Brake Controller Hook-Up

Dimick · 03-05-2003, 03:44 PM

I've never had an occasion to tow a trailer large enough to require supplemental brakes, but my wife inherited an Airstream in Florida. I will need to tow it to New York. It'll be baptism by fire.

It is a 1984 Excella 31'. It has the Vacuum brake system. I understand the need to run the vacuum line, but I am confused about the controller. How does the signal get from the controller to the brake actuator? There is a 7-way electrical connector on both the trailer and the Silverado that lists one of the wires as the "BRAKE" connection, but I assume that is for brake lights. Does it operate the lights and the brake actuator?

I still have not bought a controller. Does it matter which one I get considering the vacuum brakes? Is it easy to wire?

Thanks in advance for your help.

**john hd** · 03-05-2003, 06:42 PM

dimick,

welcome to the forum, this site may help.

marks rv

there are a couple of people here that are well versed in vac. brakes.

try a search on the topic.

john

Inland RV Center, In · 03-05-2003, 06:54 PM

Dimick.
We are the only company that has parts for the disc brake systems. Giving you step by step instructions, is too lengthy for this site.
Call us and we will be glad to help you.
800-8777311

Andy
inlandrv.com
airstreamparts.com
airstreamcandy.com

davidz71 · 03-07-2003, 06:10 PM

Dimick,
Did Andy answer all your questions? He helped me get set up with my vacuum/hydraulic brake system including brake controller. Let me know how things are progressing or if I can help.

Dimick · 03-09-2003, 08:13 AM

I'm gaining information everyday. Someone referred me to Etrailer.com where I found the information I needed to hook up the controller. I saw the poll on this site about brake controlers. The Tekonsha series was winning so I bought a Tekonsha Prodigy on Ebay for $100. It should work great because it doesn't need to be level to be effective and since I'm borrowing my brother's truck, he wouldn't appreciate me drilling holes to make sure my controller was level. I'm taking Andy's number with me when I go to pick up the A/S in Florida in case I need parts.

Thanks for the concern.

davidz71 · 03-09-2003, 01:10 PM

Have a safe trip and if any of us can help, give us a shout.

Silvertwinkie · 03-09-2003, 02:44 PM

I too have been reading on the Prodigy. I think I am going to "upgrade" since I have similar problems that have been posted in the forum.

Eric