Does tow package includes the trailer brake controller?

[Scooter Trash]

Does anybody know if the tow package includes the trailer brake controller or is it considered an accessory?

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[BostonGuy]

Not included. It's says it in the description, I believe you can find it in the accessory guide.

 

[BroncoKong Jr.]

It does not. It's available through Ford accessories.

 

[Dads_bronze_bronco]

It’s a separate $349 accessory, in the accessories catalog.

 

[Scooter Trash]

It does not. It's available through Ford accessories.

Thanks!

 

[Hopeless Diamond]

Typically trailer brakes are only required on trailers over 3500lbs, does vary by state. Maybe that's one of the reasons they've kept the tow limit down?

 

[Stampede.Offroad]

Typically trailer brakes are only required on trailers over 3500lbs, does vary by state. Maybe that's one of the reasons they've kept the tow limit down?

I think they kept it down so goofballs don't have leverage suing them when they do something dumb.

 

[Ryuk]

I had to buy that separate when I had an F-150 so this is normal.

I would like to see a picture of the Trailer Brake controller and how it is integrated into the Bronco.
At the moment there is no picture on the Ford Accessories website

 

[Bud2020]

Typically trailer brakes are only required on trailers over 3500lbs, does vary by state. Maybe that's one of the reasons they've kept the tow limit down?

The suspension is what keeps it down. Stiffer suspension, more tongue weight it can safely handle and that means larger load. Bronco suspension is tuned for off road drivability and comfort in that setting.

Look at the Ranger, for example, basically same frame, stiffer suspension, and rated to tow almost twice as much.

 

[robepa]

I tow a Smittybilt Scout trailer with my Tacoma, its less than 2,500 lbs. fully loaded and adding the brake controller made a significant difference. My Tacoma Is rated to tow 6,700 lbs. which I really can't imagine doing. I use the Redarc Tow Pro Elite and highly recommend it.

Its interesting the Ford page says "The only FORD APPROVED trailer brake controller compatible with all vehicle safety systems including: - Forward Collision Warning System - Automatic Emergency Braking"
Sounds a bit like scare tactics to me, they are implying that if the truck emergency brakes a different brake controller would not apply the trailer brakes?

Also "Custom ECU helps manage the truck’s brake signals" What does that mean? Why does the truck need help managing its brake signals?

 

[Tricky Dick]

Also "Custom ECU helps manage the truck’s brake signals" What does that mean? Why does the truck need help managing its brake signals?

Someone here figured out the LED tails don't have separate wiring for tails/brakes, it lights up brighter based on variable voltage.

 

[Lakelife36]

Typically trailer brakes are only required on trailers over 3500lbs, does vary by state. Maybe that's one of the reasons they've kept the tow limit down?

Many vehicles come with a much higher tow rating and don't include a built-in brake controller.

There are many threads in this forum discussing the tow cap if you're interested in the actual reasons, as best as we can tell.

 

[grtharris]

Here are a couple of drawings of the brake controller wiring. The brake signal does not come from the brake switch like in the old days it is coming from the Body Control Module. So BPP ( Brake Pedal Position ) signal may not be a off/on 12VDC signal. But Ford does include a pigtail.

 

[da_jokker]

The oem tow package includes some sort of prewiring for the Brake controller because the catalog states the factory Tow package is required to add their brake controller.

I slid underneath the bronco on Monday and from what I saw, the wiring harness for the Hitch does not have any plugs...they blend straight into the main wiring harness about a foot back from the rear bumper (driver side)

 

[grtharris]

The oem tow package includes some sort of prewiring for the Brake controller because the catalog states the factory Tow package is required to add their brake controller.

I slid underneath the bronco on Monday and from what I saw, the wiring harness for the Hitch does not have any plugs...they blend straight into the main wiring harness about a foot back from the rear bumper (driver side)

The brake controller connector is under the dash.

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