Installing trailer brake controller

[texasgary]

2012 Expy XLT. Need to install trailer brake controller. I have the 4 way at the back but want a 6 or 7 way. I see a bundle marked brake at the back and it is not connected. Does this imply that I can mount a plug and play unit at the front? Appears I can't use the Ford OEM as my dash isn't properly designed to accommodate the unit. I would really prefer to install this myself. If I do, is it really necessary to have the computer flashed?

 

[bricekin]

I'm semi-curious about this myself. I very rarely pull anything but I know that there is a trailer brake harness in the dash of my 07. Never checked at the rear of the vehicle but would assume there to be one as well.

 

[BIGRED03]

I now have a 2012 as well and have considered installing the factory unit that fits at the bottom of AC controls just above the console. Why can't you use the factory unit? On line it looks like the OEM and aftermarket unit are near the same in price. For compatibility issues alone I would strongly consider the OEM over aftermarket unless there was a major reason. I have a friend that has a 8000lb camper that wants me to use it so let me know what you decide and the details.

 

[gears351]

On my 07 it's got the tow package but didn't come with an in-dash controller, after looking around for a nice place to mount it I realized that since I only use it once or twice a year I'd just plug in the pigtail harness and let it set in the little tray ahead of the shifter on the consol. Worked great, now it's unplugged and stored in the back storage compartment waiting for our next vacation.

 

[texasgary]

Follow up question

Are you talking about the panel below the cigarette lighter? On one product I saw it said it replaced the coin holder. In my case that sucker is only about the size of a quarter. If below the cigarette lighter does it fill the opening?

Thanks

 

[texasgary]

I looked up the window sticker for the VIN. Says it has a class 4 trailer towing package. Seems odd that it only has a 4 way plug at the rear or is that the norm?

 

[chuck s]

The connector is under the dash on the drivers side. Tekonsha Prodigy P2 or P3 will plug right in with the proper connector available with the controller.



You'll need the Ford (or Etrailer) kit at the back of the truck if you don't have HD tow which includes the round Bargman connector.

-- Chuck

 

[bricekin]

The connector is under the dash on the drivers side. Tekonsha Prodigy P2 or P3 will plug right in with the proper connector available with the controller.


You'll need the Ford (or Etrailer) kit at the back of the truck if you don't have HD tow which includes the round Bargman connector.

-- Chuck

Yep... that looks like the plug I've got under my dash. Have the remote start wired into that harness for parking light illumination and brake shut down.

 

[BIGRED03]

The bottom part next to the console is a sconce or filler piece were the controller goes. I too have the HD Class 4 hitch with the round and the oval connectors factory installed. The 4x4 models had the controller installed at the factory for some reason the 2wd did not get it even with the upgraded towing package. I went too look at one on the dealers lot and it looks like a simple installation for the upgrade. I will do some research on the part number and then find a discount parts dealer for Ford. Ebay has several around the country that will sell oem parts heavily discounted. For example I needed a new turbo part for my diesel truck for $525.00 at my local Ford dealer and bought it on ebay from a Midwest Ford dealer for $199.00 plus $25.00 shipping and no tax.

 

[MoHawk]

I'm also curious

 

[RI-Matt]

Here is a pic of the factory brake controller. It wasn't available until 2012, prior to that your only option was an aftermarket controller plugged in under the dash. I believe the factory one is tied into the message center and shows when a trailer is hooked up.




Matt

 

[bricekin]

If I were going to do this, I'd want the factory controller.

Matt, a wonderful wealth of information as usual.

 

[MoHawk]

etrailer.com has all sorts of plug an play options and includes installation videos and other info.

 

[texasgary]

The bottom part next to the console is a sconce or filler piece were the controller goes. I too have the HD Class 4 hitch with the round and the oval connectors factory installed. The 4x4 models had the controller installed at the factory for some reason the 2wd did not get it even with the upgraded towing package. I went too look at one on the dealers lot and it looks like a simple installation for the upgrade. I will do some research on the part number and then find a discount parts dealer for Ford. Ebay has several around the country that will sell oem parts heavily discounted. For example I needed a new turbo part for my diesel truck for $525.00 at my local Ford dealer and bought it on ebay from a Midwest Ford dealer for $199.00 plus $25.00 shipping and no tax.

If you find one I'd sure appreciate the info on both the part and the source. Thanks

 

[texasgary]

Here is a pic of the factory brake controller. It wasn't available until 2012, prior to that your only option was an aftermarket controller plugged in under the dash. I believe the factory one is tied into the message center and shows when a trailer is hooked up.




Matt

Great photo. My dash has a flat panel where yours has the sculpted area around the controller. Do you know if the factory controller comes with the panel or do I need to order a separate panel?

Thanks

 

[VTfireftr]

As I posted in the towing thread, Adding the OEM brake controller requires more than just the panel and electronics on the dash. You also have to change out the brake master cylinder and have the GEM reprogrammed.

In my 2008, I just added a Prodigy under the dash in the area of the OBD port. When I'm not treilering, I just remove the controller. This setup works great, but not as good as my F250 Powerstroke diesel with an OEM brake controller.

 

[dave1963]

Wired a 2007 Expy-el with prodigy P2 controller

I have a 2007 Expy-el that came with the tow package, class IV hitch. But, at the back there was a 4 blade and a wire stub marked brake. I needed a round 7 way connector to pull a trailer. The signals that were lacking were the reverse lights, maybe not needed, and the charge line for the trailer. Nice of Ford to run those to the left hand wheel well and no further. Also missing are the fuse and relay for the trailer battery charging circuit. SO.....ford wanted $200 to run that wire. I went and bought some split loom and wire, the relay and the fuse and did it myself for $25 and about an hour. The wire that does the trailer battery charging is orange and is in top of the connector. I slaved into the reverse lights in the tail light. The remainder of the connections were at the back. A bit of solder, heatshrink and some tie wraps and I was done. It took maybe an hour. I apologize for not having pictures to show....

 

[01yellerCobra]

I have a 2007 Expy-el that came with the tow package, class IV hitch. But, at the back there was a 4 blade and a wire stub marked brake. I needed a round 7 way connector to pull a trailer. The signals that were lacking were the reverse lights, maybe not needed, and the charge line for the trailer. Nice of Ford to run those to the left hand wheel well and no further. Also missing are the fuse and relay for the trailer battery charging circuit. SO.....ford wanted $200 to run that wire. I went and bought some split loom and wire, the relay and the fuse and did it myself for $25 and about an hour. The wire that does the trailer battery charging is orange and is in top of the connector. I slaved into the reverse lights in the tail light. The remainder of the connections were at the back. A bit of solder, heatshrink and some tie wraps and I was done. It took maybe an hour. I apologize for not having pictures to show....

Could you take some pics of where you found the charge wire? That's the only one I have left to run.



Misspelling brought to you by Tapatalk

 

[RI-Matt]

I have a 2007 Expy-el that came with the tow package, class IV hitch. But, at the back there was a 4 blade and a wire stub marked brake. I needed a round 7 way connector to pull a trailer. The signals that were lacking were the reverse lights, maybe not needed, and the charge line for the trailer. Nice of Ford to run those to the left hand wheel well and no further. Also missing are the fuse and relay for the trailer battery charging circuit. SO.....ford wanted $200 to run that wire. I went and bought some split loom and wire, the relay and the fuse and did it myself for $25 and about an hour. The wire that does the trailer battery charging is orange and is in top of the connector. I slaved into the reverse lights in the tail light. The remainder of the connections were at the back. A bit of solder, heatshrink and some tie wraps and I was done. It took maybe an hour. I apologize for not having pictures to show....

Dave, sounds like you didn't have the factory HD Tow Package as it should have had the 7 pin connector and a special wiring harness to connect to an aftermarket brake controller. Also included from the factory was the relay and fuse for the trailer battery charge.
The factory HD tow package also included a HD trans cooler and HD radiator too.


Matt