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Old 09-20-2019, 11:24 PM   #1
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Location: Soquel, California
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Location of installed brake controller??

Hi,
Please help -
Where do most Escape owners install their brake controller inside the car?
It might seem a simple thing but my husband had ours installed (free) in the
Darkened footwell of our tow SUV - about 6" from my ankle. Besides not being
able to see it at all, our large amount of keys hang down and further block it,

Reading about brake controllers and towing travel trailers, I thought it was/is a very
Important safety tool in the SUV and with that having it located in a easy to see and use
Location seemed critical to me. My husband thinks I'm being ridiculous.
So has anyone ever had to use their brake controller to adjust or stop a sway in
Their trailer?
I sure would appreciate some comments and suggestions as to this safety issue and where others have mounted their brake controllers? Thank you
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Old 09-20-2019, 11:37 PM   #2
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The brake controller needs to be mounted within easy reach so that you can manually apply the trailer brakes, if required.
You also need to be able to read the display to ensure you are connected to the trailer. I too find my keys in the way, so I use a single ignition key instead of my key chain. I check to see that I'm connected every time I see a sign telling truckers to pull over and check their brakes.
The controller also has to be placed so that it doesn't interfere with airbags.
Mine is just above my right knee.
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Old 09-20-2019, 11:44 PM   #3
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Thank you - your picture helps a lot. Your safety brake habit is great!
Good point about the air bags too - I forgot to check where those are installed.
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Old 09-21-2019, 01:36 AM   #4
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I couldn't put mine where Gbaglo installed his because my wife has to pull the seat so far forward it would hit her knees.

So I installed mine in the center console. Its out of the way of our knees, is clearly visible and easy to reach if I need to change settings or use the manual brake lever.
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Old 09-21-2019, 10:15 AM   #5
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Mine in the Forester is way too close to my knee, so I'm going to find a better location in the Ridgeline. But I agree totally- it needs to be in reach and easily read and adjusted.
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Old 09-21-2019, 11:55 AM   #6
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I installed mine in a little cubby in the lower center dash because I wanted it both accessible and out of the way.

https://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/.../#post-3071858
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Old 09-22-2019, 07:42 AM   #7
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Other factors to bear in mind during installation, some controllers - eg the Prodigy P3 we used previously - must be mounted level, and parallel to the centerline of the vehicle, in order to operate correctly. It is very important to mount the controller in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Theresa, you are absolutely right about making sure the controller is mounted properly. It is not a “nice to have” item. It is a critical piece of safety equipment that can make the difference in a life or death situation. Is your husband as cavalier about correct function or operation of your tow vehicle’s brakes? Good on you for addressing this.
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Old 09-22-2019, 11:18 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Farther View Post
I installed mine in a little cubby in the lower center dash because I wanted it both accessible and out of the way.

https://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/.../#post-3071858
Did you drill the hole for the wires into the back as the link shows, or did you just run the wires to the side? Although I don't think I want to sacrifice that cubby to the brake controller if I can find a comfortable place under the dash for it.
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Old 09-22-2019, 03:35 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bobbie54 View Post
Did you drill the hole for the wires into the back as the link shows, or did you just run the wires to the side? Although I don't think I want to sacrifice that cubby to the brake controller if I can find a comfortable place under the dash for it.
I used a 1" forstner drill bit to make a nice clean hole in the back of the cubby. If for any reason I would remove the brake controller I could just install a 1" hole plug in the cubby.
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Old 09-22-2019, 04:23 PM   #10
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most everyone I've ever installed has to be level side to side, but NOT front to rear, there's a leveling adjustment on the controller. This includes Tekonsha Voyagers, the whole P series, Curt, and some ohters I've used that I didn't install.
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Old 10-02-2019, 09:48 PM   #11
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We went with the Prodigy RF to avoid defacing the interior of the wife's Cayenne diesel. The wireless remote plugs into the 12v outlet behind the center console and rests within easy reach as needed. The controller was mounted to the tongue of our 19 and works wonderfully. NOTE: for those with a European tow vehicle you may need to purchase a lighting adapter like this to resolve connection/pairing issues with the Prodigy (https://www.etrailer.com/Wiring/Tow-Ready/20142.html).
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