Do I Need an Electric Brake Controller to Tow a Trailer with Brakes if My Truck Has a Factory 7-Way

Updated 05/25/2018 | Published 05/24/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(6450)

$179.29

Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers

(879)

$17.94

Question:

Hi, I have 2012 Ford F-150 SuperCrew with a Tow Package. It has factory wired 7-pin trailer connector. My understanding is that 7-pin connector already carries a brake signal to a trailer equipped with electric brakes. Considering this, do I still need a brake controller if I want to tow a heavier trailer say 8000lb? Thank you

asked by: Dmitriy L

Expert Reply:

A factory 7-way trailer connector isn't all you need to power a trailer's electric brakes. You still need a brake controller. Some Ford F-150s are equipped with a factory integrated brake controller, which you may have. If your 2012 Ford F-150 does have the factory controller then all you need is to plug the trailer into your 7-way and you should be good to go. If you don't have one you need to add one to engage the trailer's brakes.

The good news if your truck isn't equipped with a factory controller is that it's quite easy to add one. There's a port under the dashboard kind of where the driver's knees are. It's probably gray and wrapped in tape. I've linked a video of a controller being installed into an F-150 and it shows this port being accessed at about the 20 second mark. This port allows you to plug in an adatper that operates an aftermarket brake controller. So all you need is the controller itself and an adapter. Then the install is as easy as plugging them in and mounting the controller in a good spot. This entire process is in the same video.

The controller in the video is part # 90195, the Prodigy P3. It's our top sellilng controller because of how reliable it is and how easy it is to use. The LCD makes everything a lot easier to read and it can be installed at any vertical angle.

Then the adapter to plug the P3 in you need to use is part # 22292.

expert reply by: Charles S