Trailer brake question

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Oct 2, 2009 | 09:00 AM

#16

UGA33

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Joined: Sep 2006

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From: Cartersville, Ga

Quote:

Originally Posted by george6488

The factory setup would be a little too pricey for me unless I was hauling a trailer daily.
I (personally) would opt for the aftermarket brake controller and spend the extra dollars on a vacation.

My 2009 F-150 Platinum came with the trailer brake controller option......it was an factory option for $230.00

I get parts at cost from my dealer (know the dealership owner) and it really boils down to the Ford brake controller system being the best I have ever towed with so I want my grandfather-in-law to have the same joy as I do.

Oct 6, 2009 | 09:23 PM

#17

VigII

Trailering

Joined: Sep 2009

Posts: 24

Likes: 3

Quote:

Originally Posted by george6488

The factory setup would be a little too pricey for me unless I was hauling a trailer daily. I (personally) would opt for the aftermarket brake controller and spend the extra dollars on a vacation.

I thought about it that way too for a while cause I usually fall deeply into the frugal catagory. But over the years, I've been there when s(tuff) happens. The added 'insurance' that comes along with the factory setup is the truck's electronics. I understand that sway control integrates the trailer's brakes. With family or friends on board when a situation occurs because of some unforeseen event, I'll know at least I took all the capabilities they've built into this truck to the fullest advantage. The electronics will respond way faster than my aging reflexes will. I guess I'm hoping it's a peace of mind thing that will keep that vacation a vaction.

Oct 17, 2009 | 09:44 PM

#18

UGA33

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From: Cartersville, Ga

Installed the brake controller Thursday and all went well. Kind of scary to take the dash components off a brand new truck, but it turned out nice. Dealer had the instrument cluster programmed in 5 minutes. Thanks again guys for all the information.

Oct 19, 2009 | 07:24 PM

#19

spinrbait

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Joined: Apr 2009

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my bass boat trailer has breaks on it. are y'all saying the breaks won't work with a ford without a break controller in the truck? i am pulling my boat now with a 98 ford and the breaks on my trailer work. i am considering a new 09 150 myself. but not if i can't pull my boat.
spinrbait

Oct 19, 2009 | 10:51 PM

#20

tvsjr

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Joined: Feb 2005

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What are breaks, at least in the context of a trailer? I've seen trailer BRAKES...

Oct 20, 2009 | 07:32 AM

#21

spinrbait

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Joined: Apr 2009

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Quote:

Originally Posted by tvsjr

What are breaks, at least in the context of a trailer? I've seen trailer BRAKES...

ok, funny. but do you know the answer?
spinrbait

Oct 20, 2009 | 08:28 AM

#22

curtw48

Senior User

Joined: Apr 2002

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From: Alvin, Texas, usa

Spinrbait,

What kind of brakes are on your boat trailer? If you have electric brakes, then you must have a controller in your present truck for them to work. If they are the inertia kind, with a master cylinder on the hitch, then they will work regardless of whether or not you have a brake controller.

Oct 20, 2009 | 09:12 AM

#23

spinrbait

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Joined: Apr 2009

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Quote:

Originally Posted by curtw48

thanks for the info. i'm not sure but i have a feeling they are inertia. fwiw, it is a standard ranger boat trailer. i use a 5 pin connector. i was under the impression, it works in tandem with the break lights.
spinrbait