller. There should be a connecter somewhere in your dash. You should be able to YouTube search for your rig. Someone has likely connected a controller and filmed it.

[jsb5717]

Just saw this for a 2015. Maybe yours is the same

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cX37PRNl8uY

[sourdough]

Ordered a Prodigy, figured I saved $650 with the Equalizer WD and Sway bar setup he is giving me with the camper.

The trailer max is 8800, the trailer itself is 6200, the Tahoe rating is 8200.

Camper is basically empty and getting hauled to a resort for the year. If we like it we are prepared to step up in vehicles to pull it around..but my thinking is by the time I pull a camper across the territory I might as get a hotel, especially for the short trips we make and the company vehicle that is almost free for me to drive.

Thanks guys.


Getting the Prodigy is a good thing. The Equalizer is another good thing. Is it a 10k/1000 lb. bar unit?

Just towing it to a resort empty is probably going to be OK. If you start loading it up you might want to consider a different tow vehicle.

I stay in condos, motel/hotels etc. and I think you will find that the camper will give you everything you get in those PLUS the ability to be in all the places those kinds of facilities AREN'T. You can be as isolated, or swarmed, as you choose to be instead of being stuck with wherever you are. They enable you to stay longer, and live better, for less. I will say that until you are retired it may be much more difficult to justify some of the costs. Little brother just sold his new 5th wheel (2nd season) because he couldn't justify the expense (his rental space for the trailer doubled) and his limited ability to use it. See how it works, hopefully it turns out to be a good thing for you and your family. If you have questions don't hesitate to ask.

[travelin texans]

Might want to check your local laws. A lot of states require auxiliary braking on ANY trailer weighing 3000lbs, whether it be a utility trailer or rv. So your brake controller expense may be justified.

[Royalwapiti]

Getting the Prodigy is a good thing. The Equalizer is another good thing. Is it a 10k/1000 lb. bar unit?


Yes, 10,000/1000

[chuckster57]

Stupid autocorrect, I meant under hood.

[Royalwapiti]

Might want to check your local laws. A lot of states require auxiliary braking on ANY trailer weighing 3000lbs, whether it be a utility trailer or rv. So your brake controller expense may be justified.

That might be but the camper is the only thing I tow that weighs more than 2,500 lbs. I know I need a controller for it, ordered a Prodigy.

[jsb5717]

You won't regret that decision. With the right harness it's Plug/Play/Adjust