Brake controller

[mikie 1954]

Has anyone istalled a brake controller in one of our trucks? If so what kind did you use & how do you like it? I have a 64 GMC 3/4 ton and want to use it for my trailers at times but I know it needs a controller, just not witch one works in this year of truck. THANKS MIKE

[Woogeroo]

electric trailer brake box that used to be on my truck

That box was on my truck when I bought it. I left it on there until it started leaking brake fluid on my foot. It had an actual brake line that ran inside to the box, which, from what I have read was used to determine the amount of pressure to determine the signal to send down the wires to the rear.

It wasn't fixable as far as I know, so I removed it.

I never towed with it, but the fella I bought the truck from was using it to tow their boat to the lake as I recall.

I suppose what you need to consider is what you are towing, what brake master cylinder you are using, etc..

-W

[61_FL_Apache]

An electric controller can be installed on anything with a brake light circuit. So yes, it can be done.

Best advise is to use a 30amp self resetting circuit breaker on the positive lead.

You also have to watch the color scheme of the wiring too. If I remember, black is hot and white is ground. Blue is the the trailer brake and red is for the brake light circuit.

If you need more help with that PM me.

[mikie 1954]

So any of the newer controllers can be used? I did not know if they are for electronic controlled truck or not. Back when I was in high school and just after you had to tap into the brake line, now all the newer trucks I have messed with are pre wired.THANKS 61 FL APACHE for the offer, may take you up in the future. MIKE

[61_FL_Apache]

Tapping into a hard brake line is a thing of the past. The new ones use a pendulum<sp> to control the braking power and how much to apply.

Here is a link to the one I used last with a Chevy Astro and travel trailer. It works great.

http://www.etrailer.com/Brake-Contro...sha/90185.html

The main thing is watching how it is wired up. You have to think trailer wiring not car wiring.

[ChiefRocka]

I used to install these all day long in a previous lifetime ....

Another thing when installing a truck plug (if you haven't already) would be a 'charge wire' as well. Trailers with electric brakes also have an onboard 'break-away' battery used to activate brakes in case of accidental uncoupling of truck/trailer. This circuit will keep it charged. Also, if your towing and RV, it'll keep your battery(s) charged as well ....

Wire colors:

LT/Brake = Yellow
RT/Brake = Green
Ground = White
Black = Tail/marker
BLue = Trailer Brake Feed
Red = 12V/Charge wire

[61_FL_Apache]

This is the wiring diagram from a brake controller I was referring too.

[MikeN]

I installed a Prodigy brake controller in my 64 C10. Easy to install/wire and works great.

[mikie 1954]

THANKS. sounds like it should not be that hard to do. MIKE