Forum Discussion

CptSydor's avatar
CptSydor
Explorer
Jul 22, 2014

New F150 - Brake Controller Install

Well I just pulled the pin on a new F150 tonight. Supercab 4x4 5.0L V8 with 3.55. 7800lbs tow, payload of ~1850 lbs. :)

First trip will be in a couple weeks. 4000 miles round trip to Colorado. Only pulling my small Dutchman t@da (2200 lbs dry). Will be upgrading next spring to a larger TT.

Truck has a tow package, but needs a brake controller. From everything I've been reading/watching even before the purchase, this should be a simple plug and play. Buy a controller, should have a factory adapter, find the connection under the dash, snap, crackle, pop, screw and I'm ready to go.

Just here to make sure I'm not under estimating anything.
Tow Vehicles
  • rcmiller32's avatar
    rcmiller32
    Explorer
    Jul 22, 2014
    If you install the Ford Factory controller you will need to have the dealership activate it for you via the OBD port and their computer. If you go with the aftermarket just attach it to the harness and plug it in. That's the way I went. Now I will be pulling it from the truck and installing it in the motorhome.
  • Teamfour's avatar
    Teamfour
    Explorer
    Jul 22, 2014
    Yep, get a Prodigy, adapter for the factory plug and you are good to go. I have done this a couple of times on Ford trucks.
  • APT's avatar
    APT
    Explorer
    Jul 22, 2014
    Yes, I highly recommend the OEM integrated brake controller. Last time I checked for 2011 models it was comparable in cost to the Prodigy P3 at about $125. It will need to be enabled via a dealer service tool, though.
  • Fordlover's avatar
    Fordlover
    Explorer
    Jul 22, 2014
    APT wrote:
    Yes, I highly recommend the OEM integrated brake controller. Last time I checked for 2011 models it was comparable in cost to the Prodigy P3 at about $125. It will need to be enabled via a dealer service tool, though.


    Agreed, the OEM controller seems to outperform even the highest end aftermarket controllers. I'd definitely go for it if I didn't own a brake controller yet.
  • CptSydor's avatar
    CptSydor
    Explorer
    Jul 22, 2014
    Thanks for the comments. Just called and had them include the OEM brake controller. A little more expensive, but saves me the hassle and sounds like a better product.
  • Perrysburg_Dodg's avatar
    Perrysburg_Dodg
    Explorer
    Jul 22, 2014
    Personally if it were me I would tell the dealership that I will pay for the part but not the labor. Why would a dealership order a truck with a tow package and not order the brake controller :h. IMHO it is to rip off the customer by charging him labor to install something that should have been installed at the factory :M!

    Congrats on the truck at any rate!

    Don
  • Mvander's avatar
    Mvander
    Explorer
    Jul 22, 2014
    Wise choice going for the oem controller. You will not know its there and the output/gain displays in the evic.
  • Teamfour's avatar
    Teamfour
    Explorer
    Jul 22, 2014
    While I agree that the OEM controller is the best (I have had several as well as aftermarket), check with your dealer on how much they will charge to activate the controller. I have seen a low price of $50 all the way up to $125!
  • CptSydor's avatar
    CptSydor
    Explorer
    Jul 22, 2014
    Perrysburg Dodgeboy wrote:
    Personally if it were me I would tell the dealership that I will pay for the part but not the labor. Why would a dealership order a truck with a tow package and not order the brake controller :h. IMHO it is to rip off the customer by charging him labor to install something that should have been installed at the factory :M!

    Congrats on the truck at any rate!

    Don


    I completely agree. I was rather shocked when I was looking around at trucks, all with tow packages, virtually none with the brake controller unless it was a 50K+ truck.

    The part is listed as $300 accessory, that includes part plus installation. The better controllers are $150+. Saves me running around, finding one and installing it. So the extra is my convenience tax unfortunately.
  • Lynnmor's avatar
    Lynnmor
    Explorer
    Jul 22, 2014
    It is sure good to see that many have come to the realization that the plug and pray aftermarket controllers are not as good as the factory units.

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