Trailer Brake Controller

I have a 2018 F-150 with the 3.5L Eco-Boost. Picking up a 16ft trailer next week with electric brakes. Do I need to get a brake controller? If so, which one and why?

 

Timely topic for me.

I'm in the process of wiring my van for electric brakes.

 

my 2011 F-150 has a trailer brake controller as part of towing package. Works Good.

 

I was thinking this one would too but it does not. It’s just an XL fleet truck.

 

You're planning to tow a 16' trailer with a 3.5L engine?

Will it be within the truck's GVWR?

 

It’s the twin turbo. It’s a BEAST. It’ll pull it with no problem.

It’s just an open trailer, should never be loaded with more than 3000lbs. IIRC, the truck is rated for 10,200.

 

:thumbs:

 

Had a prodigy P2 in the old tow rig the ex got before and it was awesome. I’m sure the newer version is better. Not cheap but it worked wonderful and plugged right in with an adapter harness

 

I've only ever used Prodigy's. They usually have a harness that plugs right in.

 

+1 We put one in the DOdGe RAM! 2500 Cummins.
It plugged into the existing OEM harness, was a breeze to set up, and worked nicely.
It was not bad for ours ~ 180. USD

 

The answer is always Prodigy.

 

I have the Tekonsha P3 in 1 vehicle and a no-name brand thing from the 90s in the other. Honestly, they both work just fine for me. Tekonsha has more blinking lights.

 

Prodigy for sure. If you're not wired up with a 7 pin (electric brakes right?) you're got some work to do.

 

Prodigy P3. End of discussion.

 

Just buy the ford one and plug it in. Wiring should all be there

 

That’s a great idea

 

Yup. The Ford one is great if you can get it. If the truck already has a towing package the wiring should be there, just need to plug in the module and have Ford flash the PCM to activate it.

This is what I had done on my 2015 XLT and it works beautifully.

 

Don't most come with one built in now a days? The OE ones are always better because they use master cylinder pressure as their input. The cheaper ones are just a timed delay and are ok if you don't use them on a regular basis. If you do tow quite a bit a more expensive one will be more user friendly due to the way they work.

 

If money is no object then yes it is!

My Ram didn't come with the brake controller that fits nicely into my center console dash area but it costs $200!

I already own the wireless unit from Prodigy so I just use that and it works pretty dang good and I like being able to run it with my RV or truck.

 

OEM is about $120. Aftermarket is $200-300, plus a harness/adapter.