Need Brake Controller on 08 RTL?

[Litetop9]

Hi - Just got my new 08 RTL with tow package. I had been towing my little camper (ALiner) which has electric brakes, with a Subaru Outback, and I installed an electronic brake controller on the subi.

So I asked the service guy who installed the tow package if it came with a brake controller. Several minutes of confusion ensued, him saying it did not need a controller, me saying uh, why not, all trailers with brakes need a way to adjust the braking force....I finally gave up and took my new RTL. My camper is in winter storage, so I can't hook up and try anything, but there does not appear to be a way to control the trailer brakes on my RTL.

I assume I will have to take this to a trailer place and have a controller installed, or perhaps re-use the one in the Subaru.

Appreciate any thoughts on this.

Thanks

Jerry

[RidgeSS]

You are correct. A brake controller will need to be installed in order to utilize your campers brakes. It should be a routine install for any trailer place. It is not surprising that the dealer couldn't help much since they haven't had to deal with towing issues much.

I am guessing that a swap of your Outback's controller would work just fine and will save you about $100.

[craig anderson]

There are brake controllers available that will work fine on models up to 07. i assume that the o8 is the same. Keep searching posts for info. i think the
ridgeline is wired to just plug in the controller. i have a 07 RTX, which was factory equipped with tow package (no controller) and the post talk as if it is just a plug-and-mount. In the past there were pictures of how to locate electric hookup and where to mount. GOOD LUCK-KEEP LOOKING-THE POSTS EVEN GAVE THE PRODUCT NAME THAT SEEMED TO WORK THE BEST.

[Litetop9]

Thanks for the guidance..appreciate it. And the forum screen showed the related threads at the bottom of the page! Lots of good information.

I did get the Honda pigtail connector with the new RTL, seems odd the service guy couldn't tell me what it was for when I first asked about the brake controller! Might have helped lessen the confusion, eh?

J

[Tigerb8t]

Litetop..... the dealers are clueless about this....

I installed a prodigy today on my '07 RTL. The male connector was just under the LH side of the steering column. (took lot's of searching for me to find!) Dealer had no clue where it was!. On mine It was covered by blue tape against a yellow wiring harness. Once I found it installing the brake controller was very easy.

Good luck!!!

[kenwood]

did you have to install any relays? and what about the back end ,where does the harnes connect ? Thx ken

[wrenrj1]

I occasionally pull a one-ton trailer for dirt, rock, etc. IMHO if you are pulling under 5K occasionally you probably don't need trailer brakes. If you are pulling 3-5K routinely then it's not a bad idea considering the relatively cheap cost of a break controller and the fact that your trailer has trailer brakes.

My work truck is a Dodge 2500 Cummins TD. Anything over 5k will have trailer brakes if hitched to this truck, but you should not be pulling anything over 5K with the RL.

[Webwader]

IMHO if you are pulling under 5K occasionally you probably don't need trailer brakes.
In addition to being in violation of most state laws, doubling the GCVW without adding trailer brakes is just plain irresponsible. For instance, the maximum weight you can tow in Nebraska without trailer brakes is 3,000 lb.

[wrenrj1]

In addition to being in violation of most state laws, doubling the GCVW without adding trailer brakes is just plain irresponsible. For instance, the maximum weight you can tow in Nebraska without trailer brakes is 3,000 lb.

Man, what are you my mom? You're no fun. :D Good info. I was unaware of. By the way, I'm having my brother in Portland looking for you. He's driving an 07 DCP RTX.

[Webwader]

By the way, I'm having my brother in Portland looking for you. He's driving an 07 DCP RTX.
I'll watch for him. What side of Portland does he live on?

[Mtnman]

If you read the owners manual it states that when towing with the RL all trailers should have brakes fwiw.

[Shoefly]

hondaridgline (http://www.randpcarriages.com/tech/hondaridgeline.html). Not sure if this helps any of you out at all about installing your own.