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Tekonsha







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Always the correct part
We know our products
Quality Products
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| BRAND: | TEKONSHA |
| PART NUMBER: | 50-85-313 |
| WARRANTY: | LIMITED 1 YEAR WARRANTY |
| WEIGHT: | 4.75 LBS |
| TERMINAL GENDER: | MALE |
| TERMINAL TYPE: | BLADE |
| VOLTAGE: | 12.8 V |
| NUMBER OF TERMINALS: | 2 |
| LENGTH: | 7.5 IN. |

Tekonsha is a leading manufacturer of electronic trailer brake controllers, pioneering the category in the 1970s. The lineup spans proportional units such as the Prodigy P3 and Prodigy iD, time-delayed controllers, the wireless Prodigy RF, plus vehicle-specific wiring harnesses, adapters and trailer brake components engineered for smooth, predictable stopping at any speed.
Tekonsha Engineering Company began in 1964 building RV steps and mirrors. Within a few years it had found its real calling, and by the 1970s Tekonsha was pioneering the manufacture of electronic trailer brake controllers, the product category that still defines the brand. More than half a century later it remains the reference name in trailer braking and is part of the Horizon Global group alongside Reese, Draw-Tite, Fulton, Bulldog and Wesbar.
A brake controller is the component that tells a trailer's electric brakes how hard to work and when, and getting that right is the difference between a controlled stop and a shove from behind. Tekonsha builds both major types. Proportional controllers use an internal accelerometer to sense how quickly the tow vehicle is slowing and apply trailer braking to match, so light braking stays light and hard braking is immediate. Time-delayed controllers ramp to a preset output over a fixed interval, a simpler and more economical approach that suits occasional towing.
The current brake controller range covers most of that ground. The Prodigy iD pairs with a phone through Tekonsha's EDGE technology for setup and monitoring, the P3 offers storable settings for multiple trailers and a trilingual colour LED display, the Prodigy P2 adds a dimmable display and boost mode for heavier loads, and the Voyager keeps operation simple and dependable. The Prodigy RF mounts to the trailer itself and controls wirelessly, which suits rental fleets and drivers who swap tow vehicles.
Installation is supported by vehicle-specific brake control harnesses that plug into a factory connector rather than requiring cut-and-splice wiring, along with mounting brackets and adapters. Matched controller bundles pair a unit with the correct harness. Products are tested to meet and often exceed published industry standards.
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The Tekonsha breakaway battery charger system (part number 2218-OS) is a 12-volt sealed lead-acid battery installation with integrated charging capability for trailer breakaway brakes. It provides emergency brake power if the trailer separates from the tow vehicle. The system includes a battery case, 12V sealed lead-acid battery, charger (on some models), and a breakaway switch that activates the brakes upon separation. The battery can charge from the tow vehicle's electrical system when connected, or via a standalone charger.
The battery dimensions are: Length = 3.54", Width = 2.76", Height = 4.13". The terminals are fasten tab type, measuring 0.187" × 0.032".
Under normal operating conditions, the battery provides 4–5 years of service life in standby applications, or 200–1000 charge/discharge cycles depending on depth of discharge and rate of charge.
You will need one 1/4" bolt and lock nut, or two 1/4" jam nuts to secure the breakaway switch bracket to the trailer frame or battery case bracket. These fasteners are not included in the kit and must be supplied separately.
Yes. Step 5 of the installation guide states: "Disconnect trailer from tow vehicle. Check and install battery." This must be done before wiring the system.
Mount the battery case securely to the trailer frame, jack post, or other suitable location on the trailer. The breakaway switch cable should be oriented toward the tow vehicle. The switch location must be selected to ensure an unobstructed line of pull in the event of vehicle separation.
Attach the breakaway switch cable to the tow vehicle frame, ensuring the cable does not drag on the ground and no strain or restriction is placed on the cable. Do not hook the cable to the safety chain loop or hitch ball.
Wire colors vary by model type. For push-to-test models without charger: Black = Breakaway Battery Positive, White = Breakaway Battery Negative. For push-to-test models with charger and terminals: Red/Blue = Breakaway Battery Positive, White = Breakaway Battery Negative. For push-to-test models with charger without terminals: Black = Battery Input from Tow Vehicle, White = Vehicle Battery Negative. All wiring must follow the schematic diagram provided and be properly insulated.
The negative (−) terminal must attach to ground (chassis). The positive (+) terminal must attach to the breakaway switch. Improper installation of polarity will destroy the brake control.
All wire connections must be soldered. This is listed as a safety item in the installation instructions.
Use a UV-resistant zip tie to secure the cover to the battery box. The zip tie should be threaded through one or both of the holes provided on the cover. This prevents accidental opening of the battery box.
No. Do not over-tighten the bolt securing the breakaway switch bracket. The switch must be able to pivot freely.
Check the condition of the battery prior to each trip. This includes verifying battery charge level and ensuring all wiring and connections are secure.
Disconnect the trailer plug before testing the breakaway unit. Failure to do so will result in severe damage to the electronic brake control.
Check your breakaway system periodically to ensure that wiring and connections are secure. A short or an open circuit can result in a no-brake condition. Additionally, for optimal performance, it is recommended that breakaway devices be replaced every 3–5 years.
Batteries should not be stored in a discharged state or at elevated ambient temperatures. Avoid exposing batteries to heat; service life is shortened considerably at ambient temperatures above 30°C (86°F). After six to nine months of storage, the battery should be recharged.
The maximum charge current must be limited to 1.2 amps or less. Charge the battery at the proper rate; exceeding this current will damage the battery.
Tekonsha charger model 2024-07 (Heavy Duty Multi Stage/Maintenance Charger) is recommended for proper charging of the breakaway battery. This charger is suitable for both initial charging and maintenance charging.
To maximize battery life: (1) Avoid over or undercharge—this is the single worst enemy of lead-acid batteries. (2) Do not store in a discharged state or at elevated ambient temperatures. (3) Avoid exposing batteries to heat; service life is shortened considerably above 30°C (86°F). (4) After six to nine months of storage, recharge the battery. (5) Charge at the proper rate (1.2 amps or less). (6) Provide adequate air circulation when charging. (7) Do not place batteries near objects that produce sparks or flames. (8) Do not expose the battery case to organic solvents or adhesives. (9) Fasten batteries tightly and provide shock absorption if exposure to shock or vibration is likely.
Provide adequate air circulation when charging the battery. Do not charge the battery in any container besides the supplied battery box.
Do not attempt to disassemble the battery; contact with sulfuric acid may cause harm. Do not throw batteries into fire; batteries so disposed may rupture or explode. Do not place batteries in close proximity to objects which can produce sparks or flames. Do not expose the battery case to organic solvents or adhesives.
If excessive discharging of the breakaway battery occurs, check the battery and recharge it using a Heavy Duty Multi Stage/Maintenance Charger. Tekonsha charger 2024-07 is recommended for proper charging.
Yes. If the secondary battery needs charging, current will be drawn from the tow vehicle's battery at any time the tow vehicle is connected to the trailer. Tekonsha charger 2024-07 is recommended for proper charging. To charge only the breakaway battery when the vehicle is running, a battery isolator may be installed in the 12-volt supply line (RED wire for tow charger).
The push-to-test button allows you to check the battery charge status. For models without charger: if the RED LED illuminates, the battery voltage is low and requires charging before use; if the GREEN LED illuminates, the battery is charged. For models with charger: the YELLOW LED illuminates when the battery is being charged; RED LED indicates low voltage requiring charge; GREEN LED indicates the battery is charged. Note: The lower the battery voltage, the dimmer the LEDs will illuminate.
The system is designed for trailers with breakaway brake systems. It mounts to the trailer frame, jack post, or other suitable location. Consult the breakaway switch installation instructions for complete compatibility details, or contact Tekonsha at 1-888-785-5832.
You must supply one 1/4" bolt and lock nut, or two 1/4" jam nuts to secure the breakaway switch bracket. These are not included in the kit.
Yes. All wire connections must be soldered. This is a safety requirement.
The negative (−) terminal must attach to ground (chassis). The positive (+) terminal must attach to the breakaway switch. Incorrect polarity will destroy the brake control.
Limit charging current to 1.2 amps or less. Use Tekonsha charger 2024-07 for proper charging.
Disconnect the trailer plug before testing. Failure to do so will cause severe damage to the electronic brake control.
Check the system periodically to ensure wiring and connections are secure. A short or open circuit causes brake failure. Replace the breakaway device every 3–5 years for optimal performance.
No. Do not over-tighten. The switch must be able to pivot freely.
The RED LED indicates that the battery voltage is low and requires charging before use. Charge the battery according to the battery manufacturer's instructions or using Tekonsha charger 2024-07. For models with charger, you can also connect the trailer to the tow vehicle's charging system so the breakaway kit can charge from the vehicle's battery.
The GREEN LED indicates that the battery is fully charged and ready for use.
The YELLOW LED illuminates only on models with charger and indicates that the battery is currently being charged.
The lower the battery voltage, the dimmer the LEDs will illuminate. Dim LEDs may indicate that the battery voltage is low. Charge the battery to restore normal LED brightness.
If excessive discharging of the breakaway battery occurs, check the battery condition and recharge it using a Heavy Duty Multi Stage/Maintenance Charger. Tekonsha charger 2024-07 is recommended for proper charging. Also check all wiring and connections for shorts or open circuits, which can cause excessive discharge.


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Matt
Ordered online. Shipment arrived on time and with all the correct parts. Great customer service and friendly staff. Also, pricing was great!
May 22, 2023