For the auto elec gurus out there. Would it be possible in theory to power the brake controller (and hence your van brakes) from your on-board van battery?
Definitely will have the controller mounted to the dash. I've got a spare fuse box cover I've mounted the P3 to. I'll feed the controller harness from the 12 pin, through the lift gate seal and along the sills to the dash.Something else to remember with the brake controller, is your ability to control the van brakes independently of the car, from the drivers seat, if the controller is not in the car you loose access to this important safety feature.
cheers Geoff. Quite right, I may need to have this fit other models. What they may be...........I suppose you will need to make your wiring to suit different models as the Australian Ford Territory's days are probably numbered, so its probably a good idea with what you are doing. I wonder if you could research how caravan hire companies fit their loan brake controllers. I hear the next Territory will be a Ranger 7 seater.
I have a friend who has a similar dilemma, his company cars are Klugers, he has made up a loom and it fits in the spare wheel well, but I don't think that is good as he cant access it in emergency situations.
Cheers Geoff
Yep, understood, but the controller is in the cabin, mounted to the fuse box cover on the dash.The other issue is that if you use a controller like a Tekonsha which measures the movement of the tow vehicle to apply braking force proportionally, it would be confused it is in the caravan.
Good point antman. In that case the P3 should tell me prior to driving off right? Either error code, or low voltage to brakes?Just a thought, don't you also risk the what if factor if the van battery is dead and not charging then you are without brakes?
At least if the car battery is dead you can't actually drive anywhere.