After market brake controller
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 205
Likes: 22
After market brake controller
I have a 2016 Lariat and am considering a dump trailer. Not a big one, just a 5 x 10 rated at 7000 pounds. I was told I need a brake controller for the brakes to even activate. Well I don't have one. This place does offer an after market brake controller that's plug and play. Not very expensive so that's no issue. Does anyone have one of these? Does it work well? Does it get installed in the dash to look factory or does it hang there where you can tuck it up under the dash when not in use?
Elder User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 812
Likes: 1
From: Northwest Florida
Your post dtdnt have a link to the controller you mentioned. That said, yes, you'd definitely want control of trailer brakes. Just do a little research to decide which one, but please don't tow that much weight without one!
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 205
Likes: 22
Very good point and I have a good reason for not posting that info. I don't know what they are offering. It's one they sell and have had very good luck with, that's all I know. I've never had a truck with a brake controller so I'm learning here. When I think back at some of the things I did, I'm amazed I'm still alive! I just didn't want some ugly thing hanging in my cab... well, except for me that is.
Cross-Country
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 55
Likes: 2
I would strongly recommend one of the factory integrated brake controllers from Ford. I think they can be added to most trucks. They are not overly expensive. I added one to my 2018 XLT. It’s not hard to install and will have to be activated by the dealer or with Forscan. They work good and look much better than an aftermarket hanging under the dash.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 205
Likes: 22
I spoke with the trailer place again this afternoon. The sell a Tekonsha controller. Supposed to be very good. The thing that really appealed to me is, I can set it on the floor when I'm using it and unplug it and throw it in the glove box when I don't need it. Just tuck the wires up under the dash. That's great because I won't have need for this all the time. Next truck (maybe in 2 years?) will have a factory set up but for now, this will do just fine. Thanks for the input!
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,950
Likes: 510
From: Foothills, CA
I spoke with the trailer place again this afternoon. The sell a Tekonsha controller. Supposed to be very good. The thing that really appealed to me is, I can set it on the floor when I'm using it and unplug it and throw it in the glove box when I don't need it. Just tuck the wires up under the dash. That's great because I won't have need for this all the time. Next truck (maybe in 2 years?) will have a factory set up but for now, this will do just fine. Thanks for the input!
My $.02
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Lead Driver
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 5,875
Likes: 357
From: Mts. S. of San Francisco
We had a Teconsha at first, but I didn't like it b/c it bumped my knee, and it did not integrate into the dash/trailer info screen. So I ditched it and put in the factory controller, which has a nice little spot on the lower part of the dash, plus the truck tells you what it's doing. Better overall.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 1,364
Likes: 410
I had a Teconsha Prodigy 2 on my previous YukonXL. Worked fine and as intended. That said, I much prefer my integrated one.
This is what I had
https://www.etrailer.com/Brake-Contr...waAvfAEALw_wcB
This is what I had
https://www.etrailer.com/Brake-Contr...waAvfAEALw_wcB
More Turbo
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 618
Likes: 257
From: Stow, MA
Whatever you go with, you probably don't want it setting on the floor. There are times that you will want to manually activate it, as well as adjusting the gain, and for either of these you want it rigidly mounted. I put a Tekonsha on my previous F150 and it worked fine, but I much prefer the factory TBC in my F250.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 998
Likes: 23
From: Tennessee
I agree with all of these posts above. I have used Prodigy brake controllers for years. I would not lay it in the floor but would mount it and remove as needed.
I think I am going to install the Ford integrated controller in the F150.
I think I am going to install the Ford integrated controller in the F150.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 223
Likes: 34
From: Arizona
I agree with the others here, you will be far happier with the Ford one mounted in the dash. Its fully integrated with the vehicle and very convenient to use while driving. There are great YouTube videos out there for the install. 30 min install with my 12 year old son on our previous truck that did not have one. Time well spent.
As for Forscan, there is probably a forum member local to you that wouldn't mind helping if you don't want to get into all that.
As for Forscan, there is probably a forum member local to you that wouldn't mind helping if you don't want to get into all that.
5th Wheeling
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 30
Likes: 4
I don't think an aftermarket brake controller would work correctly if it was just lying on the floor. The units I had experience with required a rigid mount and had to be set up with it's mounting angle taken into account. The unit relies on sensing rate of deceleration to apply braking voltage.
Get the OEM unit, no worries
Timm
Get the OEM unit, no worries
Timm