Wiring Electronic trailer brake controller

[stuben]

Hi. I have a 11/08 103TDI Passat wagon. Can anyone please tell me where to pick up the brake light signal for the electronic brake controller considering there is no brake light switch on the pedal. The only suggestion I have had so far is to pick it up from the wire that runs down to the 13 pin plug. I did not want to really pull the whole car apart to do this as I have already done it once to run a wire from the caravan brakes back to the controller

[Caddyman]

I wouldn't go near it, I am no engineer or mechanic, but have heard nothing but dramas when anybody taps into the (CANBUS?) wiring on the new european cars. My father in law asked about fitting a tow bar, then electric trailer brakes, the dealer said, tow bar yes, brakes, no way!!!!

Matthew

[tryingavw]

I wouldn't go near it, I am no engineer or mechanic, but have heard nothing but dramas when anybody taps into the (CANBUS?) wiring on the new european cars. My father in law asked about fitting a tow bar, then electric trailer brakes, the dealer said, tow bar yes, brakes, no way!!!!

Matthew

electric brakes are driven by the brake light signal, so no difference from driving your rear stop lamps. these, as you might imagine are gonna be needed. this is pin 6 on the euro plug and needs to go to the brake controller. the electric brake controller will use the same signal so if you can get the stop lights to go the brake unit will as well.

Strangley euro 13 pin connector does not specifiy a pin # to drive the brakes as there isnt a nominated point for it. however pins 9&13 are a +12v/ground from battery and pin 10&11 is +12V/GND iginition for a frig, which could be used as the brakes wire.

the safest way would be wire the 13 euro as normal, and make up a separate 2 way plug for the brakes signal. the brakes draw about 10-15 Amps for 2 wheels for full braking.

[gregozedobe]

If you are looking at electric brakes it sounds like you might be wanting to tow something substantial. Have you checked the VW recommended maximum tow ball weight for your car and towbar ? These can be surprisingly low for some VW models, and make it difficult to (legally) tow anything seriously heavy. The prices asked for some of the electronics needed can also make your eyes water

[tryingavw]

If you are looking at electric brakes it sounds like you might be wanting to tow something substantial. Have you checked the VW recommended maximum tow ball weight for your car and towbar ? These can be surprisingly low for some VW models, and make it difficult to (legally) tow anything seriously heavy. The prices asked for some of the electronics needed can also make your eyes water

you can use electric brakes on smaller trailers as well- properly setup they stabilize the car really well during heavy braking. so add to the safety of towing.

[stuben]

Thanks all for the info. I ended up wiring it to the stop lights for the van after the control unit so it did not play havoc with the canbus.
All seems to be working correctly. Pitty about the crappy 85KG download limit. I think I am going to have to get airbags made up for the suspension.

[tryingavw]

Thanks all for the info. I ended up wiring it to the stop lights for the van after the control unit so it did not play havoc with the canbus.
All seems to be working correctly. Pitty about the crappy 85KG download limit. I think I am going to have to get airbags made up for the suspension.

you could also add an anti-sway bar to your setup. This ensures the trailer doesn't jiggle side to side under heavy braking- fantastic safety gadget and transforms the towing experience.