Factory Trailer Brake Controller installation feedback

[dcaero]

What's everyone's delay on the brakes? I installed this and it's about an extra second after I release the brakes, that the trailer brakes then release. It's rather annoying.

Towed the same trailer on a friends Chevy ZR2 and it had no noticeable delay.

Thoughts?

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[2Jeeps&PatriotX1]

What's everyone's delay on the brakes? I installed this and it's about an extra second after I release the brakes, that the trailer brakes then release. It's rather annoying.

Towed the same trailer on a friends Chevy ZR2 and it had no noticeable delay.

Thoughts?

I've had a Redarc Tow Pro Elite (non-Ford version) installed on 2 different Broncos ('21 & '23) and it behaves no different than when I have the same trailer behind my f150 w/ a Ford oem factory-installed brake controller.

 

[DoubleADuster]

Just finished install on this same part is it expected to light up when no trailer is installed? I don’t have trailer yet to test but right now no light shows up as test instructions state.

 

[RoverDude]

Look at prior page for confirmation.
In order for it to light up it needs to see a load, 5 to 26 watts.
Good old- fashion trailer lamp will do this.
An LED tester will not have enough load / resistance.

 

[DoubleADuster]

Unfortunately using a trailer lamp with clips didn’t yeild any result, the controller seems dead still. Not sure next steps to troubleshoot

 

[Tonka Bronka]

Also, without the tow package the the plug for the brake controller wiring harness (under drivers-side dash) that connects to the controller is missing.

My camper weighs around 3000 and even with my truck that is rated at 12k pounds I would not tow it at high speed very far without the trailer brake controller. If you have to stop suddenly or on a steep grade it makes a huge difference and is much safer.

Not sure if this is always the case. My 21 Badlands did not come from factory with tow package, yet the harness plug was in place by the accelerator pedal for the brake controller. Easy work.

 

[Tonka Bronka]

Okay, so I'm a little unclear, and I'm sorry if this seems repetitive...

I have the Factory-installed tow package. To complete my situation, and have everything I need, I still need the Brake Controller, but because I have the factory tow package, it's just wiring harness that goes in the back and there's already a dedicated spot for the knob in the front? No drilling or headache anywhere?

No.

 

[Tonka Bronka]

So dumb question. I have an extremely small offroad camper. Dry weight 1800 lbs. Should I connect the brake controller?

Probably. If you are doing trails, I would. One ton is still some weight pushing that Bronco and the Bronco is doing all the work. Even on the highway, could save your life. I think Ford was foolish for not including the brake controller with the tow package on a vehicle with a relatively low tow rating. When given the chance, people will do foolish things.

 

[Grrrrrrmonster]

@Mybbackpacker I installed the OEM controller like you. My LED only lights up when I press the control knob in. I was expecting for it to always be on when a trailer is connected. Does yours do the same?

I verified with a brake force meter that everything is wired and outputting correctly but the LED is not behaving as expected.

Hello. I know this is an old thread, and I’m not sure if this is still an issue, but I just spent the last month and a half dealing with the same exact issue and found the culprit, the wiring harness from ford that goes from the main unit to the remote head (button) was miswired. I worked with Redarc to diagnose this issue. I had them send me a new tow pro elite assembly when I changed out the cable that runs from the main unit to the remote head, The LED problem went away. Then checked the pin out on the cable that I received from Ford and it was wrong. I have reached out to ford on this issue, but have not heard anything.

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