P3 ashtray install

[ecka Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close ecka]

Re: P3 ashtray install

I plan to install the Tekonsha P3 brake controller in a spare ash tray as shown by Matt. I also have a TX3440 installed under the front blanking plates in the centre console. But, the installation guide for the P3 cautions against mounting the P3 within 300mm of any RF generating items (uhf, mobile).

So, has anyone installed a P3 within 300mm of a uhf or mobile phone with no ill effects on any of them?

[chester Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close chester]

Re: P3 ashtray install

mine is below the dash near my left knee and the main unit for my UHF is about 180mm away behind the panel near the steering column so far no ill effects

[middojnr Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close middojnr]

Re: P3 ashtray install

Hi Matt
I have just fitted my P3 into the ash tray as you did, where did you pick up the brake wire from? there is a 12v power supply (when brake is activated) at the plug at the back of the brake pedal (green wire) which I have used.
I ran a seperate HD negative back to the battery & the positive I have run through a 30 breaker mounted under the bonnet to the battery. I did not realise until after that the unit is powered on all the time with no power off function, so I am thinking of picking up power from the cig lighter.
I have not tested it yet so I am hoping it is all good, the only concern I have is I heard of possible computer interferrence probs by using the brake wire at the pedal, some have run a seperate wire to the tail lights & some have said it will be OK where I spliced in.?? Who knows, time will tell.
Andrew

I am considering the P3 as my brake controller for my new campertrailer (old one to be advertised soon...) and I saw on the "video" (on their website) that some cars have a plug for the brake controller to simply plug into. Is the Prado one of these vehicles and, if so, do you get the plug for the Prado from Toyota or Tekonsha?

Thanks,
Peter

[ozwapet2 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close ozwapet2]

Re: P3 ashtray install

Would wiring up the P3 to the Aux battery be OK ?
It's just that I already have fairly heavy cabling direct from the aux battery to near where I want to mount the P3.
From what can see as long as it has 12V doesn't matter where it comes from.

[karrathaprado2 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close karrathaprado2]

Re: P3 ashtray install

I did mine to the brake pedal...green/red I think. I also did the ashtray install great idea. That way I can remove and put in the other ashtray when not using the trailer...have yet to hook the trailer up. I went from my aux battery.

[ss--ss Member Find all posts View Profile Close ss--ss]

Re: P3 ashtray install

Howdy can the ashtray install be done in the 150 series

[toddy Member Find all posts View Profile Close toddy]

Re: P3 ashtray install

Great idea from matthew to mount in ashtray, i found though that it was a bit low for me (6') so i altered the mounting slightly to be able to be better viewed and access to the bottom lever.
(Apologies for quality, taken at night with old point & shoot)








Hope its clear what i did. it enables me to take it out when not in use (approx 90% of the time unfortunately )

Cheers,

[ozwapet2 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close ozwapet2]

Re: P3 ashtray install

I've taken this basic idea but having not time to go and buy another ashtray, I just wrapped the controller in a bit of foam ( some of that 1/4 inch semi-rigid expansion foam strip used in concrete driveways ), wrappeed it with duct tape and shoved it in the gap. The foam moulds itself to the shape of the opening and it stays put fine. Pretty easy to remove as well.

I might do the full mod one day ( but the way things go, probably not ).

[voyager Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close voyager]

Re: P3 ashtray install

I hope you will bear with me as this is my first post to the site.

I have just taken delivery of a 2008 Prado GXL D4D Auto with which I plan to tow an off-road caravan. Before taking delivery of the van I have to fit the Tekonsha P3 Brake Controller I now own.

Thanks to all the posts in the Brake and Electrical sections, I have been able to weigh up my options and have decided to utilise a similar installation to the one Toddy has done. The challenge with this installation is how to disconnect the controller when not in use.

I am feeding the wiring back through holes drilled in the front and back of the ashtray and wanted to fit a 4 way connector at the back of the ashtray so I can pull out the ashtray, disconnect and remove the ash tray / controller unit. I picked up a 4 way controller from Jaycar and have just realised it is rated 15 amps.

According to the advice at the following link – http://www.etrailer.com/faq-brakecontroller.aspx- the feed from the positive terminal of the battery to the controller should include a 20A Auto-reset Circuit Breaker.

Question - Is the Jaycar 4 way controller rated at 15 amps up to the job – if not – does anyone know where I can get a heavier rated connector?

By the way - jusr re-read what I have written and just goes to confirm what others say - I talk too much!!

[Mattfunk 120 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Mattfunk 120]

Hi mat brilliant Idea I had to borrow it. My p3 was not such a snug fit so I used some silicone to hold it in. Due to the angle of the p3 and maybe a little extra weight I am finding that the ashtray wobbles it's way out when I'm driving along. Just wondering if you had this problem at all and if so had a solution better than some velcro to hold it from bouncing forward

[D4D Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close D4D]

Another ashtray install variation.

Finally got around to moving the P3 from beside the steering wheel. Remove the ashtray and surround, drill a couple of holes into the plastic frame, add some speed nuts and you're done. Simple and effective, can go back to factory ashtray in 20 minutes with no sign of being there and best of all no more knee banging.

[Mattfunk 120 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Mattfunk 120]

P3 ashtray install

Hi Guys

This is a Different take on using the ashtray spot for the brake controller. I bought another ashtray from the wreckers, $35 as opposed to $109 from toyota. Using a die grinder ground out a hole for the P3 to fit inside. The cable harness can be plugged in through a hole in the rear of the tray. Having two trays I simply remove the standard tray retrieve the harness plug, connect it to the controller and slide it in to go towing. This gives the uncluttered look for 95% of driving.

Mathew.

Controller tray in stalled.



Controller showing harness connection.


Side by side.


Recess for manual lever.

This one Simmo (having trouble copying a thread in tapatalk)