Unplugging brake controller when not in use

[Jeffjeeptj]

I had a Prodigy P2 that was easy to disconnect when I would not be towing for a period of time. It stayed in the console in the bag it came with until hooking up to tow. Sadly, it reached end of life.
Replaced with a P3 and had to use the bracket that uses screws to attach the unit to the bracket. The alternate bracket that snap fits does not readily fit under the dash.

How many people disconnect/remove and store their brake controller if not going to tow for say 1 week or more?

I do not like to energize/de-energize electronic things when not necessary.

Thanks in advance

[fonzie]

never

[5picker]

I have an electronic brake controller in an old truck that's been there for 15 years.
Never been unhooked.

I have an even older controller in a 1985 Bronco... never been unhooked.

Do you regularly unhook your radio and other electronic devices?

I think this is much ado over nothing.

[AZ Pete]

never have

[ependydad]

Never even considered it when I had an aftermarket one. This and the prior truck had them installed from the factory.

[OYO]

Never is good advise. I `messed` one up putting it in and out between trips.

[TheWolfPaq82]

Never X10

[valleyduo]

Never even considered it.

[Flybob]

I would not worry about it and just leave it connected.

[BarabooBob]

Why? Is it in the way or going to get damaged by being left in place?

[Mr. Dan]

Originally Posted by valleyduo

Never even considered it.

Xn+1

[Larry-NC]

Originally Posted by Jeffjeeptj

I had a Prodigy P2 that was easy to disconnect when I would not be towing for a period of time. It stayed in the console in the bag it came with until hooking up to tow. Sadly, it reached end of life.
Replaced with a P3 and had to use the bracket that uses screws to attach the unit to the bracket. The alternate bracket that snap fits does not readily fit under the dash.

How many people disconnect/remove and store their brake controller if not going to tow for say 1 week or more?

I do not like to energize/de-energize electronic things when not necessary.

Thanks in advance

You realize that when you unplug it, it loses the settings, right?

Larry

[Oaklevel]

I have had brake controllers in trucks for over 40 years never have I ever disconnected and taken one out when not in use. The current controller has been in the truck for over eight years.

Also I have never had one "go bad" either.....

[DustyRoads]

When I used my P3 I only disconnected and removed from truck at the end of the camping season. Could have left connected but with winter weather I felt it was better to remove.

[DouglasReid]

Originally Posted by Jeffjeeptj

I had a Prodigy P2 that was easy to disconnect when I would not be towing for a period of time. It stayed in the console in the bag it came with until hooking up to tow. Sadly, it reached end of life.
Replaced with a P3 and had to use the bracket that uses screws to attach the unit to the bracket. The alternate bracket that snap fits does not readily fit under the dash.

How many people disconnect/remove and store their brake controller if not going to tow for say 1 week or more?

I do not like to energize/de-energize electronic things when not necessary.

Thanks in advance

All GM 3/4 and up pickups come standard with the towing package which includes the brake controller.

Mine has been working flawlessly since 2008.

Im curious how long did that P2 last?

[Jeffjeeptj]

Thanks for all the advice. The P2 lasted 16 years.

[Just Mike]

An old fart I know always says, "Sometimes it's best to leave well-enough alone."

[bareftn]

never ever had to remove one , no reason for it but I want to ask why remove it?