How To Set Up An F-250 For Towing?

ford truck guy wrote:

DallasSteve wrote:
I hope I can get some helpful tips on the trailer brakes.

The Jayco information says the trailer has "electric, self-adjusting brakes". I just confirmed that my F-250 does not have the Integrated Trailer Brake Controller. I bought a more basic F-250 XL. I'm happy that it has power windows and cruise control. Can someone explain how the trailer brakes work and what I should do if I don't have the ITBC? I'm reading some places say they won't work at all without the controller. One website says "the 7-pin trailer plugin controls the brake lights, it doesn't engage the trailer's brakes". So it sounds like I need to add a brake controller. Should I take it to Ford and pay extra to add that or just buy something off Amazon and add it myself? Does it require another wire back to the trailer or does it work off bluetooth? Help!

Not sure if a dealer can add the IBC after the fact, but that's Okay.... go get yourself a Prodigy P3 or similar .... That controller can be added by anyone who is the least bit handy..

The 7 pin does control the trailer brakes, once a brake controller is installed.... There is a BLUE wire that will run to the controller, when you step on the brakes, that wire will energize the trailer brake system.

here - click

I see one advertised by a Ford dealer on eBay. It looks like they can be added after purchase because they say that it will need to be activated at a Ford dealer. They charge $50 for activation. I also see some other eBay offers for less than $4100 but delivery takes too long. If I go that route does that mean I don't need to splice any wires? I know how to splice wires, but getting to them and doing it right is where it may become a problem for me. (this link looks ugly, but it seems to work)

eBay: Ford ITBC Module