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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: | 2028 |
| WARRANTY: | LIMITED 1 YEAR WARRANTY |
| WEIGHT: | 5.2 LBS |
| TERMINAL GENDER: | MALE |
| TERMINAL TYPE: | BLADE |
| VOLTAGE: | 12 V |
| NUMBER OF TERMINALS: | 2 |
| LENGTH: | 6.5 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 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 powers trailer brakes if the trailer separates from the tow vehicle. The battery is 3.54" long, 2.76" wide, and 4.13" high with fasten tab terminals 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.
The manual does not specify which trailer models or types are compatible. Contact Tekonsha technical support at 1-888-785-5832 or www.tekonsha.com to confirm compatibility with your specific trailer.
You will need one 1/4" bolt and lock nut, or two 1/4" jam nuts to bolt 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.
The manual does not provide a specific tools list. Based on the installation steps, you will need tools to bolt the battery case and breakaway switch bracket to the trailer frame (likely a wrench for 1/4" fasteners), wire strippers, a soldering iron and solder for all wire connections, and a UV-resistant zip tie to secure the battery box cover.
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 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. Ensure the location allows an unobstructed line of pull in the event of vehicle separation.
Remove the charger and battery from the battery case before mounting the case. Once the case is mounted securely to the trailer, install the battery and charger into the case. Feed the wires out the back of the case, then close the top. Secure the cover with a UV-resistant zip tie through one or both of the provided holes to prevent accidental opening.
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.
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. Do not over-tighten the bolt that fastens the breakaway switch bracket. 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.
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. All wire connections must be soldered and properly insulated. Refer to the schematic diagram in the manual for the complete wiring layout.
Yes. The manual states that soldering all wire connections is a safety requirement. Properly insulate all connections after soldering.
Yes. To charge the breakaway battery only when the tow vehicle is running, a battery isolator may be installed in the 12-volt supply line (red wire for tow charger). This prevents the tow vehicle battery from being drained when the trailer is connected but the vehicle is not running.
Check the condition of the battery before each trip. The manual emphasizes this as a critical safety step to ensure the breakaway system will function properly if needed.
Disconnect the trailer plug before testing the breakaway unit. Failure to disconnect 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 open circuit can result in a no-brake condition. For optimal performance, it is recommended that breakaway devices be replaced every 3–5 years.
Charge the battery at the proper rate with current limited to 1.2 amps or less. Provide adequate air circulation when charging. Do not charge the battery in any container besides the supplied battery box. The Tekonsha charger 2024-07 is recommended for proper charging. Do not charge in proximity to objects that can produce sparks or flames.
After six to nine months of storage, the battery should be recharged. This helps maintain battery health and extends service life.
Avoid storing the battery in a discharged state or at elevated ambient temperatures. Service life is shortened considerably at ambient temperatures above 30°C (86°F). Do not expose the battery to heat.
If excessive discharging of the breakaway battery occurs, check the battery and recharge it using a heavy-duty multi-stage/maintenance charger. The 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. To prevent this, a battery isolator can be installed in the 12-volt supply line (red wire) so the breakaway battery charges only when the vehicle is running.
Do not attempt to disassemble the battery. Contact with sulfuric acid may cause harm.
Do not throw the battery into fire; batteries so disposed may rupture or explode. Dispose of the battery according to local hazardous waste regulations.
Yes. Fasten the battery tightly and make provisions for shock absorption if exposure to shock or vibration is likely. This protects the battery and ensures safe operation.
No. Do not expose the battery case to organic solvents or adhesives, as they can damage the case.
The manual does not specify compatible trailer models. Contact Tekonsha at 1-888-785-5832 or www.tekonsha.com to confirm fitment for your trailer.
You must supply one 1/4" bolt and lock nut, or two 1/4" jam nuts to bolt the breakaway switch bracket to the trailer frame. These are not included.
Yes, disconnect the trailer before installing the battery and wiring the system.
Yes, soldering all wire connections is a safety requirement. Properly insulate all connections after soldering.
Negative (−) terminal to ground, positive (+) terminal to breakaway switch. Incorrect polarity will destroy the brake control.
Disconnect the trailer plug before testing. Failure to do so will cause severe damage to the electronic brake control.
Maximum charge current must be limited to 1.2 amps. Use the Tekonsha charger 2024-07 for proper charging.
A short circuit or open circuit in the wiring or connections can result in a no-brake condition. Inspect the breakaway system periodically to ensure all wiring and connections are secure. Check for damaged wires, loose terminals, or corroded connections.
The manual does not specify the causes of excessive discharging. If excessive discharging occurs, check the battery condition and recharge using a heavy-duty multi-stage/maintenance charger (Tekonsha 2024-07 recommended). If the problem persists, contact Tekonsha technical support at 1-888-785-5832.
Improper installation of polarity (negative terminal not to ground, positive terminal not to breakaway switch) will destroy the brake control. Ensure the negative (−) terminal attaches to ground and the positive (+) terminal attaches to the breakaway switch before powering the system.





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May 22, 2023
| Part Number | Description | Packaging | Master Carton |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1026 | Includes 2018 Polymer Battery Case with A-Frame or Post Mounting Bracket, 2023 Rechargeable Sealed 12v 5 Amp-hr Lead Acid Battery and Terminals and 2005-P Breakaway Switch, Up to 3 Axles | Boxed | 4 |
| 1028 | Includes 2018 Polymer Battery Case with A-Frame or Post Mounting Bracket, 2023 Rechargeable Sealed 12v 5 Amp-hr Lead Acid Battery and Terminals, 2005-P Breakaway Switch and 1024 DC-to-DC Accelerated Battery Charging Device (ABCD), Up to 3 Axles | Boxed | 4 |
| 2026 | Includes 2018 Polymer Battery Case with A-Frame or Post Mounting Bracket, 2023 Rechargeable Sealed 12v 5 Amp-hr Lead Acid Battery and Terminals and 2010-P Breakaway Switch | Boxed | 4 |
| 20015 | Includes 2051 Lockable All Polymer Battery Case with Flat Surface Mounting, 2023 Rechargeable Sealed 12v 5 Amp-hr Lead Acid Battery and Terminals and 2010-P Breakaway Switch | Boxed | 4 |
| 20010 | Includes 20000 Lockable Polymer Battery Case with Weldable Flat Surface Mounting, 2023 Rechargeable Sealed 12v 5 Amp-hr Lead Acid Battery and Terminals and 2010-P Breakaway Switch | Boxed | 4 |
| 2028 | Includes 2018 Polymer Battery Case with A-Frame or Post Mounting Bracket, 2023 Rechargeable Sealed 12v 5 Amp-hr Lead Acid Battery and Terminals, 2010-P Breakaway Switch and 2024-07 DC-to-DC Heavy Duty Quick/Maintenance/Multi Stage Battery Charger | Boxed | 4 |
| 20025 | Includes 2051 Lockable All Polymer Battery Case with Flat Surface Mounting, 2023 Rechargeable Sealed 12v 5 Amp-hr Lead Acid Battery and Terminals, 2010-P Breakaway Switch and 2024-07 DC-to-DC Heavy Duty Quick/Maintenance (Multi Stage) Battery Charger | Boxed | 4 |
| 2020 | Includes 20000 Lockable Polymer Battery Case with Weldable Flat Surface Mounting, 2023 Rechargeable Sealed 12v 5 Amp-hr Lead Acid Battery and Terminals, 2010-P Breakaway Switch and 2024-07 DC-to-DC Heavy Duty Quick/Maintenance (Multi Stage) Battery Charger | Boxed | 4 |