installing a brake controller and hitch

[SailAndPaddle]

I'm negotiating to buy a new travel trailer and I believe that the dealer is asking too much to sell and install a brake controller and weight distribution hitch ($1,009.) I thinking about getting the brake controller installed before going to the dealer, and installing the weight distribution hitch myself at the dealer; this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Eaz-Lift-48058-Elite-Weight-Distributing/dp/B005SB6S3Y/ref=bit_bit_org_1ba-cr_def_us?_encoding=UTF8&app=1BA&partner=amazon&platform=CR&programCode=org&tag=bit-org-1ba-cr-us-20&tagbase=abba-chrome#

I understand that I'll need to rent or buy a 400' lb torque wrench, but otherwise, this seems doable. Advice? Thanks!!

[westend]

APT wrote:
Not all WDH and brake controllers are the same. $1000 is on the high side, but $500 for a mid-range WDH, $125 for Prodigy P2/P3, plus installation for both.

Please get at least the Equal-i-zer vs. the EAZ Lift.

X2
Don;t buy any other brake controller than a Tekonsha Prodigy II or III. Tekonsha supports their products well and they also sell the vehicle-specific pigtail connectors. Unless you have an import vehicle, installing the controller is easier than putting in a new light bulb. There are a couple of brake controller systems that may surpass the Prodigy but the Prodigy is a darn fine brake controller.

AFAIK, any Ford pickup truck built after 2003 has it's own factory controller (if ordered with the trailer package).

[APT]

Not all WDH and brake controllers are the same. $1000 is on the high side, but $500 for a mid-range WDH, $125 for Prodigy P2/P3, plus installation for both.

Please get at least the Equal-i-zer vs. the EAZ Lift.

[Drbolasky]

Which brake controller and which WD setup? At over $1,000 you should be getting some good stuff, otherwise I'd tell the dealer 'no deal.' JMHO

[Crabbypatty]

Its not hard but needs to be done right. Dealers always make extra money on doing the additional work. But on my first TT I paid to have it done. Now I would do it myself. The controller hooks into the wiring harness of the TV and you might need an adapter wire for that. Go to etrailer.com and tell them the TV you have and which controller you would like, they will give you assistance. You can also order your hitch from them. The only trick is the set up the WD bars properly, measure twice drill once. Just take your time. Part of rving for some is the joy of doing the work.

Happy trails

[poncho62]

The WD hitch part just bolts on and slides into your existing hitch (do you have that?)....The sway control needs some holes drilled. Depending on how far home is, you could take it home without the sway control.

What type of brake controller are they planning to install?