brake controller

[1ciderdog]

I asked this question in the Winnebago forum because I have a Winnebago Journey but didn't get a response so will ask it in this forum.

I need to tow a utility trailer and I'm aware there is a plug under the dash in my Journey for a electric brake controller. Is the line from this connector connected to the seven pin connector or am I going to need to dig around back there and connect some wires? As I'm writing this it seems logical that it should be prewired but then again ??. Also any recommendation for a brake controller? I don't know that I'll ever be using it after this trip but this trip will be over 2000 miles round trip so I do want the trailer brakes to work.
Thanks
Bob
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[Bigd9]

I don't have any information on your coach but as for the controller I use the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 brake controller for my trailer. You can contact them to see if they have a Proportional Wiring Adapter that fits. If they do, it makes it so east to activate and use the controller. The P3 should be easy to sell once you are done with it.

[Hikerdogs]

Although we have an Adventurer I believe there are several similarities. First of all the harness under the dash is connected to the trailer socket in the rear. The difference with the Journey is I believe ALL the wires from the plug to the socket are connected by the chassis manufacturer (Freightliner).

The wires on the Ford chassis are only run to the rear of the original frame shipped to Winnebago. Winnebago then adds frame extensions for their bodies, then adds the trailer socket and terminates the wires. For some reason Winnebago choose not to extend the wire for tha electric brakes so it had to be done either by the dealer or the customer. Since there are no frame extensions on a Freightliner chassis the wires and the socket could be installed by Freightliner.

As for a controller the Tekonsha Prodigy is a good choice. It provides proportional braking and can be preset for several different actuation levels. There's a good explaination of how it works and an owners manual on the Tekonsha website. Along with the controller you'll also need a jumper harness specific to the Freightliner chassis. Since every chassis manufacturer makes their own under dash plug the jumper harness is required.

[view2a.thril]

Page 6-11 of your owner's manual shows the wiring of the 7-pin plug. If you don't have the manual, download a copy from the Winnie Web Resources page.

Good Luck!

[Pigman1]

You didn't say who manufactured your chassis, but if it's a Freightliner, I have a .PDF file giving the wire colors and assignments under the dash. Freightliner has a 6 pin plug and only uses 5 pins on this plug. Freightliner put the plug high in the dash, usually above and forward of the steering column. Many times it's zipped tied into a bundle with a lot of extraneous extra wires and may take a bit of digging.

I don't know how to send a .PDF file within the forum, but if you'll send me a PM with your email address I'd be glad to send you the file on the dash plug and the rear 7 pin plug.

[1ciderdog]

Thanks for the replies. Yes it is a Winnebago on a Freightliner chassis. I've order the prodigy controller. I called Freightliner to ask about the connector - they gave me a part number but PPL could not cross reference that number. I'll work out the wiring when I get the controller.
Bob

[erniet]

Did you make up an adapter harness or find one pre-made? If you made up one, were you able to find a female 6 pin connector or did you just splice the wires? If you were lucky enough to find a harness, do you mind relaying on the brand - part number where you got it...Thanks, Ernie

[lowrider2]

I could use that info also, I found a rectangle female connecter behind dash housing looks like 6 wires going into it is that what you have found.
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