Help, I need some advise on a new 07" F250 that I am going to purchase. The dealer has a truck with out the towcommand system installed. He told me he could have and after-market brake controller installed for me and it would be as good as the factory installed system. Is this correct or should I have him search another dealership for a truck with towcommand? I pull a 10K-lb., 34' Airstream trailer and want the best system. I'm supposed to pick this truck up on Tuesday so any input would be appreciated.

 

There are some aftermarket ones that are pretty good, but not as good as the facotry system. Have him add the factory system if you really want it. I think the kit runs around $500. It comes with the controller and a new master cylinder. There are a few threads around here about adding this if you do a search. If you do go aftermarket, the Tekonsha Prodigy is by far the most highly recommended.

 

if they want to sell you that truck bad enough,they will put the tow command on it for you.my 05 has the tow command and i've had stand alone aftermarket units on other trucks and the tow command is by far the best.
plus it's integrated into the dash instead of hanging out in the way like a add on.

 

I believe with the tow command system your trailer brakes will anti-lock just like your truck brakes. You never want your trailer brakes to lock. The best aftermarket system will not do this. Tow Command is the best.

 

Thank You for your response. I've read that if the dealer installs this option it would require a new master cylinder. Is that true and do you know why?

 

cause the tow command is integrated with the vehicles brakes

 

i definitely agree. i would not buy a superduty without the towcommand. especially pulling 10k pounds

 

Dont know exactly why but YES the kit comes with a different master cylinder. The TowCommand master cylinder has 1 more wire connection on the bottom than the basic (non TowCommand truck) one does. I bought my kit from www.powerstrokeshop.com

It was around $420 for the 'kit'. The kit includes a dash module, master cylinder and directions. My local Ford dealer installed it all for $311 (includes tax). I thought it was pricy when all done, but it works!

Dealer really needs to install and bleed master cylinder. The newer vehicles with ABS has to have a special scan tool to cycle the ABS valves to get air through and out of the system. Without the scan tool, you will not get all the air out of the system and might have the spongy brake pedal feel (which is the last thing you want when hauling a heavy trailer).

Also Ford dealer has to program your trucks computer to let it know it now has this feature.

TowCommand Diesel Kit #5C3Z19H332BA
TowCommand Gas Kit #5C3Z19H332AA

 

Get the tow command. Everything I've seen and heard is that's the best way to go. Either have 'em add it, or get one with it. You won't be dissapointed.

 

TowCommand is made by Tekonsha. I'd just buy the $100 Tekonsha Prodigy controller and call it good. Same electronics...very, very good brake controller and simple to install. Set it once and thats it. The decellerometers in the new controllers are very accurate. It is not necessary to tap into the hydraulics to get smooth braking. If you feel you need something that will "sense" when you apply the brakes better than the electronics, try one of these:

http://www.bestbrakecontroller.com/

 

I doubt it stew- there's no sensor on the trailer wheels to tell the controller one is locked or not.

 

Stew is kind of right. If the trucks ABS system kicks in it changes how the trialer brakes are applied too. I'm not sure if the trailer brakes pulse, or don't turn on at all, but they definitely do something different when the vehicles ABS kicks in. But you are right too Norcal, a locked up trailer brake will not set off the trucks ABS.

That is one of the big selling points of the integrated system, it really works well.

 

I think it's a cool idea though!

 

Get the Tow Command ! It works very Good, much better then adding an aftermarket setup, then mounting it, in your brand new truck,,Have your dealer install it,,or its a Deal Breaker! And look somewhere else. The tow command is a sweet setup for sure ! And Better yet no other truck has it !

 

Order the truck with it, get what you want on it...and then wait for it to come in.

I have never bought a vehicle off the showroom floor always ordered them and been much happier with them.