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trailer brake controller

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Old Jan 18, 2012 | 10:39 AM
  #1  
gogreenwave's Avatar
gogreenwave
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trailer brake controller

Hello,

I have an 08 ranger and I am getting ready to tow a small travel trailer. My state requires a trailer brake controller on trailers over 1500 lbs so I need to get one. I am concerned that wiring one up and mounting inside the cab will void the warranty, and the owners manual says the rangers elecrical system is not designed to have trailer brake controllers installed. Are there trailer brake controllers that just plug into the trailer wiring harness that I dont have to wire up? Plus would installing one really void the warranty?

Thanks,

Matt
 
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Old Jan 18, 2012 | 12:44 PM
  #2  
RV_Tech's Avatar
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From: Bristol, TN.
Originally Posted by gogreenwave
Hello,

I have an 08 ranger and I am getting ready to tow a small travel trailer. My state requires a trailer brake controller on trailers over 1500 lbs so I need to get one. I am concerned that wiring one up and mounting inside the cab will void the warranty, and the owners manual says the rangers elecrical system is not designed to have trailer brake controllers installed. Are there trailer brake controllers that just plug into the trailer wiring harness that I dont have to wire up? Plus would installing one really void the warranty?

Thanks,

Matt
Hi Matt,

I don't know Rangers, but is the manual saying your truck is not set up to tow or is it saying not to tow? If it is just telling you it is not prewired, that is not a big deal. It isn't that hard to wire in a controler. Accessories do not void a warranty unless it can be proven the accessory caused the problem. Again I would focus on what you manual says.

To directly answer your question regarding the controller, I believe this model will serve your intention Tekonsha Prodigy RF Brake Controller - Proportional - Trailer Mounted Tekonsha Brake Controller 90250.

Good luck,

Steve
 
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Old Jan 18, 2012 | 03:48 PM
  #3  
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ranger pat
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From: Elk River, MN
BRAKES NRS 484.593

• Trailers manufactured after July 1, 1975 with a gross weight of 1500 pounds or more must be
equipped with service brakes acting on all wheels with the ability to remain applied for at least
15 minutes, upon breakaway from the towing vehicle.

NV law is a little hard to understand, this cut and paste could be read that you need breakaway brakes only. I would call the NV highway patrol and see if you a brake controller, or just a functioning breakaway system on the trailer.
 
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Old Jan 18, 2012 | 03:59 PM
  #4  
RV_Tech's Avatar
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From: Bristol, TN.
Originally Posted by ranger pat
BRAKES NRS 484.593

• Trailers manufactured after July 1, 1975 with a gross weight of 1500 pounds or more must be
equipped with service brakes acting on all wheels with the ability to remain applied for at least
15 minutes, upon breakaway from the towing vehicle.

NV law is a little hard to understand, this cut and paste could be read that you need breakaway brakes only. I would call the NV highway patrol and see if you a brake controller, or just a functioning breakaway system on the trailer.
Sounds to me like it is saying both i.e. you must have service brakes and those brakes must have the noted capability.

Steve
 
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Old Jan 18, 2012 | 04:37 PM
  #5  
99F150's Avatar
99F150
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From: Sioux Falls SD
Originally Posted by gogreenwave
Hello,

I have an 08 ranger and I am getting ready to tow a small travel trailer. My state requires a trailer brake controller on trailers over 1500 lbs so I need to get one. I am concerned that wiring one up and mounting inside the cab will void the warranty, and the owners manual says the rangers elecrical system is not designed to have trailer brake controllers installed. Are there trailer brake controllers that just plug into the trailer wiring harness that I dont have to wire up? Plus would installing one really void the warranty?

Thanks,

Matt
What the manual is saying is that the truck is not pre wired for a controller (F150 has a pigtail that plugs in under dash and to a external controller).
You can add the aftermarket controller of your choice, any Ford dealer or RV dealer can sell and install this.
 
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