Hidden Brake Controllers

[Dr. Harold Becker]

I'm about to take delivery of a new SUV. The dealer attached the brake controller to the underside of the dash in my last vehicle but I want to keep the area clean in my new one.

Can anyone advise me of the options for such a "clean" set-up where the controller can be mounted somewhere or somehow without drilling into my new car?

Thanks

Harold Becker

[Pahaska]

In my Dakota, I removed the ashtray (smoking in my truck is fatal) and mounted the brake controller in the opening. I made some trim to go behind the controller by gluing fabric to cardboard. There was even 12v power there that had been to the cigarette lighter.

The controller was well within my reach, I could see it easily, and when I traded the truck, the ashtray went right back in.

[drboyd]

...and touch it immediately, if need be.

I've got a 2001 Tahoe, and I was gonna do the ashtray trick, which really appeals to me. However, two things interfered:

1. The ashtray is a little bit too far out of the way to grab comfortable and quickly. Maybe just a hair.

2. It's 115 here in Phoenix, and I didn't want to spend a second more outside than absolutely necessary. I drilled two holes in a metal support that's hidden anyway, and slapped the prodigy in there.

Maybe when it cools off so that one can actually think while they're outside, I'll do some trick ashtray deal. Meanwhile, I'm like Mister Quick and Dirty.

At least as far as mounting the brake controller goes...

[85MH325]

I bought a Tekonsha controller a couple of years ago, and just installed it (new) in my Excursion. The Excursion's dash actually has a slightly recessed flat panel for the controller. Rather than drilling the dash and using the metal bracket, I used industrial strength double-sided tape to mount it to the dash. It looks factory, and so far, has stayed mounted very nicely.

Roger

[overlander64]

Greetings Dr. Becker!

There is an option if you wish to place the brake control in a location that is not ideally accessible. My '75 Cadillac posed this problem - - and I didn't want to have the face of the dash drilled. The controller is mounted to the bottom lip of the dash, but it is beyond reach from the driver's seat (visible but not reachable) - - the mount is such that the bracket can be loosened and slid back hiding the brake controller from view when it is not in use. I am still using the same brand controller that I started out with in 1980 only in a later model - - the Hayes-Lemmerz XPC controller with remote panic button. The beauty of this "pendulum-type" controller is that it has an optional (corded) remote panic button that plugs into a port on the side of the controller (it is easy to install and remove so it need only be attached when towing). When towing, my panic button is either draped over the tow vehcile's transmission shift lever or is on the seat next to me. I have been so well pleased with this controller that I even ordered a new one after learning that the parent company was in the process of filing for bankruptcy.

The link below will take you to the Hayes-Lemmerz XPC data page.

Hayes-Lemmerz XPC Pendulum Brake Controller

Good luck with your decision!

Kevin