How to install a Brake Controller?
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 1,092
Likes: 33
How to install a Brake Controller?
Just picked up a small 5er. I need to install a brake controller. I was told that these older trucks did not come with preinstalled brake wiring and that the entire install has to be all hard wired....meaning there are no plug and play connectors.
Was considering the Tekonsha P3
Tekonsha - P3®
Are there plug and play adapters/connectors for OBS trucks, specially 1992? If so, do you have a vendor name/link?
This is all I could find that involves hardwiring on one end.....
http://www.tekonsha.com/products/bra...n30pJXsyWTZqGv
Was considering the Tekonsha P3
Tekonsha - P3®
Are there plug and play adapters/connectors for OBS trucks, specially 1992? If so, do you have a vendor name/link?
This is all I could find that involves hardwiring on one end.....
http://www.tekonsha.com/products/bra...n30pJXsyWTZqGv
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 7,437
Likes: 4
From: Charles Town, W bygod Va
You should have the connector under the ashtray. The older trucks have a different connector than the new stuff and I had a hard time finding the right one. I just cut it off and hard wired it. I figure it's one less failure point. I REALLY like the but connectors that have the heat shrink insulator on them. The ones like what comes with that adapter you linked can allow the wire to bend back and forth at the connector and eventually break. I believe they are bigger than they need to be also. The P3 is a very good controller.
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 1,092
Likes: 33
Are these instructions for a Tekonsha wiring harness for all of our OBS trucks (see link below)?
Does it depend on whether or not I have a tow package wiring?
If so, how do I know if I have the two package wiring?
http://www.tekonsha.com/support/installation/N15262.pdf
Does it depend on whether or not I have a tow package wiring?
If so, how do I know if I have the two package wiring?
http://www.tekonsha.com/support/installation/N15262.pdf
Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 200
Likes: 1
From: Hillsboro, OR
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 1,092
Likes: 33
Something on our trucks must have changed between '92 and '95 as the Tekonsha website states it will not fit a '92
Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 200
Likes: 1
From: Hillsboro, OR
This is the one Tekonsha says works for your '92, however, it is the same as mine, but without the controller end.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 1,092
Likes: 33
so is it the gray plug that connects under dash and bare wire end to Tekonsha controller? If that's the case, why wouldn't the one for your truck work on mine? It's just an additional plug for the controller, isn't it?
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 200
Likes: 1
From: Hillsboro, OR
That is correct. Look under your dash in the center for the female version. It's pretty easy to spot.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,219
Likes: 2
From: Elk City, OK
I dunno about the adapter or harness because my truck has one that came with it but I'd also like to know what adapter to get for my 88. I'm replying because I want to say the tekonsha P3 is what I run in my dodge Dually and I love it. Great controller that you can adjust on the fly and if you find the adapter harness they are a cinch to install. I recently pulled 9k on a bumper pull behind my Dually and the p3 rocked. The manual lever on the bottom is a lot easier to grab than most of the controllers I've used and actually prevented me from getting in a wreck when some chick pulled out in front of me while I was going 60 and it stopped on a dime. Just food for thought
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 23,666
Likes: 301
From: Easton,Ks
I do not think they ever came with a trailer plug under the dash.
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FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
91 and older trucks will require all trailer wiring be installed from scratch.. there is nothing pre existing. You can buy a T connector to connect the lighting to your trailer connector from a junction near the rear bumper but all brake controller wiring has to be run from the battery to the controller and on back to the trailer connector.
Fleet Owner
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 21,437
Likes: 76
From: Gilbert, PA
Also. for the 92-97 trucks in order for the trailer brake controller to plug in and work, you also will want the relay box under the hood. It attaches to the side of the undressed fuse box with 2 screws and has 2 relays in it. (12v and Backup)
here is my thread on it https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...er-wiring.html
here is my thread on it https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...er-wiring.html