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Old 11-05-2019, 09:40 AM   #1
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2016 23' International
2017 26' Flying Cloud
2005 19' Safari
Fredericksburg , Texas
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What is this accessory?

Hi All,

What is this accessory with 7 pin cord plugged into it?
I am looking at purchasing this 2016, 23FB Airstream from a dealer.
it is a trade in. I can't contact previous owner. Dealer gals dont have any answer for me on what it is.
I am sure yall all know what it is so please enlighten me.
thank you,
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Old 11-05-2019, 10:04 AM   #2
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1973 21' Globetrotter
Houston , Texas
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Looks like it could be a Tekonsha Prodigy brake controller. Basically it is a wireless gizmo that facilitates setting a trailer up so that it can be pulled by multiple vehicles without installing a brake controller in each one, or for use with those vehicles where installing a brake controller is a big hassle. All you have in the vehicle is a dongle sort of thing that looks something like a CB mic and plugs into the 12V outlet. You can manully activate the brakes with it, and adjust the braking force, but the box on the A-frame applies the brakes based on an accelerometer when the tow vehicle brakes.

If you have a trailer brake already hard wired into the tow vehicle, you could just remove the Prodigy or bypass it--it is pretty much plug and play--should not be hard-wired into anything.

good luck!
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Old 11-05-2019, 12:31 PM   #3
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Belegedhel,
i sort of thought it might have something to do with the brakes but i didnt know.
I already have a brake controller on both my TV's. Would it be best for me to just remove this attachment?
thank you for your reply and time.
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Old 11-05-2019, 01:20 PM   #4
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It is indeed a wireless, RF brake controller. If they did not leave you with the handheld control unit that plugs into your vehicles 12v connection, then yes, you will need to remove it. If that is the case, too bad, because they really are a very good brake controller and expensive.

https://www.amazon.ca/Tekonsha-90250...06402953&psc=1
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Old 11-05-2019, 02:18 PM   #5
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I use the Tekonsha Prodigy, and have been happy with it. That being said, the in-cab controller does have to be plugged into a cigarette lighter outlet all the time, and the in-cab unit and the A-frame unit need to "pair up" every time you start the tow vehicle, so there is some possible RF "fiddliness" that you won't ever encounter with a hard wired brake controller.

If your tow vehicle is already set up with the hard wired brake controller, I guess, for mere simplicity, I would recommend using that. You don't really have to remove the Prodigy, you could tie up the lead that goes to it and leave it be. Might be handy as a back-up, or if for some reason you have to tow with a vehicle that doesn't have a built in brake controller. As mentioned above, though, the in-cab unit is a critical part of the system, so if it doesn't come with the trailer, the Prodigy controller can't be used until you get a replacement.

good luck!
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Old 11-05-2019, 02:27 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by thewarden View Post
It is indeed a wireless, RF brake controller. If they did not leave you with the handheld control unit that plugs into your vehicles 12v connection, then yes, you will need to remove it. If that is the case, too bad, because they really are a very good brake controller and expensive.

https://www.amazon.ca/Tekonsha-90250...06402953&psc=1
Surely there would be a sticker or model number somewhere on it and a new controller could be ordered from the manufacturer.
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Old 11-05-2019, 03:19 PM   #7
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Tekonsha Part Number 90251 is about $100 on Amazon and etrailer. A picture is shown below.

For $100 it's certainly worth making the sales team look around to see if it was stuffed in a drawer of the trailer or maybe in a desk somewhere. Seems like the sales folks would be willing to call the previous owner too if it can't be located.

Worst case $100 to get this thing working again. Or just take the original 7-pin connector and attach it to your tow vehicle assuming you have a suitable brake controller in the vehicle.
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Old 11-06-2019, 08:15 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Belegedhel View Post
I use the Tekonsha Prodigy, and have been happy with it. That being said, the in-cab controller does have to be plugged into a cigarette lighter outlet all the time, and the in-cab unit and the A-frame unit need to "pair up" every time you start the tow vehicle, so there is some possible RF "fiddliness" that you won't ever encounter with a hard wired brake controller.
The in cab controller only needs to be plugged in when you are towing and can be stowed away in the glove box when not.

The trailer unit only needs to be paired to a particular tow vehicle once, not every time you start the tow vehicle. After that you just plug in the trailer as usual, and the in cab unit, and you are good to go. I have never had any RF "fiddliness" in all the years that I have used mine.
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Old 11-06-2019, 09:48 AM   #9
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Brake Controller

Is it possible that the trailer was in a rental fleet and this controller was put on there for those that don't have one hard wired into the TV?
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Old 11-06-2019, 09:05 PM   #10
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Thank all of you for your info and time.
I am picking up this trailer Tuesday. I have asked about the controller with hopes of finding it.
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Old 11-14-2019, 08:20 PM   #11
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Pricey!!

Good luck with your “New To You” AS purchase. I considered getting this unit for my rig but backed off of it due to its price tag. I would say it will be well worth the money to buy another cab unit for it if the original cannot be found.
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