Any pointers on hooking up brake controller?

[newbury]

Vehicle - E350 7.3L diesel
Trailer in sig
I bought an elCheopo Northern Tools Reliance BC.
Directions say to use #12 wire to hook it up.
Everyplace sells #16 wire - any danger in using #16?

Also - because of my crammed engine compartment I was planning on just running the wire thru the doghouse -does this seem ok?

 

[kennyd]

No way would I use #16 wire...Follow the directions...

 

[Willl]

Maybe a patch cord is available for your truck ?, then it would be just a plug in type installation.

What brand controller ? (ah, never mind. I see it know. Sorry.)

 

[MarkLeininger]

I bought something like this when I did mine. It has #10 wire and all the little doodads you'll likely need, there's even an intallation video. If you search that website you might find a better option.http://www.etrailer.com/pc-BC~ETBC7.htm

 

[skipmarcy]

I use 10 ga. wire on all my controllers (for the main power). I start right at the battery with it, put an inline fuse holder right there, run the 10 ga. to the controller and then on out back to the trailer connector - wire secured all the way. Your van/truck should have the wiring harness where you only have to buy the pigtail to install but if not be sure and use looming and grommets where necessary. The fuse right at the battery will at least protect the complete run if you do get a short.

 

[wingbone]

I'm in the process of hooking mine up now. I went to Home Depot and bought outdoor lighting wire at about fifty cents a foot, which is obviously two stranded. It says 'underground' on the wire so I'm sure it should stand up to weather.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Use proper sized wire, it carries a lot of current to activate those brakes. Most Fords are pre wired if you have the big 7 pin at the rear of the truck from the factory. If not you will have to do it yourself. Like others mentioned there are kits for doing this.

Chris

 

[newbury]

Thanks guys
That's what I figured. It just boggles my mind that the stores sell the controllers and right next to them the 16 gauge wire, when all BC's seem to require 12 gauge.

And my van did not have a factory type hookup.

 

[archerm3]

Vehicle - E350 7.3L diesel
Trailer in sig
I bought an elCheopo Northern Tools Reliance BC.
Directions say to use #12 wire to hook it up.
Everyplace sells #16 wire - any danger in using #16?

Also - because of my crammed engine compartment I was planning on just running the wire thru the doghouse -does this seem ok?

Pointer? Follow the directions

5 bucks extra for wire vs. burning hulk once worth $40K...Easy decision for me.

As far as parts stores selling the weak wire next to a BC on the shelf...take into consideration the education and maturity level of those that stock dem dare shelves.

Edit: another pointer which was already stated...and I want to emphasize, if it goes through a sheet metal hole or rides up against a sheet metal edge, it needs a grommet. Took me darn near six months, second brake controller, and a complete rewire of my truck to find the slight rub on the brake power wire caused by the wire going outside through the door sill...There was three layers of metal inside only two grommets, only I didnt see the inside layer that rubbed and gapped too big to place a grommet.

 

[aczlan]

And my van did not have a factory type hookup.

What year is it? I would be surprised if it did not have the wires pre-run and just needed a pigtail on each end. My parents '99 E-350 (15 passenger van w/7.3L engine) was setup that way from the factory

Aaron Z