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Tekonsha

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For use on 1-4 axle trailers equipped with electric brakes, these complete systems incorporate the highest quiality components in trailer breakaway systems and meet or exceed Department of Transportation (DOT) specifications regarding trailer breakaway and holding requirements.
| BRAND: | TEKONSHA |
| PART NUMBER: | 20020 |
| WARRANTY: | LIMITED 1 YEAR WARRANTY |
| WEIGHT: | 5.6 LBS |
| TERMINAL GENDER: | MALE |
| TERMINAL TYPE: | BLADE |
| VOLTAGE: | 12 V |
| NUMBER OF TERMINALS: | 2 |
| LENGTH: | 9 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 2218 is a 12-volt sealed lead-acid battery system designed for trailer breakaway applications. It includes a 12V battery, a tow charger (ABCD - Accelerated Battery Charging Device), a breakaway switch, and a battery case. The system is mounted on the trailer and provides power to the trailer's brake control in the event the trailer separates from the tow vehicle.
Under normal operating conditions, the battery has a service life of 4 to 5 years in standby applications, or 200 to 1,000 charge/discharge cycles depending on depth of discharge and rate of charge. For optimal performance, the manual recommends that breakaway devices be replaced every 3 to 5 years.
The battery dimensions are: Length = 3.54", Width = 2.76", Height = 4.13". The terminals are fasten tab type, measuring 0.187" × 0.032".
The battery case should be mounted securely to the trailer frame, jack post, or other suitable location on the trailer. The breakaway switch cable should be oriented towards the tow vehicle. The location must be selected to ensure an unobstructed line of pull in the event of vehicle separation.
Yes. The manual explicitly states to disconnect the trailer from the tow vehicle before checking and installing the battery. This is a required safety step in the installation process.
You need one 1/4" bolt and lock nut, or two 1/4" jam nuts. These fasteners are not included in the kit and must be sourced separately.
Use a UV-resistant zip tie to secure the cover to the battery box. The zip tie should be passed through one or both of the holes provided on the cover. This prevents accidental opening of the battery box.
The negative (-) terminal must attach to ground, and the positive (+) terminal must attach to the breakaway switch. Improper installation of polarity will destroy the brake control. All wire connections must be soldered for safety.
The system uses red wires for positive (+12V) connections, black wires for negative/ground connections, blue wires for brake output connections, and white wires for ground connections. Refer to the schematic diagram in the manual for complete wiring details.
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.
No. The manual warns not to over-tighten the bolt. The switch must be able to pivot freely. Use a 1/4" bolt and lock nut or two 1/4" jam nuts, and tighten only enough to secure the bracket while allowing pivot movement.
Check the condition of the battery before each trip. Additionally, check the breakaway system periodically to ensure that wiring and connections are secure. A short or open circuit can result in a no-brake condition.
The maximum charge current must be limited to 1.2 amps or less. Charging at the proper rate is critical to maximize battery life. The Tekonsha charger 2024-07 is recommended for proper charging.
Avoid exposing the battery to heat. Service life is shortened considerably at ambient temperatures above 30°C (86°F). Do not store the battery in a discharged state or at elevated ambient temperatures. Provide adequate air circulation when charging the battery.
For optimal performance, it is recommended that breakaway devices be replaced every 3 to 5 years.
Check the battery and recharge it using a Heavy Duty Multi Stage/Maintenance Charger. The Tekonsha charger 2024-07 is recommended for proper charging. If the secondary battery needs charging, current will be drawn from the tow vehicle's battery whenever the tow vehicle is connected to the trailer.
Due to the characteristics of the battery, after six to nine months of storage, the battery should be recharged. This helps maintain battery health and readiness for use.
Provide adequate air circulation when charging the battery. Do not charge the battery in any container besides the supplied battery box. Do not place batteries in close proximity to objects which can produce sparks or flames. Limit charging current to 1.2 amps or less.
Do not disassemble the battery (contact with sulfuric acid may cause harm). Do not expose the battery case to organic solvents or adhesives. Do not throw batteries into fire (they may rupture or explode). Do not over or undercharge the battery, as this is the single worst enemy of lead-acid batteries. Fasten batteries tightly and provide shock absorption if exposure to shock or vibration is likely.
Improper installation of the breakaway battery will destroy the brake control. The negative (-) terminal must attach to ground and the positive (+) terminal must attach to the breakaway switch. Verify correct polarity before completing the installation.
A short or open circuit in the breakaway system wiring and connections can result in a no-brake condition. Check the breakaway system periodically to ensure that wiring and connections are secure.
The manual does not specify vehicle or trailer compatibility restrictions. The battery case mounts to the trailer frame, jack post, or other suitable location. Consult the manufacturer or a fitment specialist for your specific trailer model.
The manual does not specify required tools. However, you will need a wrench or socket to install the 1/4" bolt and nuts for the breakaway switch bracket, and a soldering iron and solder for all wire connections (soldering is required for safety).
The manual does not state whether professional installation is required. However, it does require soldering all wire connections and proper wiring per schematic diagram. If you are not experienced with electrical work and soldering, professional installation is recommended.
Yes. The manual states "SAFETY ITEM: Solder all wire connections." This is a required safety measure and all connections must be soldered, not crimped or twisted.
No. The manual warns: "Disconnect trailer plug before testing breakaway unit. Failure to do so will result in severe damage to electronic brake control." Always disconnect the trailer plug before testing.
The Tekonsha charger 2024-07 (Heavy Duty Multi Stage/Maintenance Charger) is recommended for proper charging of the breakaway battery. Charge current must be limited to 1.2 amps or less.
No. The manual explicitly warns: "Do not hook cable to safety chain loop or hitch ball." The cable must be attached to the tow vehicle frame and must not drag on the ground or be under strain or restriction.
First, check the battery condition and recharge if necessary using a Heavy Duty Multi Stage/Maintenance Charger (Tekonsha 2024-07 recommended). Second, check the breakaway system periodically to ensure that wiring and connections are secure. A short or open circuit can result in a no-brake condition. Verify that the negative (-) terminal is attached to ground and the positive (+) terminal is attached to the breakaway switch. All wire connections must be soldered. If the problem persists, contact Tekonsha technical support at 1-888-785-5832 or www.tekonsha.com.
Excessive discharge can occur if the battery is over or undercharged, stored in a discharged state, or exposed to elevated temperatures above 30°C (86°F). To fix: (1) Check the battery condition. (2) Recharge using a Heavy Duty Multi Stage/Maintenance Charger (Tekonsha 2024-07 recommended) with current limited to 1.2 amps or less. (3) Ensure adequate air circulation during charging. (4) Charge only in the supplied battery box. (5) If the secondary battery needs charging, current will be drawn from the tow vehicle's battery when connected. Consider installing a battery isolator to charge only when the tow vehicle is running.
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Ann
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