Factory trailer brake controller.
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New User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 16
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From: Central Louisiana
Factory trailer brake controller.
I am considering purchasing a factory TBC for my 2010 STX R.C. Is it plug and play or do I have to get something activated at the dealership? Or is the aftermarket under dash easier and better to use? I'm considering purchasing an ultralight 26' RV to tow with my truck. Also is it advisable to add airbag helpers to the rear suspension?
Cross-Country
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 87
Likes: 2
This is not going to answer your question, it's just something I ran into once. I helped someone bring home a brand new Airstream Camper. I had a Ford with the factory trailer brake box. There was something not compatible, so the brakes did not work like they should have. I would look into what type of trailer brakes the camper you intend to buy has.
This must have been a rather unique situation... The person ended up buying a full size Toyota and pulling the camper. I don't recall if it had a factory break box or if it was aftermarket.
I personally have pulled a 20" flat deck trailer and 2 different dump trailers with my factory box. I like it very much. It's a must have option for me.
This must have been a rather unique situation... The person ended up buying a full size Toyota and pulling the camper. I don't recall if it had a factory break box or if it was aftermarket.
I personally have pulled a 20" flat deck trailer and 2 different dump trailers with my factory box. I like it very much. It's a must have option for me.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 11,931
Likes: 180
there are two DIFFERNT wire diagrams for trailers.. One is a CAMPER or CAR TRAILER.. the other is a HORSE TRAILER... All they do is switch the BRAKE wire with another, I think the BACKUP.... so the BRAKEs don't work if you have the wrong trailer.. Its not that hard to change the trailer wire to match the trucks.
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 9,111
Likes: 3
From: Lexington Mo
That function does need to be activated. You can do it yourself with Forscan, and it's a free download, and you'll need a usb/obd2 adapter, or you're dealer will do it for an hour labor. At least I was charged an hour.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,493
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there are two DIFFERNT wire diagrams for trailers.. One is a CAMPER or CAR TRAILER.. the other is a HORSE TRAILER... All they do is switch the BRAKE wire with another, I think the BACKUP.... so the BRAKEs don't work if you have the wrong trailer.. Its not that hard to change the trailer wire to match the trucks.
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 510
Likes: 21
From: Clinton TN.
No they are not, the red and blue wire need to be switched. On our F550 plug in the brand new goose neck trailer the brakes were locked up, the F550 is wired the same way as my F150 is since the 7 pin to 6 pin I bought had to switch the wires to pull out Bobcat trailer which btw is wired the same as the goose neck.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,045
Likes: 21
From: The Ole' North State.
Everyone else touched on the trailer brake and the wiring so I'll leave that alone. On the airbags though, they may be a good idea to get it leveled out if it rides too low in the rear with the trailer. Also, I assume you are planning on using a weight distribution hitch for that trailer, if not you might want to check that out, before you look into airbags.
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New User
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I installed a factory TBC to tow my 20 foot travel trailer; long story short I installed the control, my truck had the "accessory pack" under the seat with the relay(s) and circuit beaker which live in the distribution box under the hood. The parts came in a bag with very good instructions. then, as stated earlier, you need to activate the TBC function thru the use of Forscan- which took me all of one minute. Or a dealer will gladly do that for you, and most likely charge a flat fee which will make your jaw drop. For one minute of work.....
The Forscan software is pretty easy to install and use on a laptop; if you are going to keep said truck a while it is a nice thing to have.
The Forscan software is pretty easy to install and use on a laptop; if you are going to keep said truck a while it is a nice thing to have.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 4,093
Likes: 14
From: Lind, WA- Eastern WA
My buddy tows a 24 ft RV during hunting season. He uses a weight dist. hitch. This past hunting season we went into a lot of mountains, so after we got the camp set-up he dropped his 2017 F150 and had air bags installed. It made a world of difference in the handling, and the truck is always level now. We even carried two pallets of pavers with no problems. Of course you still have the extra braking distance too.
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,979
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From: Montana
x2 on the airbags. My 27' toy hauler made my old '10 FX4 squat pretty bad... Hell, it makes my '13 f-250 squat some; that is, until I inflate my airbags... World of difference in control. Weight distr. hitch helps a bunch, too.
My experience with the factory brake controllers has been very good, and most of the reviews I've ever ready about them fawn over their ease of use and integration with the truck... I'd stay away from the aftermarket route based on this alone. Not to say aftermarket is no good. The factory piece is just really good.
My experience with the factory brake controllers has been very good, and most of the reviews I've ever ready about them fawn over their ease of use and integration with the truck... I'd stay away from the aftermarket route based on this alone. Not to say aftermarket is no good. The factory piece is just really good.
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