Just put my hitch on and installed a 7/4 pole combo plug on the back. I just got a Reese POD and am going to be installing it. Has anyone installed one on a D without the tow package? I have a 2000 SLT. 5.9 motor if it makes a difference. The more details the better as I'm not sure what I'm getting into when I install this.

 

Very easy to do. The brake controller need power, ground, line from brake switch, and one line going to hitch.

Run a +12V line to the controller. Make sure it's fused. (You don't want to burn up your truck.
Run a ground line to the controller.
Tap a line off the brake pedal switch and run it to the controller.
Run a line from the controller back to the hitch.

You can be sure you have the correct line coming off the brake switch by testing it with a multi-meter. If it has +12V on it when you press the pedal and nothing when you let off, you have the right one.

I don't know what a Reese POD is but if it's not a proportional controller, throw it in the garbage and get one that is. (My personal opinion formed from towing many miles with both.) A good one is the Tekonsha Prodigy or the newer Tekonsha P2. I have a Tekonsha prodigy in both my Durango and my Excursion.

 

Not sure if it's proportional but it was cheap and grabbed it from the local rv place. What is the difference between proportional and not. I will probably be taking the POD back if it's a big enough difference.

Thanks for the directions

 

The difference is HUGE.

Basically, the difference between the two is that a regular controller only has a set level of braking that when you press the brake the controller will ramp up to that level. It doesn't matter if you are lightly braking or in the middle of a panic stop, it will go to that same level. That means you get too much brake pull from your trailer when you are lightly braking and you don't get enough help from the trailer brakes in an emergency situation when you most need them.

The proportional controller feels just like your trucks brakes. The harder you press the brakes, the more braking power is sent to the trailer. It is proportional to the pressure you put on the brake pedal.

Look around a little. I bought my Tekonsha Prodigy over a year ago off ebay (used) and only paid $50 INCLUDING shipping.

 

Here: http://www.roadmasterinc.com/product.../eb_facts.html


You want proportional braking systems hands down. I use a Tekonsha Prodigy® P2 http://www.tekonsha.com/product/deta...90885&cat=1435 About $100 bucks at your local trailer parts store.

 

+1 on the prodigy. Very nice unit and even has on board diagnostics if you have a problem.

 

Thanks guys. Just picked up a new P3 this morning for $115.

 

Bam! There you go!

The perfect place to mount it, unless you're a smoker, is in place of the ash tray at the bottom of the dash.

 

Ok cool.

Also, for future reference the ever so popular Reese POD is not proportional. It is simply a single signal brake controller which has an adjustable brake power switch.

Has nothing to do with how hard you are pressing the pedal or how hard you really want to stop.

I was actually going to mount it in place of the ash tray! Seems like a great spot to me too.

 

Damn,

The P3 wasn't available at the time I got mine, oh well.....LOL