Add Trailer Brake Controller
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Tuned
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 375
Likes: 16
Add Trailer Brake Controller
Howdy,
Purchased my 2019 truck new in September. My truck does not have a tow package or trailer brake controller.
Wondering how much it would cost to add a trailer brake controller?
Appreciate the input.
Purchased my 2019 truck new in September. My truck does not have a tow package or trailer brake controller.
Wondering how much it would cost to add a trailer brake controller?
Appreciate the input.
New User
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 21
Likes: 3
You can add a Ford brake controller or an aftermarket controller that will plug into the same harness. I have a Tekonsha P3 proportional brake controller (about $100) and a special adapter ($10) for the P3 to connect to the Ford brake controller harness plug under the dash. Took me about an hour to install it.
I can't speak to the performance or cost of the Ford controller (other than LOTS of folks think it is excellent), but I can tell you the P3 is also highly regarded, highly customizable, and easy to use. I have had mine for quite a while - it was on previous F150 - and it has always worked flawlessly. I think the Ford controller gives you some integrated features (and a ready-made slot in the dash) that make it an attractive offer, but I don't know the details. I was happy enough with my P3 that I didn't look into the Ford controller.
I can't speak to the performance or cost of the Ford controller (other than LOTS of folks think it is excellent), but I can tell you the P3 is also highly regarded, highly customizable, and easy to use. I have had mine for quite a while - it was on previous F150 - and it has always worked flawlessly. I think the Ford controller gives you some integrated features (and a ready-made slot in the dash) that make it an attractive offer, but I don't know the details. I was happy enough with my P3 that I didn't look into the Ford controller.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 5,889
Likes: 360
From: Mts. S. of San Francisco
The main advantage to the OEM controller is that it integrates with the console in front of the steering wheel, and it applies braking proportional to the brake pedal pressure. Almost all the after-market controllers (like the Teconsha) is that they need to be mounted level, and they apply brake pressure relative to inertia.
New User
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 21
Likes: 3
The main advantage to the OEM controller is that it integrates with the console in front of the steering wheel, and it applies braking proportional to the brake pedal pressure. Almost all the after-market controllers (like the Teconsha) is that they need to be mounted level, and they apply brake pressure relative to inertia.
I don't tow heavy -- just a 19' I/O fiberglass boat on a single axle trailer -- so I generally don't notice much difference in breaking with my trailer attached or without. I do have my P3 adjusted pretty well for my trailer, though, I think.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 5,889
Likes: 360
From: Mts. S. of San Francisco
That is interesting. I can see how the console integration would be nice (although I'm not entirely sure what all that gets you), but it seems like the inertia controlled-braking would not be much different... I imagine that brake pedal pressure is highly correlated with deceleration (which drives the inertial controller). Do the integrated controllers just have better responsiveness?
I don't tow heavy -- just a 19' I/O fiberglass boat on a single axle trailer -- so I generally don't notice much difference in breaking with my trailer attached or without. I do have my P3 adjusted pretty well for my trailer, though, I think.
I don't tow heavy -- just a 19' I/O fiberglass boat on a single axle trailer -- so I generally don't notice much difference in breaking with my trailer attached or without. I do have my P3 adjusted pretty well for my trailer, though, I think.
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