Hi there,

I have a 2005 F350 lariet and it didn't come with the factory trailer brake/aux switch setup, all I have is shelf in it's place. I was just wondering that if I was to get the unit from Ford or somewhere else, is there a plug that would be behind my shelf that I could jhust plug the unit into or is there a few other things needing changing with that?

Thanks... Todd

 

you can problaly find something online, or pay alot at the dealership. you can buy the unit you are looking for @ Ford Parts Direct.com for $453
yes i believe that all you have to do is plug into the wire-harness behind the shelf that you currently have.

 

I don't believe that is all you have to do...If I recall, the master cylinder has to be replaced also as the Ford Trailer Brakes use it in conjunction with the tranny for towing. That's why it is $400 and change.

 

First, you are talking about two different options. You can do the brake controller, or you can do the upfitter switches, or you can do both.

The upfitters are a very common retro-fit and I think you can even find the instructions here on FTE.

The brake controller requires the dash control, the brake master cylinder, and programming the PCM to recognize it. There was a recent thread where a guy got a quote for $600 from the dealer to do the whole thing. I've seen higher prices too. You can save some of that, and assume all the risk, by buying the parts and doing the install, then get the dealer to program. Would not be my choice, but it can be done. Personally, I would just buy a Tekonsha P3.

Bill

 

I totally forgot about the reprogramming...I go along with bpounds about the purchase of the P3 instead!

 

There is way too much hardware to replace. I too looked into that same senario only to realize it is not an option.

Your best bet is to get a Tekonsha brake controller and mount it in the same cubby space.

 

Yes, I've seen them mounted in that cubby and it really looks nice - like it belongs there. Then for the upfitter switches, just do your own low profile switches like beerstalker.

Bill

 

what I ended up doing (regarding the brake controller) is not to compromise when I went shopping for my truck.
If the truck I was looking at didn't have the factory integraded brake controller, it wasn't a candidate my garage. That was a tough decision to make but well worth it, IMHO.