The Tow-Pro Elite V3 and Tow-Pro Liberty can be installed in modern CAN Bus vehicles, but proper brake signal sourcing is critical.
When using this method, an EPDK-001 device must be installed to prevent 12V back feed. Sourcing the signal from the brake pedal is generally not advised unless specified by the manufacturer, as it may miss electronically controlled braking events. For older vehicles without advanced driver aids, an EPDK is not required.
Ensure that your trailer brakes are installed and are operating correctly. Improperly installed and/or faulty trailer brakes can cause erratic vehicle or trailer behaviour with the potential to cause a road accident. For this reason, it is of utmost importance that your trailer braking system be installed/maintained by a qualified installer.
Important
For your safety, REDARC recommends installation by a qualified auto electrician or technician. Our trusted REDNetwork is made up of professional auto electrical businesses certified by REDARC to install the complete of REDARC solutions. Find Your Local Installer
This information is applicable to the following Tow-Pro Electric Brake Controllers:
- Tow-Pro Elite V3 (EBRH-ACCV3, EBRH-ACCV3-NA)
- Tow-Pro Liberty (EBRH-ACCNA, North America only)
Wiring - Vehicles with CAN Bus System
Many modern vehicles use a CAN Bus system for signalling when to apply the vehicles brakes as required by safety systems including adaptive cruise control, stability control, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and hill descent control. For these vehicles, REDARC recommend the following wiring configuration.
NOTE: This diagram outlines the required wire cross sectional areas for the Tow‑Pro® Elite installations. All wire ratings refer to the minimum required cross sectional area of copper only (not including insulation). Always use a wire gauge equal to or greater than what is specified in this guide.
Brake Signal Source
BRAKE LAMP TERMINAL OF THE TRAILER PLUG
For CAN Bus vehicles, it is recommended to source the brake signal from the brake light wire of the trailer plug as it will capture all braking events that illuminate the vehicle brake lights.
Note that if the brake signal is sourced at the trailer plug, an Encapsulated Protection Device (EPDK-001) MUST be fitted on the vehicles brake light wire on the vehicle side of the point where the brake signal is sourced.
This prevents the back feeding of the 12V into the vehicle when the Tow-Pro Elite is manually activated whilst illuminating the trailer brake lights.
Sourcing the brake signal at the brake pedal will only detect braking events when the brake pedal is depressed (and the switch activated) and not brake applications activated by other on board systems such as AEB.
NOTE: Only connect to the brake pedal switch if specified by vehicle manufacturer.
Installation - Without Encapsulated Protection Device (EPDK) Device
For older vehicles, not supplied with driver aids e.g Cruise, Traction or Stability Control, Brake/Throttle Override
Installation - With Encapsulated Protection Device (EPDK) Device
For modern vehicles, equipped with driver aids and Advanced Safety Systems e.g Adaptive Cruise Control, Assisted Emergency Braking and Autonomous Emergency Braking.