installing factory trailer brake control
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New User
Joined: May 2002
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installing factory trailer brake control
I just picked up a new XLT F150, it has the trailer town package on it, but not the max tow package so it didn't come with the factory trailer brake control. When I was picking the truck up I asked about getting it put in, it was just under $500 to get it installed, the part alone is $175 or so.
Is this hard to put in? Or does it have to be programmed once it's in so you're going to end up paying some dealer shop time anyway? The dealer quoted install price allowed for a couple of hours to put it in
thanks in advance
Is this hard to put in? Or does it have to be programmed once it's in so you're going to end up paying some dealer shop time anyway? The dealer quoted install price allowed for a couple of hours to put it in
thanks in advance
New User
Joined: Apr 2002
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On the last generation of trucks, you removed the trim around where the controller goes and took out two screws that held the cubby in. The connector was on the back of the cubby, hook it to the controller and reverse the process. I seem to remeber that some of the connectors were back in the dash. You had to have the tow package for this to be an option on the last generation, otherwise the wiring wasn't there for the controller. You then had to take it to ford and have them turn it on which does not take very long. I want to say it cost me $40 to have them turn it on but that has been a few years ago.
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New User
Joined: May 2002
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I may have to look at that - do you have a link?
If you don't mind, I'd like to know how the install went & what the dealer charges for setting up once installed..
If you don't mind, I'd like to know how the install went & what the dealer charges for setting up once installed..
Cross-Country
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 70
Likes: 5
I haven't done it yet.
If you search " 2015 ford f150 trailer brake" on eBay they pop right up.
It looks to be a fairly simple DIY install.
Some of them mention in the description that the dealer charges about $45 to flash the computer.
If you search " 2015 ford f150 trailer brake" on eBay they pop right up.
It looks to be a fairly simple DIY install.
Some of them mention in the description that the dealer charges about $45 to flash the computer.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,710
Likes: 77
From: Central Florida
On the F150 the install is easy, except it did require a computer flash. I would call a couple Ford dealers, the price for the Unit, Install and Flash varied a lot.
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Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2015
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It took less than 10 minutes to put mine in. I ordered it from EBAY which was a Ford parts place in CT. It arrived in 3 days and is OEM. I had a problem with my seat and pretty much guilted the dealer into flashing it for free. It is all set now. Real easy to install after removing bottom left screw on the lower middle section. Peel back the plastic under the left side center AC vent. Plugs right in but until the flash is useless. They did tell me is was a 2hr charge for labor but I did not have to pay so 135.00 was my total cost to get her tow ready.
5th Wheeling
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Massachusetts
I got mine on EBay for $104 and installed it in about 20min. I took it to the dealer yesterday to get it flashed and they charged a half hour of labor ($58.50).
My question is how do I know it's been activated? I didn't notice any additional menus after the flashing? Do I need to connect the trailer to see it?
My question is how do I know it's been activated? I didn't notice any additional menus after the flashing? Do I need to connect the trailer to see it?
Cross-Country
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 82
Likes: 1
I too have the tow package but not Max tow so the controller was not there. I got one on Ebay shipped for under $100 that came in about 2 days. There is a very helpful video on youtube that shows how to take the panel off and install it. It is winter here and I am not towing now but I do need to get the computer flashed and I should be good to go.
5th Gear
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Hi folks. Lots of knowledge and experience with you guys. We just ordered a 2016 Sunseeker RV based on the E450 cut-a-way chassis that comes with a receiver hitch and 7 pin trailer connector and no controller. I want to follow the same procedure with an OEM brake controller and pay a dealer to tell the on board computer it now has a brake controller. No one on the RV website had tried this. They say the harness is behind the coin holder next to the up fitter switch blanks but they install an aftermarket controller.
Is there any reason I can't go with OEM? I prefer things to look factory unless it just isn't possible. Thoughts?
Is there any reason I can't go with OEM? I prefer things to look factory unless it just isn't possible. Thoughts?