Moving Brake Controller to Another TV

[danimal86]

We currently tow our FR EVO 195BH with a 2010 Nissan Murano. This next trip i'm thinking about borrowing a 99 Ford Expedition (5.4l v8 and tow package) for the trip.

The only problem is, is that the Expedition does not have a brake controller. I was thinking about buying the ~$12 harness and moving the Prodigy P2 controller from the murano to the expedition. Will the murano drive fine without the controller plugged in?
I hope that makes sense.

Thanks,
Dan

[buffalohunter]

There shouldn't be a problem at all. The Prodigy P2 controller is an add on.

[Ford Idaho]

Yes it will drive AND stop just fine.
All the Prodigy does is sent voltage to the mags on the trailer so the brakes will work.

[Frank-VA]

I unplug my Prodigy Brake every year after camping season goes out. It takes less than a minute to remove it or to reinstall it. When you install it in the Expedition you need to check if it has the proper Relays installed in the Expedition.
1. FOAB-14B1192-A TRAILER TOW BATTERY CHG. RELAY
2. F57B-14B192-A TRAILER TOW BACKUP RELAY
3. F85B- 14A348 P260H HARNESS TO THE Expedition
All of the above should be kit that came with the Expedition located in the glove box:
The Harness kit XL34 15A416 AE // 374812

BE SURE TO CHECK THE OPERATING MANUAL FOR THE 99 Ford Expedition to make sure the numbers and parts are correct. The above numbers are from a 2001 F-150-F-250 EXPEDITION/NAVIGATOR INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS.

[bikendan]

how come you're thinking of towing with the Expy, instead of the Murano?
big difference between the two.

the controller has nothing to do with the Murano's brakes. it just senses you braking the Murano and sends a signal to the trailer's brakes to do the same.

[danimal86]

Thanks for the information everyone!

I want to try a different tow vehicle just to see how it does with the hills

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[whitmw]

I've got a couple of questions as I have a very similar TT and I am always seeking other peoples expierence. Looking on Nissans web site, the max towing on the Murano is 3500 lbs. The TT your pulling I believe comes in at 3000 lbs dry. Do you have some kind of towing package installed or addition. I have a Trailblazer with a 5400 lbs towing capacity and I have really not pulled mine very far (just home from the dealership). Do you have any advice, other than borrow a Ford Expedition. Thanks

[danimal86]

Nothing additional on the murano. I was a bit nervous on our first trip, not knowing what to expect, but we picked somewhere close for our first trip. I see a truck in our future (that's why I'm borrowing the expedition). But if we were going to keep it for the long haul we'd add a tranny cooler. It's a small price to pay for piece of mind

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[rockfordroo]

I have a single Prodigy P3 and I've got custom harnesses in both my Chevy Traverse and my Silverado. I can put the controller in either one at any time. No problem. The controller has NOTHING to do with the vehicles braking system. Only the trailers brakes.

[whitmw]

++ on the tranny cooler. I will be adding that soon. Thanks

[bikendan]

just a comment. the vast consensus on all RV forums is that a vehicle with a towing capacity of only 3500lbs., is a very poor choice for towing a full-height trailer.
both from a safety standpoint and a vehicle durability standpoint.

yes, there's be a few naysayers who say that it's no problem. but the vast majority of the experienced, will point out that a full height trailer's frontal area, will exceed the vehicle's specs. the air resistance of a full height trailer will stress the poor v-6 drivetrain trying to pull it through the air.
a good headwind or any real mountains will not be good for the vehicle's life.
then you add the trailer's length, vs. the vehicle's very short wheelbase and there's that danger.
and finally, nearly all trailers with a GVWR of 3500lbs., will have extremely low cargo capacities, which ensures that the tow vehicle will always be towing at its max capacity.

[danimal86]

Originally Posted by Frank-VA

When you install it in the Expedition you need to check if it has the proper Relays installed in the Expedition.
1. FOAB-14B1192-A TRAILER TOW BATTERY CHG. RELAY
2. F57B-14B192-A TRAILER TOW BACKUP RELAY
3. F85B- 14A348 P260H HARNESS TO THE Expedition
All of the above should be kit that came with the Expedition located in the glove box:

Are these other harnesses usually already installed from the factory (with tow package)

[Frank-VA]

The brake controller harness is to be attached to 3. F85B- 14A348 P260H HARNESS TO THE Expedition. There should be a Plug up under the dash to the right of the steering column that the above harness should plug into.

[danimal86]

I just ordered the Tekonsha 3035-P harness, it looks like it should just plug into the open connector near the obd-II port. That should be it?

I'm thinking of just using velcro to attach it to the panel. Is there anything required when mounting (must be level?)