2019 trailer brake controller question

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Dec 30, 2020 | 07:06 PM

Kevin Barre

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2019 trailer brake controller question

Hi All--
I just bought a 2019 XLT with trailer tow package and backup assist but NOT the in-dash trailer brake controller. I want to add that, and I want a genuine Ford part. I also don't want to pay dealership price for the part. Used ones are available on eBay but I want to make sure I get the right part. It SEEMS as though the controller is different depending on whether the truck has backup assist or not. Anyone know for sure, and if so, what the right part is? Thanks in advance

Dec 31, 2020 | 09:42 AM

GABAR

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Joined: Dec 2016

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From: GA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevin Barre

Don’t go the cheap route by purchasing a used one.

Go on Ebay to the Fairway Ford store and buy one.

You can give them a call and they’ll make sure you have the correct part.

Their prices are usually cheaper than your local dealer and they also offer free shipping on most items.

By purchasing one from an actual Ford dealer online, you eliminate the chances of purchasing a counterfeit part.

Another thing you can do is find the correct part number from your local dealer and then use that same part number to do an online search.

I hope this info helps you out.

Dec 31, 2020 | 09:59 AM

PupnDuck

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Jul 2005

Posts: 1,470

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From: Staten Island, NY

You do understand that this is not a plug-and-play installation, right?
The controller has to be programmed into the truck. You can have a dealer do it for an obscene amount of money - usually 1 hour of shop time or you can do it yourself using Forscan.

Dec 31, 2020 | 10:45 AM

seville009

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if you purchased your truck new from a dealer, I’d suggest contacting them and asking what the price would be for the complete purchase/installation/activation would be. Can’t hurt to ask; they might give you a good deal.

Also - if you have Fordpass points, most likely those can be used towards the cost.

Jan 4, 2021 | 09:44 AM

99powerstrokedF250

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Even at a different dealer than where we bought the truck, I paid $100 to have the brake controller installed and programmed into my wife's 2019. Frankly, it's worth it for them to do it since I don't have a way to activate it myself.

Jan 4, 2021 | 12:52 PM

diesel_dan

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From: Foothills, CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by 99powerstrokedF250

That is a Great price if it was $100 for part + install + programing at a dealer! I've read of a number folks that bought and installed the TBC, and then went to the dealer and got charged that Just for the programing...! Forscan can enable the TBC as well - helped a friend do his: $18 for the cable USB -> OBDII with bus switch, and free Forscan download (had to get the temp developers license), but it worked just fine...

Jan 4, 2021 | 02:25 PM

99powerstrokedF250

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Quote:

Originally Posted by diesel_dan

It helps to have a good/great working relationship with the dealer service department. It is a Ford/Ram dealer, and her truck is under factory warranty and I have the Ram Lifetime Maxxcare extended warranty on the PowerWagon, so we are in there for oil changes and the like quite often. I also have to travel a lot for work, so I just don't have the time I used to have to put into doing my own maintenance. I'm pretty sure they just didn't charge for either the part or the labor, I'm not sure which.

It also helps that, for the next several years, my wife will have one of the general manager's kids in her classroom...