Product Details
- Brand: Reese
- Model: 8508211 3035-8
- Includes: BRAKE-EVN Proportional Brake Controller for Trailers with 1-4 Axles, Trailer Brake Controller Custom Harness
Compatibility Chart
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Trailer Brake Control for 99-04 Ford F-250 F-350 F-450 F-550 Electric Trailer Brakes Module Box Controller 1-4 Axle Install Notes
Installation Instructions for Electric Trailer Brake Control Wiring Adapter
Part Number: 303500
Tools Required:
- Test Light
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Locate the Vehicle’s Electric Brake Control Harness
- Locate the electric brake control harness under the dashboard:
- Near the center console on most vehicles.
- For Ford Full-Size Vans: Underneath and to the left of the steering column.
- For Ford Explorer/Mercury Mountaineer:
- Behind the glove box on the passenger side, or
- Underneath and to the left of the steering column, taped to another harness near the emergency brake pedal.
- Identify the 6-pin connector that matches the adapter’s plug.
Step 2: Verify Battery Power
- Use a test light to probe the connector and verify that battery power is supplied.
- Alternatively, follow the wires from the connector to ensure they are not disconnected behind the instrument panel.
If battery power is present:
- Proceed to Step 4.
If no battery power is present:
- Follow Step 3 to add power.
Step 3: Add Power to the Connector
- Use an electric brake control wiring kit to route the required wires as follows:
- Cut the battery feed wire at the vehicle connector, leaving enough wire to splice.
- Use the supplied butt connector to connect the wiring kit’s battery feed wire to the vehicle harness.
- Cut the trailer brake wire at the vehicle connector, leaving enough wire to splice.
- Connect the wiring kit’s trailer brake wire using the supplied butt connector.
Step 4: Connect the Adapter
- Plug the brake control adapter into the vehicle’s electric brake control harness connector.
- Follow the brake control manufacturer’s installation instructions to wire and mount the brake controller unit.
Step 5: Test the Installation
- Complete the installation as instructed by the brake control manufacturer.
- Perform all test procedures to verify proper operation of the trailer brake system.
Warnings:
- Overloading the Circuit May Cause Fires:
- DO NOT exceed the lower of the following:
- The vehicle manufacturer’s towing rating, or
- Maximum Capacity: 4 axles / 8 brakes (24 amps).
- DO NOT exceed the lower of the following:
- Always read and follow the vehicle owner’s manual and the brake controller installation instructions.
Wiring Overview:
- Battery Feed (Fused): Supplies power to the brake controller.
- Ground: Ensures proper grounding for the brake controller system.
- Stop Lamp Switch (Input): Provides a braking signal to the brake controller.
- Trailer Brake Controller (Output): Sends braking signals to the trailer brakes.
Safety Notes:
- Verify all wiring connections are secure and routed away from:
- Sharp edges
- Hot surfaces
- Moving parts
- Inspect the adapter and wiring periodically for wear or damage.
End of Instructions
Installation Instructions for Electric Trailer Brake Control Wiring Adapter
Part Number: 303500
Tools Required:
- Test Light
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Locate the Vehicle’s Electric Brake Control Harness
- Locate the electric brake control harness under the dashboard:
- Near the center console on most vehicles.
- For Ford Full-Size Vans: Underneath and to the left of the steering column.
- For Ford Explorer/Mercury Mountaineer:
- Behind the glove box on the passenger side, or
- Underneath and to the left of the steering column, taped to another harness near the emergency brake pedal.
- Identify the 6-pin connector that matches the adapter’s plug.
Step 2: Verify Battery Power
- Use a test light to probe the connector and verify that battery power is supplied.
- Alternatively, follow the wires from the connector to ensure they are not disconnected behind the instrument panel.
If battery power is present:
- Proceed to Step 4.
If no battery power is present:
- Follow Step 3 to add power.
Step 3: Add Power to the Connector
- Use an electric brake control wiring kit to route the required wires as follows:
- Cut the battery feed wire at the vehicle connector, leaving enough wire to splice.
- Use the supplied butt connector to connect the wiring kit’s battery feed wire to the vehicle harness.
- Cut the trailer brake wire at the vehicle connector, leaving enough wire to splice.
- Connect the wiring kit’s trailer brake wire using the supplied butt connector.
Step 4: Connect the Adapter
- Plug the brake control adapter into the vehicle’s electric brake control harness connector.
- Follow the brake control manufacturer’s installation instructions to wire and mount the brake controller unit.
Step 5: Test the Installation
- Complete the installation as instructed by the brake control manufacturer.
- Perform all test procedures to verify proper operation of the trailer brake system.
Warnings:
- Overloading the Circuit May Cause Fires:
- DO NOT exceed the lower of the following:
- The vehicle manufacturer’s towing rating, or
- Maximum Capacity: 4 axles / 8 brakes (24 amps).
- DO NOT exceed the lower of the following:
- Always read and follow the vehicle owner’s manual and the brake controller installation instructions.
Wiring Overview:
- Battery Feed (Fused): Supplies power to the brake controller.
- Ground: Ensures proper grounding for the brake controller system.
- Stop Lamp Switch (Input): Provides a braking signal to the brake controller.
- Trailer Brake Controller (Output): Sends braking signals to the trailer brakes.
Safety Notes:
- Verify all wiring connections are secure and routed away from:
- Sharp edges
- Hot surfaces
- Moving parts
- Inspect the adapter and wiring periodically for wear or damage.
Attention:
This is a summary of the installation procedure. For complete installation instructions, including diagrams and detailed information from the manufacturer, please download the full installation PDF.
For technical support and assistance, our team of experts is available to help. You can reach our tech support by visiting www.trailerjacks.com or calling 877-869-6690.
Installation Instructions for Electronic Brake Control
Product Information:
- Model: Electronic Brake Control for 2, 4, 6, & 8 Brake Applications
- Part Number: N8508211
Components of the Brake Control:
- A. Output (Gain) Control
- B. Boost Control
- C. Manual Slide Control
- D. Bracket Mounting Holes
- E. LED Display
Package Includes:
- (1) Brake Control Unit
- (1) Mounting Bracket
- (4) Self-Tapping Mounting Screws (#6 x 3/8")
- (1) Warranty Card
Tools Required:
- Drill with 1/8” bit
- Wire Crimping Tool
- Probe-Type Circuit Tester
- Wire Cutter/Stripper
- Phillips Screwdriver or 1/4” Nut Driver
Wiring Connections:
- Black Wire: Vehicle Power
- White Wire: Vehicle Ground
- Red Wire: Stoplight Switch
- Blue Wire: Trailer Brakes
Step-by-Step Installation:
Step 1: Selecting a Mounting Location
-
Choose a location that is:
- Secure and solid for mounting.
- Easily accessible to the driver.
- Clear behind the surface to avoid damaging wiring or components when drilling.
-
Use the bracket as a template to mark hole locations.
Step 2: Mounting the Brake Control
- Drill holes at the marked locations using a 1/8” drill bit.
- Secure the bracket using (2) self-tapping screws.
- Mount the brake control unit to the bracket using the remaining screws.
Step 3: Wiring the Brake Control
-
Follow the wiring instructions:
- Black Wire: Connect to a constant 12V power source using a 30A auto-reset circuit breaker.
- White Wire: Connect to a solid vehicle ground.
- Red Wire: Connect to the stoplight switch wire.
- Blue Wire: Connect to the trailer brake output wire.
-
Ensure all connections are secure and properly insulated.
Adjusting Power to the Trailer Brakes:
-
Connect the trailer to the tow vehicle.
-
With the engine running, hold the Manual Slide Control to the left and set the Output/Gain Control to approximately 5.0.
-
Drive at 25 mph on a dry, level surface.
-
Fully apply the Manual Slide Control:
- If the brakes lock up: Reduce the Output/Gain.
- If braking is insufficient: Increase the Output/Gain.
-
Repeat until braking force is just below wheel lock-up.
Boost Settings:
The Boost feature increases brake sensitivity with three levels:
- b.1: Starts braking at 14% power.
- b.2: Starts braking at 28% power.
- b.3: Provides the most aggressive braking for heavy trailers.
To Adjust Boost Settings:
- Press the Boost Button to display the current setting.
- Use the + or - buttons to adjust.
Manual Control:
- Location: Right side of the brake control.
- The Manual Slide Control applies trailer brakes without activating vehicle brakes.
- Slide left to apply braking force manually.
- The power level can be monitored on the LED display.
LED Display Information:
Indicator | Meaning |
---|---|
Green | Trailer connected. |
Red | Brakes applied. |
Flashing | Wiring issues or short circuit detected. |
Troubleshooting:
Problem | Cause | Solution |
---|---|---|
No LED Display | No power or ground connection. | Check wiring connections. |
Brakes Too Aggressive | Boost or Output/Gain set too high. | Reduce settings. |
Trailer Brakes Not Responding | Insufficient power output. | Increase Gain setting. |
Flashing Display (2 per second) | Short circuit or overload detected. | Inspect trailer wiring and connections. |
Brake Adjustment Guide:
- Raise and secure the trailer with jack stands.
- Remove the brake backing plate cover.
- Adjust the brake shoes outward until the wheels are hard to turn.
- Back off slightly until the wheels spin freely with a slight drag.
Safety Notes:
- Always test trailer brakes at low speeds.
- Do not exceed the vehicle's Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR).
- Regularly inspect and adjust trailer brakes every 3,000 miles.
Technical Assistance:
For technical support and assistance, our team of experts is available to help.
You can reach our tech support by visiting www.trailerjacks.com or calling 877-869-6690.
Warranty Information:
- Limited Warranty: Covers defects in materials and workmanship.
- Excludes misuse, improper installation, and normal wear and tear.
For complete warranty instructions, please download the full installation PDF.