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CampinHappy's avatar
CampinHappy
Explorer
Feb 06, 2021

Ford Factory F-150 Brake Controller - any good?

I'm picking up my new trailer tomorrow (7,500 gvwr) and I have a 2017 F-150 rated at 9,500 towable so I'm pretty comfortable with the TV. I'm wondering what others that have used the factory break controller that comes with the truck think of it's performance.

I've had the Prodigy in the past.

Thanks!
  • Any factory ITBC is better than the add on brake controllers.

    Why? They sense hydraulic pressure and apply the appropriate amount of trailer braking based on the braking force of the truck.
    There is no "lag time" between application of truck brakes and the start of trailer brake application.

    The truck and trailer brakes operate in unison. There's no herky-jerky action in stop and go traffic or city driving.

    Back in the mid 2000s I had a Brake Smart brake controller. It was equivalent to today's ITBCs. It was awesome. Best brake controller I ever used.

    Use the truck's brake controller and don't look back! You will love it.

    My current truck, in my sig, which I bought new has an ITBC. I love it. I tow a variety of trailers. It works flawless.
  • Nv_Guy's avatar
    Nv_Guy
    Explorer III
    I have had 3 Fords with the factory brake controller. All worked great, from a 20'car hauler, 20' travel trailer, 35'fiver. Hard to beat a factory integrated controller.
  • The one in my 13 F150 works great. I too had a Prodigy in my old 97 F150 and it was a good controller too, but the integrated one is much better.

    Good luck! Mitch
  • IMO, the Ford IBC is the best of the bunch! I've used many after market controllers, most were good. Mine is in a 250, but I'm sure the 150 IBC is same quality and very functional.

    On mine, if you are under, say 10 mph, it is designed for very little brake pedal function to the trailer, but the manual control function is fully available, if you feel the need to use it.

    Jerry

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