Trailer brake controller question

2morrow · **Joined:** Tue Aug 21, 2012 5:02 pm **Posts:** 21

Hey guys - my first mod will be adding in a Tekonsha brake controller.

I am planning on inserting it in the flip out cubby\bin on the lower left of the dash.

My question is - how does the lower plastic kick panel (in the foot well) come out? Looks like it just snaps in...

Any tricks so I don't break it?

My YJ does not have any of this fancy stuff - LOL

Thanks

lfhoward · **Posted:** Thu Nov 29, 2012 6:34 am

The knee panel below the steering wheel pulls out at the top (2 metal clips) and is hinged at the bottom like the glove box. Once it's open, slide it left to remove it. The kick panel (left side by your feet) should be held in by metal clips and can just be pulled off. I removed the passenger's side one to run a CB radio antenna cable, but the driver's side should be the same.

I'm not sure which panel you were talking about, so I thought I'd help with both!

2morrow · **Joined:** Tue Aug 21, 2012 5:02 pm **Posts:** 21

Thanks!

Cherrie 274 · **Posted:** Thu Nov 29, 2012 11:46 am

Did you install the MOPAR wire harness? Could you post picture's after you've installed the controller.

2morrow · **Joined:** Tue Aug 21, 2012 5:02 pm **Posts:** 21

I have the factory tow package - so all I need to add is the controller.

I'm looking to do this over the w/e - so I'll get pics up then...

Cherrie 274 · **Posted:** Thu Nov 29, 2012 9:01 pm

Ok thanks. I have installed the MOPAR harness, but not the controller. I have one sitting on my tool box, bought in1995 for my V10.

Scar0 · **Posted:** Fri Nov 30, 2012 9:14 am

If you have never used a controller, I will mention they don't like to be installed at a steep angle.
The closer to level it is the more accurately you can set it.
The more you apply the rigs brakes, the more power the controller sends to the trailer brakes. This is actuated by a combination of the trigger wire and the G-force caused by you braking. That is why the closer to level it is, the better it works.
You may also find that installing it in the cubby to the left of the steering wheel, may cause it to bounce around too much. Making it hard to set.
If you already know this stuff, then sorry I board you with the info. But hey, It may help someone who didn't know...

Ted15 · **Posted:** Fri Nov 30, 2012 1:46 pm

Scar0 wrote:

If you have never used a controller, I will mention they don't like to be installed at a steep angle.
The closer to level it is the more accurately you can set it.
The more you apply the rigs brakes, the more power the controller sends to the trailer brakes. This is actuated by a combination of the trigger wire and the G-force caused by you braking. That is why the closer to level it is, the better it works.
You may also find that installing it in the cubby to the left of the steering wheel, may cause it to bounce around too much. Making it hard to set.
If you already know this stuff, then sorry I board you with the info. But hey, It may help someone who didn't know...

I have one that works with timing and position doesn't seem to effect it. There are two reostats, one for voltage maximum setpoint going to the trailer brakes and one to time how long it takes to get to the maximum setpoint. It works pretty well and didn't cost much compared to some of them. :2cents:

2morrow · **Joined:** Tue Aug 21, 2012 5:02 pm **Posts:** 21

Scar0 wrote:

If you have never used a controller, I will mention they don't like to be installed at a steep angle.
The closer to level it is the more accurately you can set it.
The more you apply the rigs brakes, the more power the controller sends to the trailer brakes. This is actuated by a combination of the trigger wire and the G-force caused by you braking. That is why the closer to level it is, the better it works.
You may also find that installing it in the cubby to the left of the steering wheel, may cause it to bounce around too much. Making it hard to set.
If you already know this stuff, then sorry I board you with the info. But hey, It may help someone who didn't know...

Scar0 - I used a controller in an old F250 Diesel - all old mechanical stuff....

The new one I got stated: "Because inertia plays no role in the functioning of this controller, you do not have to mount the unit at any particular angle. As a result, mounting options are nearly limitless. " So the cubby mount should work well... I had to keep the wife happy as she did not want to see the ugly controller - LOL

Thanks for the input tho :wink:

Scar0 · **Posted:** Sat Dec 01, 2012 2:27 am

Thanks for the info. As you can tell it's been a while since I have used a controller.
The Tekonsha in my Dads ride must still be old school, because if you bump it with your knee it barely works.
I do not have one in my current rig.

Trailer brake controller question

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