Pre-Wired?

[John Dotas]

Does anyone know if my 99 Fleetwood Southwind (Ford V-10) is pre-wired for the use of a controller for electric brakes on a tow dolly. Have been using a dolly with no brakes so have the small 4 wire connector at the rear of the coach for lights and such. That was spliced into the original 7/8 wire connector. Hate to spend the bucks having the coach re-wired if the original wiring is still good. Advice please...JD

[OneRVer]

I believe if your motor home was prewired for trailer brakes you would have the 8 pin mounted not the 4 pin. JMHO

[John Dotas]

I appreciate the quick reply to my pre-wired question. I should have explained, my Southwind had the 8 or 7 plug recepticle on the rear. When I bought the coach, I had the dealer cut the wires to install the flat 4 wire plug as I was towing a dolly with no brakes. Now I wish to tow a dolly with electric brakes and wonder if the original wiring would support a controller for the electric brakes if spliced back together. If I'm forces to pay to have all new wiring installed, I think I will go with a surge brake. Any thoughts on whether my coach was originally wired for a controller? Thanks for any help. JD

[OneRVer]

Ok that might make it different. Look under the dash on the driver side and look for a blue wire that is not attached to anything. That is what I had to do. I will state that it was hard to find but it was there. Also I believe the blue wire is common color for the brake controller. Good Luck. I have been told it could cost up to $400.00 to have the wire ran plus the connection of the controller.

[John Dotas]

Thanks for the reply. I'll look at the wireing first chance. Also, a place that I may purchase the dolly from will do it at $80.00 an hour. Camping world shot me $300 to $500 to rerun the wires. Add that to the $1300 or so for the dolly w/electric brakes and I just might go with second choice..surge brakes. I appriciate your input...Thanks..JD

[cpr_vbg]

There may be a connector under the dash for a trailer brake controller. It will have the blue wire (brake power for the seven pin) along with the brake switch, power and ground.

What worked real well for me was going to the local Ford dealer's part department, and asking the parts guy for a wiring diagram of the brake light system for my chassis (i have a 2000 F53). After you figure out how to read the diagrams, the wiring and wires make a lot more sense.

[OneRVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Dotas Thanks for the reply. I'll look at the wireing first chance. Also, a place that I may purchase the dolly from will do it at $80.00 an hour. Camping world shot me $300 to $500 to rerun the wires. Add that to the $1300 or so for the dolly w/electric brakes and I just might go with second choice..surge brakes. I appriciate your input...Thanks..JD

Nothing wrong with that. I had surge brakes on a boat trailer and never had a problem. I wish you the best. Enjoy.

[gasser 38]

its pretty simple to check existing wire with a test light

[jupoa]

John,

I had a similar question about my 1997 F53 chassis. I called the national Ford Service Center with my VIN and they provided me with all the info including connector locations, wire colors and pinouts .

On mine, there is a relay to isolate the trailer lights and a dedicated wire for electric brakes. The connector for the brake controller is behind the drivers instrument panel. In the rear, there is a large Ford connector for all the rear coach lights, trailer lights etc. It is just behind the gas tank inside the left frame rail. It has a mating connector provided by Ford with all the pigtails labeled.

I did not find the rear Ford connector originally because the coach manufacturer welded 30" extensions onto the stock Ford frame rails. That located the connector well forward of the hitch.

Sorry, I don't have the number for the Ford Service Center but it may be in your owner's manual.

Good luck.

[John Hilley]

On my 1999 Winnebago Brave with F53 V10 I had to buy a pigtail to go from a connector near the dash to the brake controller. Most of the controller manufacturers have them.