Trailer brake controller….needed????

[kmntq4]

I am getting mixed signals from Ford. 2024 Sasquatch. I bought the tow kit and having the dealer install it in a couple of days. I asked do I need a break controller, and they told me no. As I looked through the threads on this forum. I see many of you speaking about having rate controllers. For those of you that added the brake controller, did you have to have any programming done after you did that?

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[RagnarKon]

The tow kit does not come with a trailer brake controller. The kit just comes with the receiver itself and all of the wiring/modules for the lighting.

You can add a trailer brake controller to the Bronco to the tow package without any additional programming. It's basically plug and play as long as you have the tow kit itself installed and programmed.

There used to be an official Ford trailer brake controller kit that included a Redarc Elite controller. That's since been discontinued, but Redarc now sells their own kit that is also plug-n-play.

 

[kmntq4]

I am getting mixed signals from Ford. 2024 Sasquatch. I bought the tow kit and having the dealer install it in a couple of days. I asked do I need a break controller, and they told me no. As I looked through the threads on this forum. I see many of you speaking about having rate controllers. For those of you that added the brake controller, did you have to have any programming done after you did that?

Correction. Brake controller.

The tow kit does not come with a trailer brake controller. The kit just comes with the receiver itself and all of the wiring/modules for the lighting.

You can add a trailer brake controller to the Bronco to the tow package without any additional programming. It's basically plug and play as long as you have the tow kit itself installed and programmed.

There used to be an official Ford trailer brake controller kit that included a Redarc Elite controller. That's since been discontinued, but Redarc now sells their own kit that is also plug-n-play.

ok. Thanks. Local dealer where the installation will be done said there no need for a brake controller. It just sounded too good to be true.

 

[RagnarKon]

ok. Thanks. Local dealer where the installation will be done said there no need for a brake controller. It just sounded too good to be true.

Yeah they’re wrong.

BUT, I will say in most states you don’t need a brake controller until you tow 3000+ lbs GVWR. The Bronco maxes out around 3200-3500 lbs depending on the exact config… so ya know… right around that 3000 lbs mark. A lot of trailers you might buy/tow with the Bronco will come in just shy of that 3000 lbs mark so they can come in under that legal limit.

For example, I have a utility trailer that is rated 2995 GVWR and legally I can tow it without a brake controller in my state.

But yeah, if you want trailer brakes regardless then you’ll need a controller.

 

[kmntq4]

I appreciate the link. I definitely want the trailer brakes. Like I said, seemed too good to be true when they said one wasn’t needed. Though technically they’re right. And I expect my camper will exceed 3,000 pounds. I’ll be adding that as soon as I get the Bronco back.

 

[BroncoChallenger]

Yeah they’re wrong.

BUT, I will say in most states you don’t need a brake controller until you tow 3000+ lbs GVWR. The Bronco maxes out around 3200-3500 lbs depending on the exact config… so ya know… right around that 3000 lbs mark. A lot of trailers you might buy/tow with the Bronco will come in just shy of that 3000 lbs mark so they can come in under that legal limit.

For example, I have a utility trailer that is rated 2995 GVWR and legally I can tow it without a brake controller in my state.

But yeah, if you want trailer brakes regardless then you’ll need a controller.

This right here is basically it, legally for what the Bronco is rated to pull you don't REALLY need it, which is why Ford discontinued theirs. However, it's still a good idea to have one. My flatbed is like 2500 lbs empty (and we only use the Bronco to move it in the yard), but I wouldn't want to go down the road without a brake controller for it, even empty.

Every bit of control you can exercise over whatever you're towing is always beneficial.

 

[Brian_B]

If you are towing anything of any weight at all you definitely want to use trailer brakes.

Law not withstanding - the rear coil overs on the Bronco are very soft (compared to leaf springs) and when you go to stop, the weight of a trailer tends to just push them straight up as the Bronco tries to stop it too. Just look at the angle they are installed at. It’s pretty hairy until you adjust the trailer brakes to take up some of that load.

 

[Tonka Bronka]

Correction. Brake controller.

ok. Thanks. Local dealer where the installation will be done said there no need for a brake controller. It just sounded too good to be true.

That dealer is setting themselves up for a lawsuit. Trust me, you need a brake controller to tow anywhere near capacity with the Bronco. On the highway and off road on trails.

 

[kmntq4]

If you are towing anything of any weight at all you definitely want to use trailer brakes.

Law not withstanding - the rear coil overs on the Bronco are very soft (compared to leaf springs) and when you go to stop, the weight of a trailer tends to just push them straight up as the Bronco tries to stop it too. Just look at the angle they are installed at. It’s pretty hairy until you adjust the trailer brakes to take up some of that load.

If you are towing anything of any weight at all you definitely want to use trailer brakes.

Law not withstanding - the rear coil overs on the Bronco are very soft (compared to leaf springs) and when you go to stop, the weight of a trailer tends to just push them straight up as the Bronco tries to stop it too. Just look at the angle they are installed at. It’s pretty hairy until you adjust the trailer brakes to take up some of that load.

Gotcha. I have not been up under there checking it in depth. I don’t want anything pushing me down the road. I’m adding the controller. I’ve seen some people talking about the airbags for the rear as well. Any of you have experience with those in the new Broncos?

 

[Brian_B]

I’ve seen some people talking about the airbags for the rear as well. Any of you have experience with those in the new Broncos?

I've seen some chatter but not a lot of people actually running them. Folks that tow a lot seem to just go for stiffer springs.

 

[Tdub0527]

https://www.curtmfg.com/part/51180

Not sure what you are towing or how often but this is an option if you are infrequently towing.

I rent a trailer for camping occasionally and this is what I use. Nice to not have something permanent if you don’t use it all that often.

 

[dejones64]

22 Black Diamond 7mt non-Sas, 2-door. I pull a DIY camping trailer, 1200lbs loaded with gear and a RTT on it. I went with the dealer installed OEM harness and brake controller. My trailer does not have brakes and I don't plan on pulling a trailer with brakes. As someone mentioned earlier, you never know, so it's there just in case.

 

[Tonka Bronka]

Gotcha. I have not been up under there checking it in depth. I don’t want anything pushing me down the road. I’m adding the controller. I’ve seen some people talking about the airbags for the rear as well. Any of you have experience with those in the new Broncos?

I can recommend Blue Sumo helper springs. Very cost effective and an easy installation.

 

[kmntq4]

I can recommend Blue Sumo helper springs. Very cost effective and an easy installation.

I’ll chem them out. Thanks.

 

[CalvinT]

BUT, I will say in most states you don’t need a brake controller until you tow 3000+ lbs GVWR.

You definitely need to read your state's vehicle code. My state doesn't require trailer brakes for under 3,000 pounds. But two neighboring states require them for any trailer over 1,500 pounds.

https://blog.campingworld.com/learn-to-rv/trailer-braking-system/

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