I just picked up a 2007 4.6L Mountaineer with the tow package. Once or twice a year I may use this to tow a small camper when my truck is pulling the boat. The camper is only about 2200 pounds.

On the receiver hitch is the 7 pin connector. If I plug the camper (with elec brakes) into this connector, will the trailer brakes work without a brake controller? Or do the brakes work with full gain in this position?

Ideally, everything works (lights, battery charger, etc.) except the brakes on the trailer. With the few times we will do this, and the light weight of the camper, I would prefer not to have to get a controller.

Any experience with this?

 

The trailer brakes will NOT work without a brake controller. There should be a connector already under the dash for a brake controller though, you just plug the controller in, set the gain for the trailer, and mount it. The connector is likely easy enough to get to that you could just velcro the controller out of the way, then remove it when you're not towing the camper. In my 2004 Mountaineer the connector was taped up behind the glove box. In my 2004 Aviator it is near the accelerator pedal.

-Rod

 

Thanks for the response. There was a pigtail in with the jack and tire tool. This is probably what you are referring to for the controller interface.

I don't mind pulling this camper without the brakes working. At 2200 lbs or so, and on very flat land, trailer brakes shouldn't be needed. I just wanted to make sure that they wouldn't default to full gain without the controller. I don't want to burn up the trailer brakes either.

I may look for one but I am spoiled with the one in my 07 superduty. This will be a once or twice per year deal.

 

You encouraged me to install the service manual for 2007-2008. I checked out the location of the brake controller according to the manual. It says it will be on the LH side (driver's side) under the dash panel. It will look like this:


-Rod

 

Cool!! Thanks!