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Old 05-27-2012, 06:26 PM   #1
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Popup and brakes

I am a newbie when it comes to trailering. I bough a used 2318G popup and it is rated with a gross weight of over 3000lbs. It has electric brakes on it.

I have a 2002 Suburban I plan to pull it with, which has a trailer/haul setting which I assume is more for the transmission to handle towing heavy loads. I see in the suburban manual that my 7 pin wiring connector includes a circuit for the electric brakes.

Can I assume I still need to have a brake controller installed in the Suburban? Do RV dealers do that?

Appreciate the help folks.


Jeff Orear
Peshtigo, WI
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Old 05-27-2012, 07:40 PM   #2
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yes, legally you need to have a brake controller. Prodigy is the best selling, best loved controller.
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Old 05-27-2012, 09:11 PM   #3
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To the best of my understanding:

The 7 pin connector makes the brakes possible, the controller regulates how much brake pressure is applied, and adjustable for different loads.

Good things and not very expensive. Ours was installed by our dealer before we picked up our trailer.
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Old 05-27-2012, 09:18 PM   #4
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Thanks folks. Prodigy controller and associated wiring harness are on order. Looks like a very easy installation. Famous last words!
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Old 05-27-2012, 09:34 PM   #5
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As long s you got the plug and play wire harness it is simply a matter of plugging one end into the appropriate socket on the fuse panel and the other end into the Prodigy. One thing that you may not have thought about is the battery charge line. For that you will need to add the correct fuse to the under hood fuse panel. This will allow your tow vehicle to charge the trailers battery while you drive.
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Old 05-27-2012, 09:44 PM   #6
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Hi Donn:

I think that is already covered. The trailer is drawing power from the Suburban at least. Found that out the hard way. Party I bought the trailer from had it plugged into shore power to display it with the fridge on. Didn't turn the fridge off and I drove it home, parked it on the street, as my kids were home for the weekend with their two cars parked in the driveway. Came out the next day to a dead battery.

I assume that means the battery is receiving power as well??


Thanks again!


Jeff Orear
Peshtigo, WI
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Old 05-27-2012, 10:47 PM   #7
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If the Suburban battery was dead - yes.
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Old 05-27-2012, 11:06 PM   #8
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Yes, it was the Suburban's battery
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Old 05-28-2012, 06:47 AM   #9
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I also had the dealer where I bought my P/U years ago install my brake controller for free, after I bought it from them.
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