Tow Package prewired for brake controller?

[Johnnycab]

I’ve read the tow package doesn’t include the brake controller. Does anyone know if it’s at least prewired for one?

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[ZackDanger]

Not sure yet... but the tow package has a 7-pin connector and there is a brake controller listed in the accessory list that recently came out.

I’ll see if I can find it..

::EDIT::

In red for late availability. A little further than halfway down:

I suspect it’s this: https://accessories.ford.com/module-trailer-brake-12688.html

Of note, the product page for that says it requires factory tow package.

 

[2Jeeps&PatriotX1]

I’ll be installing the Redarc Tow Pro Elite brake controller. Have it now and love it.

 

[josephs6392]

This is exactly why I opted to not include the tow package to my order at the dealership yesterday. Without the breaking system wiring the tow package is overpriced for what you get. I will add it later. There will be many more options in the aftermarket that will not require us to increase our monthly payment.

 

[Mattwings]

This is exactly why I opted to not include the tow package to my order at the dealership yesterday. Without the breaking system wiring the tow package is overpriced for what you get. I will add it later. There will be many more options in the aftermarket that will not require us to increase our monthly payment.

I bet we can get a Class III hitch, plug in harness and controller for about half. Probably 2 hrs of work start to finish and I get to do an upgrade to my new Bronco ?? Hopefully it’s available quick, that’s my only hesitation (I didn’t order it).

 

[CWO4]

The "break controller" is a manual over ride for a trailer equipped with electric brakes. You will still get electric brake actuation when you step on the brake pedal with the 7 pin set up and no "brake controller". In the F150 series trucks I have had you could digitally adjust the "gain" or the amount of trailer break pressure felt compared to the amount of break pedal used, I would think the Bronco would have this feature but can not find any info on it. I tow with an F250 with a class V hitch and a manual break controller and have only used it once on an extremely steep decline with a very heavy load, just do not see the Bronco needing it.

 

[CWO4]

This is exactly why I opted to not include the tow package to my order at the dealership yesterday. Without the breaking system wiring the tow package is overpriced for what you get. I will add it later. There will be many more options in the aftermarket that will not require us to increase our monthly payment.

Why do you feel that the Bronco will not have "breaking system wiring". Do you have info where the 7 pin system on the Bronco will not actuate electrical breaks?

 

[robepa]

As I understand and if it is like my Tacoma there was no electric brakes with a brake controller. I also swear by the Redarc controller, made a huge difference towing my oof road trailer. Redarc is the only one I know off that doesn't have a giant ugly 1980s looking plastic box bashing your knees.

 

[chtucker]

The "break controller" is a manual over ride for a trailer equipped with electric brakes. You will still get electric brake actuation when you step on the brake pedal with the 7 pin set up and no "brake controller". In the F150 series trucks I have had you could digitally adjust the "gain" or the amount of trailer break pressure felt compared to the amount of break pedal used, I would think the Bronco would have this feature but can not find any info on it. I tow with an F250 with a class V hitch and a manual break controller and have only used it once on an extremely steep decline with a very heavy load, just do not see the Bronco needing it.

That is completely wrong- the F150 you drove has a built in trailer brake controller, the bronco does not. There will be NO activation/No voltage applied at the 7pin connector to accurate trailer brakes without the optional brake controller. Electric brakes are modulated by a varying voltage that is output from the brake controller of which the Bronco doesn't have one built in.

 

[chtucker]

As I understand and if it is like my Tacoma there was no electric brakes with a brake controller. I also swear by the Redarc controller, made a huge difference towing my oof road trailer. Redarc is the only one I know off that doesn't have a giant ugly 1980s looking plastic box bashing your knees.

You are correct- without a brake controller there is no way to actuate the trailer brakes.

 

[CWO4]

That is completely wrong- the F150 you drove has a built in trailer brake controller, the bronco does not. There will be NO activation/No voltage applied at the 7pin connector to accurate trailer brakes without the optional brake controller. Electric brakes are modulated by a varying voltage that is output from the brake controller of which the Bronco doesn't have one built in.

Ok, so could you give me the info source that states this fact so I can make an informed decision.

 

[chtucker]

Ok, so could you give me the info source that states this fact so I can make an informed decision.

All vehicles/trailers work this way? Trailer brake controllers are needed for trailer brakes to work. The ONLY exception is surge hydraulic brakes.

Find a vehicle at the dealership without a trailer brake controller and put your multimeter on PIN number 2- there will be no voltage when you press the brake pedal. Do the same on a vehicle with a brake controller and note the difference.

 

[Johnnycab]

Ok, so could you give me the info source that states this fact so I can make an informed decision.

Sounds like we won’t know if it’s prewired for a brake controller until someone gets a look under the dash.

 

[CWO4]

All vehicles/trailers work this way? Trailer brake controllers are needed for trailer brakes to work. The ONLY exception is surge hydraulic brakes.

Find a vehicle at the dealership without a trailer brake controller and put your multimeter on PIN number 2- there will be no voltage when you press the brake pedal. Do the same on a vehicle with a brake controller and note the difference.

Good info, already have and know this, nothing here says the Bronco does not have break controller capabilty if equipped with the tow capability package.

 

[chtucker]

Good info, already have and know this, nothing here says the Bronco does not have break controller capabilty if equipped with the tow capability package.

Good luck

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