Class A DP Trailer Brake Controller Wiring

[PCarnathan]

We have a 2009 Mandalay 43A, and I need to install a trailer brake controller. The rear of the coach has a seven-pin connector, but there's no controller up front. I realize unless you have the same coach you won't know exactly, but is it customary for the manufacturer to pre-wire for the controller? Is there a special code for wire colors that could help with my search? The owner's manual is virtually worthless.

I'm sure most of you have owned your class A's for a while and I'm leaning on you and your knowledge.

Many thanks in advance,

Pat in Menifee, CA
www.patcarnathan.com

[YC_1]

One way to find out is to put a tone on the BRAKE contact on the rear connector and then sniff around inside the dash.

Just search for a Fox and Hound. Some are very reasonable and incredibly valuable when trying to find that elusive blown fuse or wire.

In any case, remove the dash instruments if possible and use a strong light to look for wires. On some RV's the wires may be the same color and actually have the function printed on the side of the wire. They can be cryptic. That current of a model probably has the wire already run.

[Gasman_2]

DSDP Don wrote:
If you're prewired, the loom will USUALLY consist of four wires, similar in color to the wires on your controller.

The issue with DP's is that they don't use a brake switch which triggers the braking system. They use pressure sensors on the firewall. You need something to trigger the system and make sure it doesn't come on with the exhaust/engine brake.

Explain what these sensors are if there are not the brake light switch. Air brake systems usually use a brake light switch that activated by air pressure when you apply the brakes. Most systems will use two switches that preform the same task.
Not hard to find as they are on or near the brake valve.

[Ivylog]

Unlike most PU's in the last 15 years where you just hook up the controller to the pigtail for it, very few MH's do the same. There is a good possibility that there are spare wires running to the back so call and ask your tech support.
Monaco does this but finding them can take some searching. Even though I knew to look for a six wire plug (knew the color of the wires) it took several tries to find it high up in the dash just left of center. Then I had to find them in the front run box so I did not have to route two new wires for power and the brake signal from the air brakes.

[DSDP_Don]

If you're prewired, the loom will USUALLY consist of four wires, similar in color to the wires on your controller.

The issue with DP's is that they don't use a brake switch which triggers the braking system. They use pressure sensors on the firewall. You need something to trigger the system and make sure it doesn't come on with the exhaust/engine brake.

[glamisorbust]

I just went through all of this myself. I have a 1999 holiday rambler endeavor diesel pusher. It did not come with the required wiring for brake controller. It was not pre-wired whatsoever. I had to wire the entire thing myself, which was quite a bit of work.

I had to run two wires from the front of the dash, through the firewall, and down the entire frame rail. It was a pain in the rear. I also had to find a power source up front for the controller and install a 7 pin connector out back. It was a big job but it's done now and I have been towing my big trailer trouble free.

My advice is to call the manufacturer that built the RV and get a tech on the phone. That's what I did, and they were able to tell me that my coach did not come with any trailer brake wiring.

Some of them come pre-wired and are labeled. They would be able to tell you exactly where the wires are located, if they are there.