Brake Controller and Wiring for a 1990 Ford F-250 Towing a 2 Tandem Axle Trailer
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
Wanting to put a brake controller in my 1990 F250. Can you tell me how to determine which controller I need? I pull a 2 axle trailer twice a year for 65 miles. I am also not sure if I have a plug for the controller or if I need to hard wire it. I am the third owner and I have found a blue wire that has been cut down by the brake pedal, thru the fire wall and down the frame. Thanks for your help
asked by: Max M
Expert Reply:
I can help you pick out a brake controller and figure out if your truck has been wired already or not.
First lets start with the brake controller. I highly recommend the Tekonsha P3 # 90195, because it is a proportional brake controller which means it senses how the tow vehicle is slowing or stopping and applies the trailer's brakes with the same intensity. It also has a full display screen instead of codes that need deciphering. The P2 # 90885 is like the P3's little brother, it has all the great qualities but won't have the display screen.
According to my research you will have to hardwire your 1990 Ford F-250. It sounds like maybe the previous owner may have run the wires to the battery based on what you are describing. I have linked a help article that will help you identify if it is all run correctly. A good indication to know, is if there is a 7-way connector mounted on the back bumper of the vehicle by the hitch. If you end up seeing that you do not have this, I recommend the # ETBC7 kit, because it includes everything you will need to get a 7-way installed on your vehicle plus a wire tester. If you don't already have a 4-pole on your vehicle the TowReady # 118316 will simply and easily plug into your already run taillight wires and provide the basic stop/turn tail functions for your 7-way.
I have linked a few help articles as well as the P3, 118316, and ETBC7 being installed on similar vehicles for your convenience.

Product Page this Question was Asked From
Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Splice-In
- Under-Dash Box
- Under-Dash
- Up to 4 Axles
- LCD Display
- Multiple Trailers
- Tekonsha
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media






Continue Researching
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: Installing Brake Controller on 1990 Ford F250
- Shop: Tekonsha BRAKE-EVN Trailer Brake Controller w/ Plug-In Harness - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Shop: Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Q&A: How Does a Proportional Brake Controller Work
- Shop: Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers
- Shop: Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Shop: Curt Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV - 10 Gauge
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Q&A: Instructions to Wire a Trailer for Electric Brakes
- Video: Setting up the Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers on a 2018 Ford F-150
- Q&A: How to Test Brake Controller without Trailer Connected
- Search Results: stl42rb
- Shop: Curt Echo In-Line Bluetooth Brake Controller w/ OneControl App - Up to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Search Results: rvk3670
- Search Results: 9599007
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Search Results: 4 way to 7 way adapter
- Video: In-Depth Review of the Phoenix USA Flexy Flare
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: How to Remove Trailer Wheel that Doesn't have Lug Nuts or Bolts
- Article: What Do I Need To Tow A Trailer?
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: brake controller
- Video: Finding the Right Trailer Wiring Harness
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Search Results: trailer hitch