We have brakes - who knew? now what?

Along with that 7 prong connector you also need a brake controller wired in. Its not difficult to do, but some of the newer vehicles need special wiring connections.

 

Jeep mama

Here is some info you'll probably want to look at... http://www.etrailer.com/faq-installation-of-brake-controller-from-scratch.aspx

It IS something you can do yourself, BUT if you are not sure of your (or your husband's ability) it would be a good idea to check with a pro after you have done it (Or pay the money and have them do the work.)

If the camper has brakes, it will need to have a 7 wire (or six wire) plus on it. One of the most common trailer end looks like this



The Jeep end looks like this...



This is the STANDARD wiring diagram...



The other item, your jeep will need is a brake controller.

Here is more info about brake controllers... http://www.etrailer.com/faq-brakecontroller.aspx

These come in two types. Time based or inertia based. I would STRONGLY RECOMMEND an inertia (type like the Tekonsha prodigy P2 or P3) The advantage of the time based is that they cost less, BUT they don't work as well. The inertia type adjusts the "braking force" based on how strongly you brake the jeep and how much the camper pushes against the jeep.

Don't be shy to ask more questions or ask for help. We've all been there before and would be glad to offer assistance.

 

http://www.etrailer.com/p-ETBC7.html

 

Just to reiterate what mdigby said, get a proportional/inertia controller, not a time based one.Just A few more dollars, but well worth it for a more "natural" braking experience. You can google proportional vs. time based to see explanations. If you have someone else install it, insist on porportional, don't let them talk you into the slightly cheaper time based one. You'll find pretty much universal support/endorsement among the PUP towing crowd of the Tekonsha Prodigy series.

 

Odd that a trailer with brakes does not have the 7-pin Bargeman connector? Possible that it was modified by the previous owner? Might be a good idea to have it checked out by an expert.

 

Just a thought ---- are those drum brakes surge brakes?
recycled55

 

Surge brakes have a hitch coupler that is connected to a plunger. When you hit the brakes on your vehicle the camper pushes against the hitch thus pushing on that plunger. The plunger pushes brake fluid into the brake cylinders and brakes the camper wheels. This system doesn't need the electric brake controller. If you have them, you should have a little fill cap on your trailer hitch when the brake fluid goes.

 

I believe the Coleman (Fleetwood) have always used electric brakes.

 

My Fleetwood has electric brakes. Which also means there is a breakaway switch that should be connected to the TV when towing, so that if the PUP manages to disconnect itself from the TV while moving this switch uses the battery to apply the brakes.

I'm thinking if one of the original owners modified the plug from a 7-pin to a 4-pin because they didn't care about the brakes that they might also have just removed and tossed the breakaway brake switch.

http://www.trailerpartsdepot.com/itemdesc.asp?ic=20005&utm_source=BingShopping&utm_medium=PriceEngine&utm_campaign=OneStopFeed&

 

My 06 Fleetwood also has factory electric brakes, but did not come from the factory with a breakaway switch. (But then it didn't come with a battery either so maybe thats why they didn't bother to put on the switch). Anyway, easy enough to add (1 big drill hole in the frame & 2 wires to hook up), but just wanted to counter with its possible the breakaway switch never existed.

 

he can do it himself......i would have someone who knows brakes check the pup over good though....and you will need that break away switch

 

Yeah I guess I'm not thinking of a PuP heavy enough to need brakes not having a battery. I guess batteries were an option on some models, I would think they would be standard equipment!