Brake Controller on Both Trailer and Tow Vehicle?

[aziskind]

I have a question that I hope will be simple? We have a 22FB with a trailer mounted brake controller and will be purchasing an F-150 with built in brake controller. How do I handle having two brake controllers? Do I just ignore the one on the trailer and leave its vehicle remote disconnected so it doesn't activate? Thank you!

[JMynes]

Does the trailer 7-way plug in to the trailer mounted brake controller? If so, unplug it and plug it into the truck.

[lahrfarm]

I’d just remove the trailer mounted and use the truck. The built in controllers work great.

[aziskind]

Thanks all for your advice! Andy

[GCinSC2]

Can anybody enlighten a bit, never heard of a brake controller mounted on a trailer? Pics or link would be interesting.

[Adventure.AS]

Originally Posted by aziskind

I have a question that I hope will be simple? We have a 22FB with a trailer mounted brake controller and will be purchasing an F-150 with built in brake controller. How do I handle having two brake controllers? Do I just ignore the one on the trailer and leave its vehicle remote disconnected so it doesn't activate? Thank you!

Are you referring to the emergency break-away brake controller with the detachable pin and cable? That is a separate braking system that must be left intact and connected to battery power.

[Rzrbrn]

I think the OP is a bit fuzzy on what is going on with his brakes. Maybe the best thing is to go to the dealer he bought it from and talk to the service manager.

If he bought used, even then just go to a dealership or maybe camping world service department and have someone explain how brakes work.

No way does he have a brake controller mounted on his AS. He must be talking about the breakaway switch.

And as we all know, don't pull the breakaway switch instead of using chocks.

[PKI]

The RF style brake control module mounts on the trailer tongue. The umbilical cable connects to the module and the module has an umbilical that connects to the tow vehicle 7-pin connector. https://www.amazon.com/Tekonsha-9025...a-436206402953

To use the truck brake module, remove the brake control module from the trailer and connect the trailer umbilical to the tow vehicle. Do not plug in the prior control remote. Use the truck dedicated controls.

Note - if the existing module is left in place, it will provide a braking signal to the trailer when the rig slows. It does not need the remote to be plugged in and powered. It does need that remote powered to activate the brakes in an emergency.

Note - the break away switch is not connected to the umbilical cable.

If the above is not logical, get professional help to work out the correct installation and explain it to you. This is important. Do not tow your trailer until you understand how the brakes function. You may never need to over-ride the brake control, but you must understand how and why to do that. Consider it part of towing 101.

Apology to those offering info. The RF control is a different system.

Travel safe. Enjoy your new coach. Pat

[Tom_T]

Originally Posted by PKI

Note - if the existing module is left in place, it will provide a braking signal to the trailer when the rig slows. It does not need the remote to be plugged in and powered. It does need that remote powered to activate the brakes in an emergency.

Note - the break away switch is not connected to the umbilical cable.

If the above is not logical, get professional help to work out the correct installation and explain it to you. This is important. Do not tow your trailer until you understand how the brakes function. You may never need to over-ride the brake control, but you must understand how and why to do that. Consider it part of towing 101.

Apology to those offering info. The RF control is a different system.

Travel safe. Enjoy your new coach. Pat

No Pat -


The Tekonsha RF only sends a signal if the 7-way is plugged into the trailer unit - if not, then it just sits there unpowered.



I know - I have one - & rent Enterprise trucks all of which have their own controllers (F250, RAM2500).



I prefer to use the RF unit because I can keep the control unit in my lap/seat close at hand in case I need to use the boost button - rather then searching & reaching for the built-in controller's boost button on the lower dash, while trying the maintain control of the rig!



Andy - you can use either brake controller you prefer - depending upon which -



> if the RF on trailer, then plug the trailer's 7-pin into the Tekonsha box, & the the Tekonsha box's 7-pin into the truck/TV.


> if the truck/TV controller, then unplug the trailer's 7-pin from the RF's box, & directly into the Truck/TV.


Try them both & try out using the boost button for both, then decide.


Either way, just leave the trailer RF box on the trailer, & take the RF controller with you on trips, just in case you'd need to tow in an emergency with a TV not equipped, &/or if you have multiple TVs & not all with their own built-in controllers.


My guess is that you'll prefer the ease of the hand-held RF controller, rather than reaching for the one on the dash.


Cheers!


Tom
///////

[GCinSC2]

A pic from the OP sure would be nice.

[AlinCal]

It surely will make a few of these posts obsolete.

[AzAirstream]

Originally Posted by Tom_T

No Pat -


The Tekonsha RF only sends a signal if the 7-way is plugged into the trailer unit - if not, then it just sits there unpowered.



I know - I have one - & rent Enterprise trucks all of which have their own controllers (F250, RAM2500).



I prefer to use the RF unit because I can keep the control unit in my lap/seat close at hand in case I need to use the boost button - rather then searching & reaching for the built-in controller's boost button on the lower dash, while trying the maintain control of the rig!



Andy - you can use either brake controller you prefer - depending upon which -



> if the RF on trailer, then plug the trailer's 7-pin into the Tekonsha box, & the the Tekonsha box's 7-pin into the truck/TV.


> if the truck/TV controller, then unplug the trailer's 7-pin from the RF's box, & directly into the Truck/TV.


Try them both & try out using the boost button for both, then decide.


Either way, just leave the trailer RF box on the trailer, & take the RF controller with you on trips, just in case you'd need to tow in an emergency with a TV not equipped, &/or if you have multiple TVs & not all with their own built-in controllers.


My guess is that you'll prefer the ease of the hand-held RF controller, rather than reaching for the one on the dash.


Cheers!


Tom
///////

X2 -


I too have a Tekonsha RF and a Tundra with built in controller. I just use the Tekonsh and ignore the truck controller.

[PKI]

Originally Posted by Tom_T

No Pat -- snip --

"Do I just ignore the one on the trailer and leave its vehicle remote disconnected so it doesn't activate?"

"If the existing module is left in place"

Disconnecting the module fron the umbilical is not leaving it in place.

Thanks for clearing up the confusion. Pat

[Tom_T]

Originally Posted by PKI

"Do I just ignore the one on the trailer and leave its vehicle remote disconnected so it doesn't activate?"

"If the existing module is left in place"

Disconnecting the module fron the umbilical is not leaving it in place.

Thanks for clearing up the confusion. Pat

Just to be clear -



You only need to use & plug-in the hand unit in the cab when you're using the trailer mounted RF. I suggested bringing it along on trips in case needed for a non-brake-controller equipped TV used in a pinch.



Disconnecting the RF module on the trailer from the trailer's 7-pin, but leaving the module in-place - i.e.: leaving it mounted on the trailer's tongue - leaves it inert, & there is no reason to remove it from the trailer.


If the OP wants to use the TV's controller, then disconnect the 7-pin - leaving the RF module in place & forget about it.



It won't send any sort of confusing signal to the trailer brakes nor to the TV/controller when disconnected.



IIRC - if the OP plugged in the hand-controller into the 12v/Cig. Lighter socket in the cab - while the RF Controller box on the trailer is not connected to the 7-pin, then it will just show "n.c." on the screen of the hand unit.



I don't know if that clears it up, but I tried!


Cheers!
Tom
///////

[Rzrbrn]

I learned something here. Did not know about the RF controller. OP please disregard post #7.

[aziskind]

Yes, you guys nailed it! Sorry I didn't include a photo, but the trailer is in storage for the Chicago winter!

I learned a lot from your experience. Thanks again!

Andy

[GCinSC2]

Ok what did you find or figure out?

That’s how the forum learns, feedback.

[gordyfj49]

Originally Posted by lahrfarm

I’d just remove the trailer mounted and use the truck. The built in controllers work great.

That is what I did!! Works great.

[waninae39]

we use the Tekonsha P4 on our audi q5 pulling a 22FB
we also use sway control and WD

the three work like a charm

[Tom_T]

Originally Posted by eva52

That is what I did!! Works great.

Eva52 - no need for you nor the OP to remove the trailer mounted RF controller - just disconnect it from the 7-pin.


It's a bonus for a future buyer if/when you sell the trailer - even if you never use it yourself.


BTW folks - I disconnect my RF on the trailer to connect to the brake switch on my power dolly every time at home. There is NO / ZERO conflict when disconnected.



Cheers!
Tom

///////