Need to add a trailer brake controller on a 2008

[richs fishes]

Will be towing a popup camper for the first time later this summer in my 08 EL Limited. I know there are some stock Ford brake controllers on the newer models. Any option like that available for the 2008 or am I looking aftermarket only?

 

[bobmbx]

Will be towing a popup camper for the first time later this summer in my 08 EL Limited. I know there are some stock Ford brake controllers on the newer models. Any option like that available for the 2008 or am I looking aftermarket only?

How heavy is your trailer?

 

[richs fishes]

How heavy is your trailer?

I dont recall off the top of my head....but not very. It has electric brakes from the factory.

 

[Flexpedition]

Aftermarket only, nothing factory for your 08.

If factory look is what you are after, maybe have a peek at RedArc Tow Pro Elite or Curt's Spectrum system.

Pretty much everything else is going to be a clumsy, tacked on box that you won't enjoy when not towing.



Mrs. Curt in her F150:

Red Arc in a random something:

 

[Traveler]

Oh man I like those! May have to look into an upgrade. My Expy came from the dealer with a previously installed box right under the ignition switch. My keys hang over it and bounce against it.

Sent from my LML413DL using Tapatalk

 

[richs fishes]

Aftermarket only, nothing factory for your 08.

If factory look is what you are after, maybe have a peek at RedArc Tow Pro Elite or Curt's Spectrum system.

Pretty much everything else is going to be a clumsy, tacked on box that you won't enjoy when not towing.



Mrs. Curt in her F150:
Red Arc in a random something:

Definitely like the idea of using something like that other than the others I've seen! thanks!

 

[chuck s]

Very nice looking installation. I used the wonderful Tekonsha Prodigy controller on my '02 Explorer and '07 Expedition. Doesn't mount anywhere nice as cleanly but is very competent. I was afraid the factory controller in my '17 would not match the Prodigy -- but it happily does and is out of the way.

Is your truck wired for electric brakes? That requires the HD Tow option. Easy way to tell is to verify there's a round 7-pole RV or "Bargman" wiring connector on the back bumper to the right of the trailer hitch receiver. If not you'll need some wiring -- much is already there, just not connected.

And you need the Ford "pigtail" to plug in under the dash and connect to whatever brake controller you use.

Avoid controllers that are not proportional like the one the trailer dealer puts on cars and trucks.

-- Chuck

 

[Traveler]

Actually the trailer dealer we got our RV from installed the brake controller in the Explorer and it is a tekonsha prodigy. Works quote well. Just wish the Explorer pulled as well as it stops!

Sent from my LML413DL using Tapatalk

 

[chuck s]

Sounds like you have a good dealer. Trailer dealers are notorious for installing $30 time-delay brake controllers claiming "no complaints" from customers.

I over-bought the HD tow-equipped Explorer to pull a 3500 pound popup and towed my much heavier hybrid for two seasons but I often felt I was flogging the poor beast and jumped to a HD Tow-equipped Expedition with nearly twice the towing capacity. The Explorer went off to college with my daughter for 4 year (plus 2 in grad school). Just unplugged the Prodigy from the Explorer and plugged it into the Expedition. Easy peasy -- but not as easy as the factory controller in the '17.

-- Chuck

 

[kyleaaronburkett]

I also use tekonsha prodigy, it bolts to the trailer so nothing is mounted inside your SUV. The brake button is wireless. It's really a beauty. I mounted the CB where the brake controller would have been on the inside.

***Edit: mine is the Prodigy RF, it's still proportional braking and has all the features but gets mounted to the trailer not the vehicle

 

[Jason Mankey]

I have been pretty happy with the Reese Brake-Evn. It is made by Tekonsha and sold under a couple different names. It's a proportional controller with a boost option and pretty small. It says it can handle up to 4 axles, but I am only using it for a single axle (3,500lb estimated loaded weight) pop up camper.

https://www.amazon.com/Reese-Towpower-8508211-Proportional-Brake-EVN/dp/B01M59QRWK

 

[richs fishes]

Is your truck wired for electric brakes? That requires the HD Tow option. Easy way to tell is to verify there's a round 7-pole RV or "Bargman" wiring connector on the back bumper to the right of the trailer hitch receiver. If not you'll need some wiring -- much is already there, just not connected.

And you need the Ford "pigtail" to plug in under the dash and connect to whatever brake controller you use.

Avoid controllers that are not proportional like the one the trailer dealer puts on cars and trucks.

-- Chuck

Yup I have the HD tow package.....or at the very least that 7 pin plug is back there so I should be good to go. Definitely going for a proportional controller....just not sure if I want to spend a lot more for the clean install, or go for something cheaper that will work but wont look quite as nice!

 

[TDGFordGuy]

If you're on the taller side like me, you need the leg room under the dash. I got a RedArc TowPro Elite; it has a SUPER clean install. I took pics as I removed mine from my 08 Expy K.R. due to total loss from repair shop damage. Here's some pics of my install; once completed all you see is the little knob under the 4x4 switch.

 

[TDGFordGuy]

HIDDEN 2nd SCREW UNDER HOOD RELEASE PULL vVv




metal kick panel reinstalled and screws ground flush.


All you see when completed

 

[ManUpOrShutUp]

If you're on the taller side like me, you need the leg room under the dash. I got a RedArc TowPro Elite; it has a SUPER clean install. I took pics as I removed mine from my 08 Expy K.R. due to total loss from repair shop damage. Here's some pics of my install; once completed all you see is the little knob under the 4x4 switch.
View attachment 32362 View attachment 32364 View attachment 32365 View attachment 32366

View attachment 32363

You went through all that trouble for a clean install and then cheaped out on the switch? That definitely needs a better looking switch.

 

[TDGFordGuy]

You went through all that trouble for a clean install and then cheaped out on the switch? That definitely needs a better looking switch.

How do you figure I "cheaped out" on the switch? I placed it in a place for a quick arm's reach for me as I am right handed. The knob is multi-function and can do everything a knee-knocker brake controller can do. It even learns the trailer brakes automatically during the first dozen or so braking events. It's supposed to be inconspicuous; not a monstrosity.

This knee-knocker???


Vs This Clean install?

 

[ManUpOrShutUp]

How do you figure I "cheaped out" on the switch? I placed it in a place for a quick arm's reach for me as I am right handed. The knob is multi-function and can do everything a knee-knocker brake controller can do. It even learns the trailer brakes automatically during the first dozen or so braking events. It's supposed to be inconspicuous; not a monstrosity.

This knee-knocker???
View attachment 32376 View attachment 32377

Vs This Clean install?
View attachment 32378

If you look back at your previous photo, it doesn't appear there's a cover on it. If the above photo, there is.

It is your vehicle though, isn't it? Good or bad, installed yourself or by an installer, it would your decision which switch is there, no?

 

[TDGFordGuy]

If you look back at your previous photo, it doesn't appear there's a cover on it. If the above photo, there is.

It is your vehicle though, isn't it? Good or bad, installed yourself or by an installer, it would your decision which switch is there, no?

Correct, my vehicle, I installed, I use it. The 08 Expy 4x4 doesn't have any blank switch knockouts etc... so I decided to place it near another accessory switch that I use just as much.

I don't see what all the hubbub is about the "switch"... there isn't a selection from the manufacturer. Like I said, it's a minimalist look to the KNOB. Out of the way of leg room.

They do offer a selection of inserts for the knob but like I said, no where to counter-sink the insert on an 08 Expy. Would have been nice if Ford offered an acc switch row like in the pickups. But Expeditions were marketed to buyers that wanted the giant 4x4 SUV with the "car feel".

https://www.redarc.com.au/tow-pro-switch-inserts