I have a '13 F150. Under the dash it has a connection for me to hook up a trailer brake controller. I would rather not have to screw it into anything and just hook it up when towing, and then remove it when not, stowing it in the glove box, or other storage spot.So, my simple question: Do I actually need to secure the controller for it to work?

With an F150 if you are towing something with electric brakes, you may want to mount it so if you need to make an emergency stop it is at your finger tips! Once it is installed the pain of drilling the holes goes away.

If it's a timer based control you wouldn't have to mount it but nobody wants one of those. What you want is a momentum based control which activates based on the tow vehicle deceleratttion. It has to be firmly mounted. If it goes sliding around the cab weird things will happen with your brakes.

It has to be solidly mounted. Otherwise it will move when you hit the brakes and it will not react properly.

why dont you just add the factory brake controller it can be put in after the fact on the fords. It fits nicely in the dash

Nick R wrote:why dont you just add the factory brake controller it can be put in after the fact on the fords. It fits nicely in the dashI am not willing to pay the $400+ for it.

Securing the trailer brake controller? | Good Sam Community

Campfire_Time
Explorer
Dec 02, 2013
My P2 has a "pod" that allows me to take it out when not in use.
skipnchar
Explorer
Dec 02, 2013
More than likely you can use already drilled holes that currently hold the panel of dash in place. I used to secure my controllers in just that manor when I had trucks without integrated controllers. I would CERTAINLY want the controller located where it was INSTANTLY accessible should the need arise.
Iraqvet05
Explorer
Dec 02, 2013
I have a P3 and remove it while it's not in use. Grated the controllers are not a high dollar item but some crack head needing money isn't going to care what they steal as long as they can make a few bucks off the item.
Turtle_n_Peeps
Explorer
Dec 02, 2013
the_happiestcamper wrote:
Why remove it when not towing? Just install and leave it.

:h I wonder about that too? Why? :h
the_happiestcam
Explorer
Dec 02, 2013
Why remove it when not towing? Just install and leave it.
APT
Explorer
Dec 02, 2013
Last time I checked the F-150 OEM brake controller was about $150. I highly recommend that over even a Prodigy.

Ebay link
carringb
Explorer
Dec 02, 2013
Velcro is a good option if you want to make it removable. Just use the heavier rated stuff, and it should sit firm enough to work as well as hard mounting.

That said.... Why cheap out on the brake controller? It's has a pretty important job to do, and the factory controller simply does it better than anything else.
Lynnmor
Explorer
Dec 02, 2013
swimmer_spe wrote:
Nick R wrote:
why dont you just add the factory brake controller it can be put in after the fact on the fords. It fits nicely in the dash

I am not willing to pay the $400+ for it.

Much cheaper on eBay. I wouldn't use anything else.
swimmer_spe
Explorer
Dec 02, 2013
Nick R wrote:
why dont you just add the factory brake controller it can be put in after the fact on the fords. It fits nicely in the dash

I am not willing to pay the $400+ for it.
Nick_R
Explorer
Dec 02, 2013
why dont you just add the factory brake controller it can be put in after the fact on the fords. It fits nicely in the dash