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I purchased a '16 AIRSTREAM to pull behind my '05 F150 Supercab. Anyone have any info on trailer brakes? How much do they cost? Cost to install? Do-it-yourself? Brands to look out for? thanks.
If brakes were not already on your trailer. it will be a PITA to install them. You have to identify axle mfgr and model, then find parts - backing plates, shoes, solenoids, & misc parts. May require welding backing plates to axle. Might be cheaper to install new axles! How much does this trailer weigh? If over the 3000# range, brakes are required in most states.....
I assume you were asking about the brake controler and wiring because I think the Airstream would have electric brakes.Your 05 should have a 7 pin connector in the rear and the Airstream should have a 7 pin male connector if this is the case your good to go.Your truck should a trailer brake harness that is packaged seperate with instructions.Good trailer brake 70-100.I like my Prodige.IF none is true I defer to alchymist. Larry
Sorry, it is the Brake Controller that I need. $70-100? The trailer is already set up with brakes. So this isn't something a dealer would have to install. I could do it myself? Is it just a plug-in deal?
Yes - the only wiring that I had to do was connecting the wiring harness provided by Ford to the controller to plug into my truck. Also, I think in order to have the built in wiring harness, the trailer tow package must have been installed at the factory. It is simple to determine. Look in the glove box and see if your truck came with a wiring harness and a relay to plug into the fuse box.
Yes I have the harness. I just didn't know if there was more involved than that. Suppose I should read the directions. I hate reading....too many words. thanks guys
I bought a Prodigy controller for $99 and a dedicated wiring harness for $10 and installed the whole thing in about 15 minutes to the plate on the bottom of the dash next to the emergency brake. Ordered from Rvwholesalers.com. I have used it for a year with no problems at all. (This assumes yo have the trailer towing package which is prewired. The plug is grey and near where the steering column comes through the firewall.
The Tekonsha Prodigy is an excellent controller. I also bought mine at rvwholesalers and used the wiring harness that Ford supplies with the truck. This then plugs into the connector under the dash. Be aware that the colors of the Ford wires mentioned in the Tekonsha instructions don't match those of the harness. Just make sure you wire up the wires with the intennded function(example: ground to ground, brake switch to brake switch, etc).
The other alternative is buying the prewired harness that the previous poster mentioned.
It mounts easily on a metal plate at the bottom of the dash beside the emergency brake release. Drill two little holes and mount the Prodigy controller mount (controller itself slips in and out without tools).
I also bought mine at rvwholesalers($99 + s/h) and used the wiring harness from Ford. No problems installing in my '05 screw, 30 minutes tops.
I pull a 2002 33ft. Terry ~7200 lbs.
I like the brake boost feature on the Tekonsha Prodigy
curious in how your truck handles that rig. what engine & gear you running and 2 or 4wd.
your comments on the truck performace would be appreciated as I am considering purchasing my 1st travel trailer.
thanks