Trailer brake system

[Road Rambler]

I recently bought a bumper pull trailer with electric brakes and can't find the controler inside my motorhome. I have a 2005 national tropical T396 diesel pusher and wonder if the brakes work automatic or do I have to add anything to my motorhome. I use the engine brake all the time and don't know if it will effect the brakes on the trailer also. Any help will be appreciated.

William the Road Rambler

[BFlinn181]

You will have to buy and install a brake controller at the dashboard. If you are lucky, perhaps there are wires installed at the factory from front to back. If not, you'll have to install a wiring harness from the dash to the rear bumper for the controller. How many pins in the connector on the RV's rear bumper? If you have 7 pins or blades, perhaps it's already wired for electric brakes.

[SKP Kirk]

Bob has given you good advice. It most likely does have the connecting plug near the hitch receiver and a harness that runs up to the dash area with plugs for the controller but it won't have any controller. There are several different ones around that serve well.

[lanerd]

When we had our trailer, I purchased and installed a Prodigy P3 brake controller. Not difficult to install and costs around $125 or so.

I don't know if you have a Freighliner chassis or not, but if you do, they have been providing a harness with their chassis for several years now. Monaco use to do the same thing. Not sure if any other mfg'ers did or not.

Good luck

Ron

[fastcat]

All the above advice is great. Don't be tempted to skimp here. Get a controller, get it wired and use it. It could save your life or someone else's one day.

Trailer brakes are also required by law, not in every circumstance but most.