Trailer Brake Controller

[Bosty]

I have a 2016 Palazzo 35.1. Does anyone know if these units are pre-wired for a brake controller?

[Don Voyage]

No on brake controller.
Suggestion:
Their is a wireless one on Trailer Hitches & Vehicle Accessories (800)298-8924, that my daughter used for her Travel trailer. Mounts on trailer and wireless controller plugs into 12 volt accy port. Expensive but she didn't want to fool around with the wiring on her expensive SUV. See link below:

Tekonsha Prodigy RF Wireless Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 3 Axles - Proportional Tekonsha Brake Controller 90250

Good Luck
Don

[gmadams]

I thought that Mike Cody told us that all Freightliner chassis are prewired. To verify you could call their helpline.

[MisterT]

typically 7 pin connectors, as on our Palazzo, is already wired for a brake controller

[jones47172]

If you decide to run wiring from the front of the coach to the back, there is an easy way to accomplish this. There is a lip along the bottom of the side panels which goes all the way from front to back including around the wheel wells. Wiring can be placed on top of the lip and will not be visible except from underneath. Holes would need to be drilled from underneath for cable ties to secure the wiring. Or, instead of holes clips could be used. This can be done with ever getting under the coach.

[Bosty]

Originally Posted by Don Voyage

No on brake controller.
Suggestion:
Their is a wireless one on Trailer Hitches & Vehicle Accessories (800)298-8924, that my daughter used for her Travel trailer. Mounts on trailer and wireless controller plugs into 12 volt accy port. Expensive but she didn't want to fool around with the wiring on her expensive SUV. See link below:

Tekonsha Prodigy RF Wireless Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 3 Axles - Proportional Tekonsha Brake Controller 90250

Good Luck
Don

Hey Don,

Thanks for this post. These are awesome and simple to install. By the time I bought a wired one and went through the bother to crawl under my rig to wire it, I would have probably spent at least half the price and an hour or more of my time. This is exactly what I need, and it's about $25 less on Amazon. I appreciate it...

[Big_Boy]

I think your Freightliner chassis already has provision for hooking on to the 7-pin trailer plug.

I was able to purchase a $45 (!!) cable from Freightliner directly that allowed me to then wire up to my Prodigy brake controller. All you really get with this cable is the male side of a connector (and about 24" long wires). Then, you can use the pin-out and butt splice connectors to connect to a 'open ended' Prodigy (or similar) brake controller input.

I can't seem to remember how I figured all of this out. If I can recall or find my notes, I'll post same.

By the way, this connector is right behind the steering column, to the immediate left just about 6" to 8" above the floor.

[Big_Boy]

OK. Some of this is coming back to me. I found a set of drawings that Freightliner sent to me.

I believe the Freightliner part number for this pigtail is A06-77224-000. This gives you access to the female plug near the steering column. The drawing attached shows the 'pin out' for the various outputs to the 7-pin trailer connector.

After wiring the brake controller, the remaining problem will be mounting. I built an aluminum bracket that attaches to the right side of steering column. I had to do a bit of work to hold the controller at an acceptable angle (must tilt slightly upward when viewed from driver seat).

If I can find a sketch or picture of this bracket, I'll include in the future.

[Bosty]

Thanks, everyone. I think I will go with Don's suggestion. So much easier to understand and install. Plus, I don' have to crawl across the ground trying to figure out where to run wiring, getting the right parts, etc, etc. Costs a bit more, but that's a trade-off for convenience.

[Big_Boy]

Originally Posted by Bosty

Thanks, everyone. I think I will go with Don's suggestion. So much easier to understand and install. Plus, I don' have to crawl across the ground trying to figure out where to run wiring, getting the right parts, etc, etc. Costs a bit more, but that's a trade-off for convenience.

I totally understand your position. However, I never had to get under the coach for any of the wiring. I did have to contort myself around the front seat to wire up the controller wiring to the pigtail from Freightliner. I already owned a Prodigy II. I'm able to share it between my Palazzo 33.3 and my Ford Excursion. So...my cost was $45 in addition to fussing with the wires.

Also, I believe you will still have to make a bracket of some sort for your wireless controller. I'm not familiar with them, but there still has to be a signal proportional to deceleration. The building of the bracket was the hardest part of the job.

If you have interest in the 'hard-wired' approach. I can take pictures of the pigtail and how it connects to existing wires.

[jones47172]

Here is the brake controller connector that came with my Palazzo.

[Bosty]

Originally Posted by Big_Boy

I totally understand your position. However, I never had to get under the coach for any of the wiring. I did have to contort myself around the front seat to wire up the controller wiring to the pigtail from Freightliner. I already owned a Prodigy II. I'm able to share it between my Palazzo 33.3 and my Ford Excursion. So...my cost was $45 in addition to fussing with the wires.

Also, I believe you will still have to make a bracket of some sort for your wireless controller. I'm not familiar with them, but there still has to be a signal proportional to deceleration. The building of the bracket was the hardest part of the job.

If you have interest in the 'hard-wired' approach. I can take pictures of the pigtail and how it connects to existing wires.

The accelerometer for the wireless unit is in the module that is hard mounted to the trailer and it is proportional. It activates when the brake lights come on. It pairs with an RF signal up to 300 ft. The controller in the cab does not have to be mounted. It is designed to be handheld. I was considering attaching it to the dash with velcro.

Regarding the pigtail, I was under the impression that the Palazzos were not pre-wired and you had to run wire from the connector to the dash. If they are pre-wired, I would be very interested in the photos. Thanks...

[Palazzoman]

Found a post from RVRANDY back dec. 2012 had all the info needed. There is a plugin already wired but freightliner change the wire colors. It also has the plastic connector you can use to insert new 280 series terminals. Find that post from 12/19/2012. All info was correct for my 2015 palozzo 36.1

Thanks RVRANDY!!

Palazzoman

[Bosty]

I bought the Tekonsha RF wireless brake controller that some on this blog recommended. I installed it in 5 minutes. Works wonderfully and was only $250 0n Amazon. I highly recommend it. I didn't even get dirty installing it. This is the best product ever for towing a trailer. Absolutely love it!!!