Factory Trailer Brake Controller installation feedback

[dcaero]

Probably related to the miswiring of Ford. Once someone actually provides details on how to correct it, I’m just fine with how it works right now, which is probably manual mode. I set it at “2” and make micro adjustments when needed. Going to a 3 is too aggressive.

This is what I do as well but 3 works better for me.

Either way, I'm certain I'm in manual mode because if I let off the brakes really slow, the trailer brakes don't release until I'm fully off the brake and then they disengage rapidly.

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[dcaero]

This is what I do as well but 3 works better for me.

Either way, I'm certain I'm in manual mode because if I let off the brakes really slow, the trailer brakes don't release until I'm fully off the brake and then they disengage rapidly.

^bump

Anyone figure out how to get the Ford controller into proportional mode?

 

[Rambo30BL]

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.

So the fix is replacing the wiring harness between the head unit and the remote?

 

[Old Codger]

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.

Is this the replacement cable?
https://www.redarcelectronics.com/u...ller/3ft-tow-pro-elite-remote-head-wiring-kit

 

[dcaero]

^bump

Anyone figure out how to get the Ford controller into proportional mode?

I did finally get it to proportional control with the help of @RoverDude

Trailer attached
Have dial turned to 0
Press+hold brake pedal
Press dial 2 times
Release brake pedal

The LEDs make no sense compared to the manual, but doing the above changes between the two modes and I drove around and confirmed with brake application which mode is manual and which is proportional.

 

[gbub]

I don't know if this has been answered or discussed yet but I have not seen it. Does the factory brake controller or equivalent have a means to apply the trailer brakes only?

I use this feature on my Ranger to test the trailer brakes after I first hook up the trailer. I have also used it when at speed on the highway when I sometimes get some trailer swaying back and forth after hitting some bumps or a cross wind gust. That stabilizes the trailer quickly.

 

[AZSky]

Going to self install the controller soon, and the thread has not clarified whether the original Ford cable can be rewired or whether to get the Redarc cable pointed above ?
Any Ford response to the observation? Shall they not replace the cable??

 

[CalvinT]

Going to self install the controller soon, and the thread has not clarified whether the original Ford cable can be rewired or whether to get the Redarc cable pointed above ?
Any Ford response to the observation? Shall they not replace the cable??

Not sure what you're asking. Why would anyone want to rewire the Ford cable?
Just because one person said their cable was wired incorrectly, you don't know that yours is incorrect. Plus you don't know that he didn't make a mistake.

A lot of people have used the Redarc as supplied by Ford with no problem.

 

[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.

This was not the case on my 2021 Badlands without the tow package. I still had the plug for the factory trailer brake controller. I also installed the knob on the center console and find it to be a very quick to access location for making adjustments while driving.

 

[CalvinT]

Thought a bit more.

If you want to be sure your cable is correct, you might be able to leave the cable coiled up and not mount the Redarc box. Just plug the cables into the connectors on your Bronco then go for a test drive. I don't think there's any reason you need to route the cables or mount the box just to do a test.

Test the various functions you want to test. You'll probably need an assistant.

Then go ahead and do the install.

Anyway just a thought. I haven't installed mine yet, so I'm not 100% sure that what I suggested is possible.

 

[vrtical]

I don't know if this has been answered or discussed yet but I have not seen it. Does the factory brake controller or equivalent have a means to apply the trailer brakes only?

I use this feature on my Ranger to test the trailer brakes after I first hook up the trailer. I have also used it when at speed on the highway when I sometimes get some trailer swaying back and forth after hitting some bumps or a cross wind gust. That stabilizes the trailer quickly.

To answer this one, I believe you push the button in to activate, been a minute since I used mine, but that is also how you can test that the right proportioning is correct on the trailer only. I have the Ford supplied kit.

 

[gbub]

To answer this one, I believe you push the button in to activate, been a minute since I used mine, but that is also how you can test that the right proportioning is correct on the trailer only. I have the Ford supplied kit.

Thank you. That is helpful.

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