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Old 07-06-2022, 05:35 PM   #1
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Unified Brake

A friend bought a used car from fellow full-timer, car is all set up with u.s. gear unified brake system. We removed all wiring and control from coach, it was a diesel push, friend has a 2016 thor challenger gas. Anyone wire one of these, the company no longer exists. I thinking it can be wired into plug under dash for electric trailer brakes, looking for some guidance.

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Old 07-06-2022, 05:44 PM   #2
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Unified Tow Brake (UTB-1000) Operating and Installation Instructions
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Old 07-07-2022, 02:08 AM   #3
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I've use a Unified Tow Brake on three coaches now. The instructions that Ted linked are easy to follow and not all that technical. You don't plug in, you splice into existing wires. The hardest part is getting under the steering wheel to connect two wires.

Since you removed it, you should have a pretty good idea how to install.
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Old 07-07-2022, 02:14 AM   #4
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I removed from diesel coach, gas coach hook up very different air brakes pressure switch different from gas coach. Still looking for help.
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Old 07-07-2022, 03:40 AM   #5
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Originally Posted by wrapped View Post
I removed from diesel coach, gas coach hook up very different air brakes pressure switch different from gas coach. Still looking for help.
My InvisiBrake taps into a vacuum hose in the toad. Not sure if the air brake switch is actuated the same way?? Just a suggestion...
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Old 07-07-2022, 11:55 AM   #6
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I removed from diesel coach, gas coach hook up very different air brakes pressure switch different from gas coach. Still looking for help.
The UTB is electric, doesn't use the vacuum on a diesel coach. The help you desire is in the directions.
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Old 07-07-2022, 04:32 PM   #7
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My InvisiBrake taps into a vacuum hose in the toad. Not sure if the air brake switch is actuated the same way?? Just a suggestion...
My InvisiBrake does not connect to any vacuum hose. It is electric only.
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Old 07-07-2022, 04:39 PM   #8
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My InvisiBrake does not connect to any vacuum hose. It is electric only.
OK, but on a vacuum boosted TOAD brake system it taps into the vacuum booster with the integrated vacuum pump.
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Old 07-07-2022, 05:07 PM   #9
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OK let's try this again, my question is if I buy an adapter cable for a ford F53 pre wired plug,which is under dash left of steering column , any brand name brake controller, can I plug it into motorhome and cut off the end that would plug into controller and splice to Unified Brake Controller wiring will it work and I'm saying red to red ,blk to black white to white blue to blue, 12v charge line already there.Will this work. Everything in towed is done.
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Old 07-07-2022, 05:21 PM   #10
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OK let's try this again, my question is if I buy an adapter cable for a ford F53 pre wired plug,which is under dash left of steering column , any brand name brake controller, can I plug it into motorhome and cut off the end that would plug into controller and splice to Unified Brake Controller wiring will it work and I'm saying red to red ,blk to black white to white blue to blue, 12v charge line already there.Will this work. Everything in towed is done.
So what you are really asking is:

Instead of following the installation instructions, can I tap into the prewired manufacturer's brake controller pigtail under the dash?

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Old 07-07-2022, 05:55 PM   #11
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Yes,I'm thinking the wiring needs are the same for trailer brake controller are the same as unified brake controller, manual lever,brake gain and brake light switch activation. Sound correct?
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Old 07-07-2022, 07:01 PM   #12
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Yes,I'm thinking the wiring needs are the same for trailer brake controller are the same as unified brake controller, manual lever,brake gain and brake light switch activation. Sound correct?
I think you can pick up everything off the vehicle pigtail except an ignition switched positive. I'm not sure that is pinned in there, electric brake controllers don't use it.
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Old 07-07-2022, 07:24 PM   #13
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Thanks, that should be easy to get
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Old 07-11-2022, 01:45 PM   #14
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So far no good, do I need to install a diode on brake lgt switch wire in motorhome between brake switch and unified brake handle?
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Old 07-12-2022, 12:35 AM   #15
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No diode mentioned in the manufacturer's installation instructions. You are making this way more complicated than it needs to be.
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Old 07-12-2022, 12:53 AM   #16
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Directions DO say must use blocking diode, it's NOT as easy as READING the directions because there not written for using existing ford trailer brake pre wired plug.
Ending this thread.
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Old 07-12-2022, 01:05 AM   #17
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The diodes are usually wired into the toad brake light wiring to prevent current backfeeding from the toad's brake lights to the motorhome.

Look up wiring for the InvisiBrake... there's an installation manual online. Although a different system, the brake light actuation is very similar in integrated (as opposed to portable) auxiliary braking setups. You might get some s.o.p. ideas there.
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Old 07-12-2022, 04:19 AM   #18
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Directions DO say must use blocking diode, it's NOT as easy as READING the directions because there not written for using existing ford trailer brake pre wired plug.
Ending this thread.
Sorry to see you go.
These instructions only mention a Winnebago chassis (F53) connector and I see NO mention of a diode.

EC-4129 Brake Controller Connector for 2007 or newer Winnebago Class A built on Ford F53 Chassis

I thought the MH connection would be easy... Ign hot, ground & brake light connection.
Then a hot to the toad battery with the signal wire(blue) to the toad.
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Old 07-12-2022, 12:33 PM   #19
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The Winnebago controller connector is no longer available but I used a Tekonsha trailer brake controller Harness 3035P and cut in a switch to kill the always hot wire, no easy ignition only wire tap. Blocking Diode not necessary with this installation only, otherwise if not used 4way flashers will apply brakes and your cruise control may not work.
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