Just bought my 2014 STX 4x4 v8 (SuperCrew) and LOOOOVE IT Now to shop for a trailer brake controller, I'll be hauling a 2-horse bumper pull trailer. I'm looking at brake controller units to install in my truck. What are you using? I'm looking at a Tekonsha and a Curt. When I went to look under the steering column for the wiring plug to connect the controller to the truck, I noticed just under the steering column there is a plug mounted there (that doesn't have the gray box w/cover that I see on all the installation videos). Is this where I hook up the brake controller or is that plug for something else?

 

I am using the OEM controller. You might want to investigate using one as well. The OEM controller works with your display on your dash. My plug was behind the dash were the OEM installs.

 

I looked into buying one of those integrated ones, but they are REALLY expensive. I don't have the graphic display on my dash, just the digital/text display.

 

I had a Tekonsha proportional brake controller on my previous truck. It did the job, the only down side was the under-dash mount. Time delayed controllers are cheaper but I don't like them any where near as much as the proportional units.
The Tekonsha was about $125 and the OEM was $150. Installation was easy on both however the OEM required a computer flash which was another $90.

 

BTW, Welcome to the forum. Do you have any pictures of your Truck? I'm sure the 5.0 will do an excellent job towing for you.

 

Yes I do have a photo Taken at the first place I stopped after the dealership on Wednesday - Tractor Supply, lol... I plan on getting a proportional controller no matter what brand I get. I talked to my dealer today and he told me the plug I saw that is mounted under the steering column is the diagnostic plug in - so I'm assuming the wiring and adapter plug for the trailer are behind the dash (probably close to where the OEM would be mounted if installed).

 

That is a nice looking truck! The brake controller plug should be taped up right by the diagnostic plug. Mine was actually right behind the spot in the dash where to OEM brake controller mounts.

 

Thanks I wasn't sure if I would like white, but it is a really handsome truck! I'll see if I can feel around behind the dash where the OEM mount would go and see if I find it. Thanks

 

Items I told my family for my Christmas List - a fancy Tekonsha brake controller and an adjustable hitch receiver, lol...

 

That's funny. Truck goodies are nice gifts. I'm kind of partial to white trucks, on my 2nd white one. My controller wire was actually plugged onto the back of the plastic insert in the dash. On the install video it showed the wire taped, with black tape, to the bracket that holds the OBD port. My truck is a 2012.

 

Do yourself a favor and find a factory controller that mounts in the dash and get the truck flashed for the controller, ergonomically the best solution if it will work with your display. Oh yea, nice looking truck!

 

Nice truck! You should have some truck accessory dealers in the area where you can compare the different controllers and have the one you decide on installed, I tend to agree with the OEM controller though, worth the extra cash outlay IMHO. Good luck and Welcome Aboard! Keep us posted on the progress.

 

I had the Tekonsha Prodigy II on my last truck, and it was very good.
I much prefer the Integrated unit on my current truck, seems easier to adjust, and it works with the stability control to take account of the trailer, which to me, as a good safety feature.
I actually know someone who was very badly hurt in a highway crash while towing a trailer, and I'm pretty sure this system would have helped him out.

 

Also, the OEM will make your trailer brakes anti lock too, if I'm not mistaken.

 

I'm not sure that's correct. As far as I know, any anti-lock system will require some kind of wheel speed sensor, and the trailers don't have those.