I have an F-250 PSD with the trailer hitch and 2 connectors on the back. I assume that this is part ofthe Ford trailer package, I purchased the truck used.

Do I need a brake controller or is this feature built into the wireing harness? I'm assuming that the wireing connectors on the back of the truck are just for lighting, not braking. ???

thanks,

dave

 

If your pulling a trailer with electric brakes; Yes, you need a brake controller. Doing otherwise would be quite dangerous. There are many controllers to choose from. In my experience, the Tenkosha Prodigy is by far the best. The Jordan Ulitma is also good, i understand, but I have no first-hand experience with it. The Prodigy & Jordan both run around $125 - $150, vs. $70 - $100 for a lesser controller. The difference is remarkable. The Prodigy senses how quickly the truck is braking and applies the appropriate amount of brakes to the trailer.

The plug to attached the controller to is under the dash, just to the right of the steering column.

Jim

 

The round 7-pin plug has a connection for the trailer's electric brake. However, the trailer brakes will not work until you install a brake controller in the cab of your truck. You will need a brake-controller wire harness to connect the controller to a plug under the dash. If you are sitting on the driver side, the plug is located to the right of the steering wheel and roughly over the center hump. At least that's where it is in the '99 to '03 Superduties.

Also need to make sure the proper fuse(s) are installed in the fuse block. The under-dash wire harness for the controller is a standard item on the new Superduties. Mine was laying in the glove box in a plastic bag with some spare fuses and wiring instructions. Any Ford dealer or trailer shop should have the harnesses in stock if you can't find it.

If you have some wire connectors it's easy to install your own controller. I think it took me maybe 45 minutes to connect the harness to the controller and mount it in the cab. The fuses for the brake circuit and trailer battery recharge line were already installed in my truck when I bought it, but a few guys have said they were missing in theirs.

Make sure you get it fixed up-it's a lot less stressful and dangerous towing job when the trailer's brakes are working.

 

Thanks Guys,
I appreciate all of the help.

It was a while ago, but if I remember corectly, I did find a package of trailer components in the glove box. I believe there were 2 relays and a fuse or 2. I already installed them.

Yes, the trailer I plan on getting des in fact have ele. brakes. It's a 7x14' Haulmark Kodiak LS w/ tandem wheels.

I thought that the plug you guys are talking about was for conecting a scanner to check the truck for codes. Thanks for setting me straight.

Thanks again,

dave

 

I see the connector now.
Found a good picture--> http://www.etrailer.com/faq/fbc.asp
Thanks

 

Besdies the Prodigy, get their adapter cable as well. It has plugs on both ends that make installation a snap.

 

Take a look at E-bay, there are Tekonsha Prodigy controllers available for $99.00. As it is an inertial controller it will not be activated by your hazard lights. It also will handle up to 4 axels of braking.

 

I thought I would toss in my 2 cents. I tow a 21 foot, roughly 5,000 lbs emtpy toybox (travel trailer). On a friend's recommendation, I got the Prodigy and I just love it. It is a very good electric brake controller.

Steve

 

Thanks,
I Thet's the one I'll go with then.

Take care,

dave

 

My 2001 SD also had the wiring harness in a plastic bag when I bought it new. It was a snap to hook my Prodigy to it...

- The harness connects the cannon plug under the dash to your brake controller... If you don't have the harness Prodigy has pre-wired harnesses for many Make/Year models for a small price.

- I also had 2 relays and 2 fuses in my plastic bag... 1 relay/fuse was for the trailer brake power line & 1 relay/fuse was for the charging line. For campers, this recharges the on-board batteries while you are rolling.

- The Prodigy is a really good controller. As stated above, once you use trailer brakes you will not go back. They make stopping an easy process and reduce the wear & tear on the truck brakes.

Good luck and good towing.

Edmo

 

http://www.brakecontroller.com/

Prodigy for $125 with free second day air shipping.