Community Forums

GSLobosco · 01-20-2017, 09:22 AM

Our dealer has suggested installing a "trailer-mounted" brake control device which uses a wireless control in the cabin, rather than a hard wired device where the in-cabin control is mounted on the dashboard of the tow vehicle. It looks like this option is about twice as expensive as a conventional hard wired model. Is there any advantage, other than cosmetic?

Hikerdogs · 01-20-2017, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GSLobosco

Our dealer has suggested installing a "trailer-mounted" brake control device which uses a wireless control in the cabin, rather than a hard wired device where the in-cabin control is mounted on the dashboard of the tow vehicle. It looks like this option is about twice as expensive as a conventional hard wired model. Is there any advantage, other than cosmetic?

What are you pulling the camper with? If it's a Ford truck they come from the factory prewired for a brake controller. Some models offer a brake controller as a built in option. It took less than 10 minutes to install the controller in our 2010 Ford truck. It's a plug and play operation. It took longer to decide where to mount the controller than it did to install it.

GSLobosco · 01-20-2017, 09:36 AM

We're using a Lincoln MKX to tow a Lance 1475 trailer. With the Class III hitch we're putting on the vehicle, we're having a 7-wire electrical harness with a charge line installed.

chaps2018 · 01-20-2017, 12:32 PM

The advantage is you don't have to have a brake controller in the tow vehicle. (I.e. Don't want to go through the trouble of installing one)

Also if you tow with multiple vehicles it easily transfers from vehicle to vehicle. We considered this option when we had a TT rental biz so our customers would not have to install a controller in their vehicle.

GSLobosco · 01-21-2017, 12:25 PM

Thanks for your advice. It doesn't seem that the additional expense of the wireless/trailer mounted unit is worth it to me. We won't be towing with any other vehicle, and I don't mind about the installation on he dashboard. I appreciate your taking the time to help me consider the issue.

egwilly · 01-21-2017, 04:59 PM

The Lincoln (and its sister Ford Edge) are not really tow vehicles. The weight of your Lance is close to 4000 lbs, correct? I believe the tow capacity of yours is around 2500.
I see problems ahead.
Good luck.

GSLobosco · 01-26-2017, 10:23 AM

thanks for all your advice.

RobbieH · 01-26-2017, 10:31 AM

We have a Ford Edge (same vehicle as the MKX), and there's no way I'd tow a travel trailer with it.

That said:
Thank you for posting this! I have two trailers with electric brakes and our "new to us" coach does not have electric brakes, and I wasn't looking forward to wiring in brakes and diodes to eliminate the engine brake from triggering the trailer brakes, etc. Just ordered a Tekonsha wireless brake controller and I'm happy!