Brake controller

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

Solid_Hit

Member
Joined
Feb 2, 2011
Posts
12
Reaction score
0
Location
Anderson/Greenville SC
I just picked up an 03 EB - my first Expey and a replacement to an Envoy which just didn't do the trick.

I have the HD towing package (apparently) but need to install a brake controller. I will be towing a two horse trailer (and usually just one horse - total weight of ~3500lb). Any recommendation? Also, where is the plug located under the dash? I looked but didn't see an empty plug.
 
OP
OP
S

Solid_Hit

Member
Joined
Feb 2, 2011
Posts
12
Reaction score
0
Location
Anderson/Greenville SC
Thanks. It was by reading some other threads that I learned I had the HD towing package so ... yes, it has the 7 pin plug as well as the 4 pin flat.
 

Racenut

Full Access Members
Joined
Aug 25, 2010
Posts
582
Reaction score
5
Location
Deming, New Mexico
Even if you do not have the HD tow package you will have the pre wire for the brake controler.

Locate the OBDII port ( under steering wheel to right side) the pre wire conector will be connected to the metal bracket that holds the OBDII plug.
 

etrailer

Member
Joined
Oct 5, 2010
Posts
18
Reaction score
0
Location
Wentzville, MO
We sell a ton of brake controllers. The Tekonsha Prodigy line is our best seller.

I strongly recommend going with a proportional controller. They use little pendulums or accelerometers, the same thing in your smart phone that allows you to turn the phone and the display rotates the image.

A proportional controller reads the nose dip the vehicle takes when brakes are applied, the harder you brake, the harder the nose dips, the more power the controller sends back to the trailer. It keeps the whole braking operation smooth. You won't feel like the trailer is pushing or pulling on the truck when braking once you get the controller set up.

Here's an FAQ article that goes over the features and functions of a brake controller. Should be pretty helpful when shopping around.
http://www.etrailer.com/faq-brakecontroller.aspx

We also have a video of a controller being installed on a 2007 Expy. Should give you a good idea of the process.
http://www.etrailer.com/tv-brake-contoller-install-2007-ford-expedition.aspx
 

Stoned06

Full Access Members
Joined
Apr 2, 2008
Posts
997
Reaction score
34
Location
Milwaukee
I've heard the Prodigy is a good controller, but haven't had any experience with it as my trailer is surge brakes.
 

hautevue

Member
Joined
Aug 15, 2010
Posts
18
Reaction score
0
Location
Baltimore, MD
I concur w/etrailer. The Prodigy P-3 is a sweet little unit that mounts nicely (with two self-tapping screws) to the right of the steering column. The cable from the P-3 runs down, forward and then up into the Ford-supplied empty connector socket. I then used a few tie-ties to keep the cable up and out of the way of my leg.

The Prod can be mounted on an angle, so it will work nicely on the sloped dash panel to the right of the steering column. There are limits as to how much the angle can be--it cannot be mounted pointed straight up in the air. Some brake controllers cannot tolerate (read: won't work) mounting beyond a ten degree or so angle from horizontal. Check that out before purchase.

The P-3 is simple to set up and the instructions are very clear.

And for the record, I have no connection or affiliation with etrailer.
 

thevalleyboy

Full Access Members
Joined
Sep 25, 2010
Posts
158
Reaction score
5
Location
Calgary
cheap might not be the best answer, if you tow any amount of weight go with a good control, cheap ones are fine for light loads, but the better ones make a huge difference with more weight - just my 2 cents, then again I got my P3 at cost... you can also get a factory harness that simply plug in the to the back of the P3 and into the stock ford plug, no wiring, makes removing it the the winter a snap
 
Top