Heavy duty tow package

[RenegadeBad_Dog]

So we might have to go up to summerville sc it's a little over 100 miles away this weekend to clear out a storage unit. Is there a super easy way to tell if I have the heavy duty tow package. I know I probably won't come close to the limit on the truck but for future reference.

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[JExpedition07]

Factory 7 pin connector on the back and brake controller. Should also have aux trans cooler.

 

[LokiWolf]

Factory 7 pin connector on the back and brake controller. Should also have aux trans cooler.

What he said. Unless your storage facility is full of bricks, the non-heavy tow should carry/pull what you need in most cases.

 

[JExpedition07]

Agreed, the standard tow or “tow prep” is plenty for what your doing. They come from the factory with generous cooling and 6,600 LBS is plenty of capacity for most duties. Keep in mind if you are towing a 7 pin trailer with brakes you’d want to add a 7 pin connector/ brake controller, it’s done all the time and fairly easy. The wiring is all ready for you in the kick panel below the instrument cluster unless the location has been moved since the earlier 3rd gens.

 

[RenegadeBad_Dog]

Okay yeah I don't have the 7 pin or brake controller. I know it won't come close to the max weight but who knows maybe some day I will need it.

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[Jim Johnson]

Don't bother with trying to install the factory controller. It's really not that good. I went that route and am now going to switch to a Tekonsha Prodigy for the next towing season. I'm pulling a dual axle toy hauler full of musical gear.

 

[LokiWolf]

Don't bother with trying to install the factory controller. It's really not that good. I went that route and am now going to switch to a Tekonsha Prodigy for the next towing season. I'm pulling a dual axle toy hauler full of musical gear.

Prodigy is the best out there.

On the flip side I have used Fords factory controller for years. In an Expy for the past 2 years, and before that in my 2006 F250. I think it does a pretty good job for an OEM solution. Once properly calibrated I never had any issues.

 

[bobmbx]

I think the biggest factor in trailer brakes is....the trailer brake. If they suck, no controller is going to overcome that. And I see very little discussion about the quality of trailer brakes across the multitude of trailer manufacturers. Which just seems odd for some reason.

And in the end, all a trailer brake needs to do is apply the brake. Its not supposed to be a total load braking system. Its purpose is to control the trailer so you don't jack knife or sway out of control. Some controllers do a better job of controlling the application of the brake, like with bias control.

 

[chuck s]

I ran the Tekonsha Prodigy for 10 years in my 2007 Expedition and find the Ford controller in my 2017 to be every bit as good stopping the trailer with several additional features not available with Prodigy including settings for different trailers, tracking trailer mileage, detecting dead light bulbs on the trailer, and others I can't remember. And it doesn't stick down below the dashboard.

I adjust the brakes every spring.

Anyone wants my Prodigy make me an offer. It's in a soft case in a desk drawer. No cable but these are a $15 part.

-- Chuck