Redarc trailer brake controller discontinued

[Squatchrocks]

Ordered the Redarc trailer brake controller 2 weeks ago from Ford and was just informed that they discontinued selling it. Does anyone know why? I could order it from elsewhere but was wondering if there are problems with it or maybe there's something new or better out there or on the horizon.

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[CalvinT]

Maybe not enough demand? I think Ford was the most expensive source.

You might try ordering it from a dealer. Sometimes they'll sell parts and accessories that Ford doesn't sell. I bought mine from Levittown. They were less expensive that ordering it from Ford. Most dealers are. Just plug the Ford part number into Google. It was VM2DZ-2C006-A when I ordered mine. I also didn't have to pay sales tax.

 

[RagnarKon]

It is indeed discontinued.

No idea if they have a new kit coming or not, but a similar kit can be purchased directly from Redarc.

The primary difference is the official kit came with the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite, whereas the kit I linked comes with the Redarc Tow-Pro Trail.

The marketing lingo will lead you to believe that the Tow-Pro Trail comes with a special off-road mode. But I'm confident the "Off-Road Mode" is basically the "Manual Mode" on the Elite, and under the covers they're effectively the same brake controller. BUT, could be wrong.

 

[CalvinT]

I just read both manuals. It looks like the Trail is a newer model. The manuals are essentially the same except for some differences in terminology. Their model numbers are the same except there's a T after the Trail model number. I think the Trail manual is easier to follow than the Elite manual, but it's worth looking at both.

The Elite manual says to use 14 AWG wire for ground and to the Vehicle Brake Light trigger. The Trail manual says to use 16 AWG wire.

The Trail has an extra fault code. The Trail manual gives more information about testing your break-away system.

RedArc says you must use either the Ford Electric brake harness or the REDARC TPWKIT-012 Tow-Pro wiring kit for proper operation.

https://www.redarcelectronics.com/u...rake-controller-wiring-kit-ford-installation/

There's a thread on here where someone wrote about their install. He did not install the remote head where Ford suggested which is in the console next to the power window switches. He installed it next to the light switch. It's a much easier install. Also the remote head flashes different colors both for for fault codes. Much easier to see them when next to the light switch.

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/thre...troller-install-made-easy.45970/#post-1930165

Having said all that. I'd buy the Trail model if I hadn't already bought a controller from Ford.

 

[Jmanly]

Get the Curt Echo. They work great.

 

[RagnarKon]

There's a thread on here where someone wrote about their install. He did not install the remote head where Ford suggested which is in the console next to the power window switches. He installed it next to the light switch. It's a much easier install. Also the remote head flashes different colors both for for fault codes. Much easier to see them when next to the light switch.

Yeah most people seem to be using that location.

Haven't fully decided yet, but I think I'm going to stick to the center console personally. Manual mode (or Off-road mode) and SwayStop seems handy while off-road, and I'd want the button for it to be in a location that doesn't require me to lean forward too much. Especially while getting jostled around off-roading.

Also my knee tends to hit the headlight switch when I'm getting in/out of the Bronco. I have no idea why, it drives me bonkers, because most of the time I don't notice that I accidentally turned the headlights on until my battery is nearly dead. But I can foresee myself bashing my kneecap into that knob.

 

[CalvinT]

Haven't fully decided yet, but I think I'm going to stick to the center console personally. Manual mode (or Off-road mode) and SwayStop seems handy while off-road, and I'd want the button for it to be in a location that doesn't require me to lean forward too much. Especially while getting jostled around off-roading.

I thought about ease of reaching the control, and the console is easier. But more of a hassle to install. Not having cable looped up inside your dash is also another reason to install in the console.

Ford has removed the instructions from their websites. I found these two videos which may be helpful.



https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/thre...rom-ford-accessories-diy-install-video.40971/

 

[Tricky Mike]

Yeah most people seem to be using that location.

Haven't fully decided yet, but I think I'm going to stick to the center console personally. Manual mode (or Off-road mode) and SwayStop seems handy while off-road, and I'd want the button for it to be in a location that doesn't require me to lean forward too much. Especially while getting jostled around off-roading.

Also my knee tends to hit the headlight switch when I'm getting in/out of the Bronco. I have no idea why, it drives me bonkers, because most of the time I don't notice that I accidentally turned the headlights on until my battery is nearly dead. But I can foresee myself bashing my kneecap into that knob.

I put mine between the shifter and grab handle. Seems better than the traditional location but now I wish I'd done it on the dash.

 

[vrtical]

Mine is installed in the light switch cover and I have my module mounted on the metal kick panel bracket so it worked out. I have pics in my build journal. The location is fine, I have not had any issues hitting it with my knees and its out of the way of the center console where you could accidently spin the knob.

 

[Chrome_Pony]

Also my knee tends to hit the headlight switch when I'm getting in/out of the Bronco. I have no idea why, it drives me bonkers, because most of the time I don't notice that I accidentally turned the headlights on until my battery is nearly dead. But I can foresee myself bashing my kneecap into that knob.

Now imagine how annoyed you'd be if you kept bashing your kneecap into the transfer case switch and putting your rig into 4HI!

Real winner of a design here, GM.

Good thing I relocated mine down to the center stack.

 

[Squatchrocks]

I contacted Ford and they didn't know why. Dealer was also surprised that it was discontinued. I'll probably wait a little bit now to see what Ford does, if anything, for a replacement controller before I order a Redarc.

 

[CalvinT]

I contacted Ford and they didn't know why. Dealer was also surprised that it was discontinued. I'll probably wait a little bit now to see what Ford does, if anything, for a replacement controller before I order a Redarc.

It could be REDARC is discontinuing the Tow-Pro Elite and replacing it with the Tow-Pro Trail. They're aimed at the same market.

 

[Squatchrocks]

It could be REDARC is discontinuing the Tow-Pro Elite and replacing it with the Tow-Pro Trail. They're aimed at the same market.

That would be good. I tried contacting Redarc and was put on infinite hold. We'll see if they respond through email.

 

[Wimpy]

Ordered the Redarc trailer brake controller 2 weeks ago from Ford and was just informed that they discontinued selling it. Does anyone know why? I could order it from elsewhere but was wondering if there are problems with it or maybe there's something new or better out there or on the horizon.

You can still get the controller but not from Ford. Many dealers still sell it (link below). From what I understand, Ford direct stopped selling it so you could have a choice of which controller you want. There is also a way to buy the harness and controller from Redarc but it is more expensive than buying the kit below.

https://www.fordpartspros.com/oem-p...D3gcfHQ_MAL6vihKF2VWXzKjvtYl2e58aAraHEALw_wcB

 

[CalvinT]

You can still get the controller but not from Ford. Many dealers still sell it (link below). From what I understand, Ford direct stopped selling it so you could have a choice of which controller you want. There is also a way to buy the harness and controller from Redarc but it is more expensive than buying the kit below.

https://www.fordpartspros.com/oem-p...D3gcfHQ_MAL6vihKF2VWXzKjvtYl2e58aAraHEALw_wcB

That's a great price if it's still available from that site.

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