Question:
Hi, I have a 1988 Ford Ranger 4x4, currently without a brake controller but with a trailer 4 pin connector for trailer lights. What all will I need to hook it up for a trailer with electric brakes part numbers and prices? Thanks a ton!
asked by: Al F
Expert Reply:
To install a brake controller on your 1988 Ford Ranger with a 4-Way connector you will need a brake controller and a hardwire wiring kit.
For a brake controller I would recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Brake Controller, part # 90885. This is our most popular brake controller. It is very easy to setup and use. It is a proportional controller which means it will apply power to the trailers brakes in proportion to the braking in your tow vehicle. I am including a link to the instructions on the Prodigy P2 brake controller.
Since you already have a 4-Way connector on your vehicle you will only need the Brake Controller 7 and 4 Way Installation Kit, part # ETBC7, to connect the brake controller to your vehicle. This kit will have a pre-wired 7 and 4-Way connector that will plug into your 4-Way connector on the vehicle and the remaining wires will need to be hardwired to the vehicle.
The # ETBC7 kit comes with all of the wiring and circuit breakers needed to install a brake controller like the Prodigy P2, # 90885. I have included a link to the FAQ article on the # ETBC7 and a link to a couple of videos showing a typical installation.
expert reply by: Jeff D

Have a question for the experts? click here.
Products Referenced in This Question
Universal Installation Kit forTrailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
Product Summary:
Brake Controller
Accessories
2 - 8 Brakes
10 Gauge Wire
Product Specs:
Connector
Brake Controller Wiring
Wired to Brake Controller
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
Product Summary:
Proportional Controller
Electric
Electric over Hydraulic
Digital Display
Vehicle Mount
Product Specs:
Automatic Leveling
2 - 8 Brakes
360 Degrees
Parts Needed to Add a Trailer Brake Controller to a 2000 Ford Ranger
Recommended Brake Controller for 1999 Ford Ranger Towing a Tandem Axle Car Hauler
Parts Needed to Install a Prodigy P2 Brake Controller on a 2003 Chevy Silverado
Will LED Light of the Prodigy P2 Brake Controller Stay on and Drain Battery, 2006 Chevy Silverado
Parts Needed to Install a P2 Brake Controller on a 2011 Dodge Ram 1500
Parts Needed to Install a Tekonsha P2 Brake Controller Part # 90885 in a 2008 Chevy Silverado
Installing a Trailer Brake Controller in 2007 Winnebago Freightliner Chassis and Factory Harness
Troubleshooting a Prodigy P2 Brake Controller that Turns On Brake Lights when Plugged In
Installing a Trailer Brake Controller on a 2013 Toyota Tundra with OEM Brake Controller Harness
Parts Needed to Add a Trailer Brake Controller to a 2005 Honda Pilot with 4-Way Wiring Harness
How to Install a Brake Controller on a 2001 Toyota Tundra SR5 With Factory Tow Package
Harness to Connect Prodigy P2 Brake Controller, # 90885, to OEM Connector on 2008 Dodge Ram 1500
Under the Hood Wiring Connections to Power a Brake Controller and 7-Way on a 2011 Chevy Silverado
Trailer Brake Controller Not Working on 2007 Chevrolet Suburban
Trailer Brake Controller Wiring Harness for a 2001 Chevy Suburban 2500
Location of Brake Light Switch on a 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan Crew
Choosing Between Tekonsha Prodigy P2 and P3 for Farm Trailer with Electric Brakes
Diagnosing Malfunctioning Tekonsha Voyager Brake Controller on 2003 GMC Sierra
Parts Needed to Install a Trailer Brake Controller on a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Is the Tekonsha P2 Brake Controller Made in the USA
No Brake Output with the Prodigy P2 Brake Controller When Brake Pedal is Pressed
Parts Needed to Install a P2 Trailer Brake Controller on a 2005 Toyota Tacoma
Tekonsha P2 Brake Controller Shows Power without Stepping on the Brake Pedal on 2002 Toyota 4Runner