Hi Korey -
> I'm about to get a brake controller for my truck (2004 4x4, doesn't
> have the tow package), and I was curious: does anyone know if any of
> the harnesses or wires get put in the truck anyway (even if you didn't
> get the tow package)?
The harness was not in my '00 Dakota. I looked pretty hard, and the wiring
was not run to/from the relay location in the fuse box. So, I just ran the
entire thing myself.
> If not, it sounds like I need to get four wires to the controller:
> stoplight switch, power, ground, and the brake control wire. I have a
> four pin plug already (taken from the tail lights), so for my 7 pin
> connector I'll need to additionally get the reverse lights, the brake
> control wire, and a charge wire from the battery.
Unless you have a specific need for the +12v on the 7pin, you don't need to
run it simply for the brakes. The brake controller provides the power for
the brakes. There are no standard reverse lights on a 7-pin (although you
can use the center aux pin for that, if your trailer has reverse lights that
are wired to the aux pin as well, which is a "popular" thing to do, but not
necessarily standard). Usually something like an RV trailer or a trailer
with a winch needing to charge a battery has a need for the +12v in the
harness. If you have to run a wire all the way back to the plug receptacle
anyway for the brakes, it makes sense to run two and do the +12v anyway, but
it's not necessary.
I just spliced the stoplight switch off the switch on the brake pedal for
the signal wire for the brake controller. Make sure you toss a fuse between
your +12v source for the brake controller, and the controller itself, too.
Also put a fuse on the +12v going to the plug receptacle (if you run it)
within an inch or so of the +12v source.
My dad has a Tekonsha Voyager in his F150, and I have a Prodigy. Both are
excellent. Good choice. :)
If you need any specifics, feel free to ping me offline.
Good luck!
Chris
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