Brake controller install for Telluride with factory tow package

[tuffys1]

I also installed the Redarc knob on the fuse box cover of a 2021 Telluride, it looks very clean BUT I can't see the LED that indicates status and diagnostics during the day. Do you have this problem?

Hi, time to put the disclaimer out there that I'm not a professional installer, so anyone that has real concerns about their installation should contact someone who is....
Having said that, two things:
1) When I first installed my Redarc before I had our Scamp, I wasn't sure if I should be seeing LEDs without a trailer connected. I contacted Redarc and they provided the information in the attachment. Basically you won't see LEDs unless the trailer is connected. Not sure if that's the case you're asking about. After I installed my system I did test, per Redarc's suggestion (I used a voltmeter) and everything looked good.
2) I have only towed our Scamp one time so far, for four hours from Northern Minnesota to our driveway. I did have a hard time seeing any red LEDs in the daytime when braking on that trip, and so I think I did experience what you're talking about. Made me a little concerned about my installation but the trailer (a very light weight trailer - around 2200 lbs) stopped fine and I didn't have any sensation of the system not working. As soon as things defrost here in Minnesota I'll take it out for a night spin and see if the LEDs are more visible.
Would be interested in any other feedback you have about this.

 

[tuffys1]

I also installed the Redarc knob on the fuse box cover of a 2021 Telluride, it looks very clean BUT I can't see the LED that indicates status and diagnostics during the day. Do you have this problem?

One other thought:
On the eTrailer website there's a good description of the operation of the Redarc. In one paragraph it says this:
You can use the knob to set the maximum amount of power that will be applied to your trailer's brakes. Typically, this power is only readjusted when you experience changing road conditions or if you switch over from a heavy, loaded trailer to a much lighter, empty trailer, or vice versa. To get more power to your brakes, rotate the switch clockwise. To decrease the power output, rotate it counterclockwise.

When you apply the tow vehicle's brakes, a red LED light will inform you that power is being sent back to the trailer brakes. As you increase the power with the control knob, the light will glow brighter, indicating the increased braking power.

Since my trailer is lightweight, and since the recommendation is to start at the low end of the power range, it may be the case that because my controller was set on '2' the LED was not very bright. Maybe try turning it up to 8 or 9 temporarily and see if the LED is more visible. Let me know if that works.

I've linked to the eTrailer description of the operation of the Redarc because I thought it was pretty good.
Redarc Tow-Pro Elite operation

 

[Grim1]

I use the Curt Bluetooth brake controller. No issues and no install.

 

[tuffys1]

I use the Curt Bluetooth brake controller. No issues and no install.

Yes, I was looking at those. Another good choice. Did you get the under-dash model or the 'portable' model?

 

[Grim1]

Yes, I was looking at those. Another good choice. Did you get the under-dash model or the 'portable' model?

I have the portable plug in model. Had it for 3 years now, never an issue. Used it for our 2020 telluride and now the 2022.

 

[Roy S]

Problem with Redarc controller? I installed the Redarc in my 2021 Telluride with factory tow package (7 pin wiring provided) - very easy. Everything checked out, brake lights, turn signals, etc. I've only used it twice but the second time I was pulling our camper, the radio appeared to power off and back on (same display you see when you first turn it on). This happened twice, both times while I had a phone connected via USB running Android Auto. After I disconnected the phone, the problem did not repeat.

Any ideas?

I can't figure out if the any of the fuses that are used by the radio are also used by the 7 pin trailer connector - any info?

Thanks

 

[hollydav]

I don't remember having to take any panels off as shown by tuffys1 to connect the Kia-supplied e-brake harness from the Tekonsha controller to the factory plug under the dash. Kinda pita standing on your head but it was there. Glad my 2021 SX had the tow package as I bought the Telly before we decided to get a Lance 16 foot camper. BTW it tows it nicely and finds the "sweet spot" gear with the 8-speed tranny.

Hi. I am trying to figure out where to mount the controller and like your positioning. Unfortunately, my controller says it has to be parallel to the ground. Have you had any trouble with yours being at an angle? Thanks!

 

[Roy S]

A few more pictures showing the Redarc controller components, the Kia harness spliced to the Redarc harness and the mounting of the control knob to the fuse box cover (similar to mine but not exact).

Did the same install and very happy after 8000 mile towing. I just used zip ties under dash to a 1 inch thick cable bundle that was fastened to the body

 

[tuffys1]

Hi. I am trying to figure out where to mount the controller and like your positioning. Unfortunately, my controller says it has to be parallel to the ground. Have you had any trouble with yours being at an angle? Thanks!

The instructions for my Redarc said it could be mounted in any orientation and would calibrate appropriately.

Hi. I am trying to figure out where to mount the controller and like your positioning. Unfortunately, my controller says it has to be parallel to the ground. Have you had any trouble with yours being at an angle? Thanks!

Hi. I am trying to figure out where to mount the controller and like your positioning. Unfortunately, my controller says it has to be parallel to the ground. Have you had any trouble with yours being at an angle? Thanks!

 

[Scott K.]

I don't remember having to take any panels off as shown by tuffys1 to connect the Kia-supplied e-brake harness from the Tekonsha controller to the factory plug under the dash. Kinda pita standing on your head but it was there. Glad my 2021 SX had the tow package as I bought the Telly before we decided to get a Lance 16 foot camper. BTW it tows it nicely and finds the "sweet spot" gear with the 8-speed tranny.

I would caution people about mounting a brake controller to the right of the steering column. The instructions for my Tekonsha Prodigy P2 state, "Do not mount or activate RF generating items (cell phones, two way radios) near (less than 12") the brake control." If you're going to put your cell phone in the forward area of the center console, you may want to mount the brake controller to the left of the steering column. I mounted mine on the fuse panel cover. (This original post by Rocketdog had a couple of photos of a Tekonsha brake controller mounted to the right of the steering column.)

 

[Rocketdog]

I have never had any problems with the brakes or cell phones where my controller is mounted. Since the controller is hardwired throughout the entire system I don't know what RF would be affected. We did a 5500 mile trip this spring through the Pacific NW with no issues and have probably been towing the camper for half of its current 22k miles.

To respond to Tuffys1 (though a bit late) the screen edge is parallel to the ground. Instructions did not say the unit has to be .horizontal or vertical

 

[2020Telly]

I think Tekonsha makes a Prodigy RF and a Prodigy P2 wired. It would make sense that the RF would experience interference with RF signals. Maybe the instructions were written for both and just not customized for the model?

 

[adierks3]

Hey all,
Just wondering for those who installed the redarc, where did you mount the break controller? Not the button/knob part. I'm really having a hard time finding a place to put it. Also, any ideas how secure it needs to be. Can there be wiggle or no wiggle?

Thanks!

 

[2020Telly]

Hey all,
Just wondering for those who installed the redarc, where did you mount the break controller? Not the button/knob part. I'm really having a hard time finding a place to put it. Also, any ideas how secure it needs to be. Can there be wiggle or no wiggle?

Thanks!

This is a good idea:

Post in thread 'What are these three threaded studs under the dash for?'
What are these three threaded studs under the dash for?

 

[KMiles]

The instructions for my Redarc said it could be mounted in any orientation and would calibrate appropriately.

Thank you for the write-up and answering all of the questions. I have the full towing package on my new Telluride, but wasn't sure what to do with the included harness and now I fully understand. Also, thank for all of your patience answering all of the questions.

 

[Papabare02]

My brake controller was working until I took my 20 Telly in for the trailer brake wiring recall and has not worked since! Complaints go absolutely nowhere in KIA or Hyundai.
If fact I had a 13 Santa Fe Sport that Hyundai did that recall work on and all of my rear sensors and cruise control failed. I got absolutely nothing from Hyundai for repairs or respect to the point where I dumped the car and purchased the 2020 Telly that had the working trailer brake package installed by KIA and then killed by KIA!
Needless to say, both of these dealerships are on a no visit or deal with list now!

 

[Williamtell]

My brake controller was working until I took my 20 Telly in for the trailer brake wiring recall and has not worked since! Complaints go absolutely nowhere in KIA or Hyundai.
If fact I had a 13 Santa Fe Sport that Hyundai did that recall work on and all of my rear sensors and cruise control failed. I got absolutely nothing from Hyundai for repairs or respect to the point where I dumped the car and purchased the 2020 Telly that had the working trailer brake package installed by KIA and then killed by KIA!
Needless to say, both of these dealerships are on a no visit or deal with list now!

You should by tell Kia Customer Support about these dealerships!

 

[Papabare02]

You should by tell Kia Customer Support about these dealerships!

And they both did nothing!

 

[2020Telly]

And they both did nothing!

Did you check the fuse?

 

[Papabare02]

Did you check the fuse?

Yes. All working fuses.