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I'm working on getting my 2012 E350 tow ready. I'm inclined towards the OEM trailer brake controller, mainly due to the clean look, but I'm not sure if there are any other challenges associated with installing one. Anyone have any suggestions?
Also, does an F250 controller from say a 2010 work on the vans?
Using factory wiring would sure be better than running wires down the frame of your van
I would not plan on using a 2010 brake controller on a 2012
Unless you find both EVTMs and verify exact same wiring and operation
I would get a new factory brake controller for your 2012 before you cannot
You will need to change the configuration (programming) in the IPC (cluster) to use a factory brake controller. This can be done with Forscan but may require some work to determine the proper setting. I helped a guy do this on an early 2000s Econoline....and it was not too difficult.
There may be factory trailer wiring running from the front floorboard to a plug a couple of feet from then bumper. The 7 pin trailer plug and harness can be salvaged from a junkyard. Spend some time reading posts on factory trailer wiring....it's similar on all Ford trucks and vans.
Let me know if you want to go with a factory controller and look for my previous post with the configuration change data (called as built data).
Here are the Forscan changes for a 2010-2012 adding TBC. This information is also somewhere on the FTE forum but the search function can be cumbersome.
It sounds like the OP is aware of all this but I'd like clarification on Don Ridley's reply.
Originally Posted by Don Ridley
There may be factory trailer wiring running from the front floorboard to a plug a couple of feet from then bumper. The 7 pin trailer plug and harness can be salvaged from a junkyard. Spend some time reading posts on factory trailer wiring....it's similar on all Ford trucks and vans.
Don't all later E-350 vans have a trailer connector on the frame above the left rear axle? Is that the terminal of pre-wiring you called out? This adapter harness - https://www.etrailer.com/Custom-Fit-...dy/118243.html - should make it plug and play to the bumper/hitch. The application guide says 2008 and later but it works in our 2007. There's a corresponding connector for a brake controller in the driver footwell described on page 95-2 of the 2007 EVTM if it matters to brake controller selection:
It sounds like the OP is aware of all this but I'd like clarification on Don Ridley's reply.
Don't all later E-350 vans have a trailer connector on the frame above the left rear axle? Is that the terminal of pre-wiring you called out? This adapter harness - https://www.etrailer.com/Custom-Fit-...dy/118243.html - should make it plug and play to the bumper/hitch. The application guide says 2008 and later but it works in our 2007. There's a corresponding connector for a brake controller in the driver footwell described on page 95-2 of the 2007 EVTM if it matters to brake controller selection:
Sixto
07 E350 5.4 200k miles
Yes, those are the connectors. BUT, the connector by the axle may be different. My '97 won't work with the e-trailer kit. The connector at the kick panel seems to be the same for every truck/van. The OEM brake controller needs another connector with CAN network wires. All of this can be ironed out of the OP wants to proceed. A quick Google search shows the OEM TBC is about $350.
I really appreciate everyone's replies. Lots of insight from experienced members. I'll probably grab the 7 pin connector and harness from a van or truck at a junkyard. As far as the OEM brake controller itself, the only issue is cost. A new one is around $300. The 08 and up F250 and F350 are around $70 for a used one and appear to have the same connector and shape, but not sure if they're compatible. I'll be sure to post updates when I'm done with the project.
