Brake Controller Installation on 2005 Ford F150

Updated 07/25/2015 | Published 07/24/2015

Question:

how would I know that my ford f150 year 2005 is wired for RV brake controller. is there any way to find out? thanks for your help.

asked by: Ed

Expert Reply:

All 2005 F150 models would be prewired for installing a brake controller. The gray connector the controller would plug into is located behind and to the right of the diagnostic port under the steering column as shown in the photo I've provided. If your F150 is equipped with the factory installed 7-way trailer connector, all you would need is a brake controller wiring adapter.

If you use a brake controller manufactured by Tekonsha, you'd use a # 3035-P adapter. One end would plug into the rear of the controller, the other end into the connector under the dash. I prefer a proportional controller like the Tekonsha Primus, part # TK90160. A proportional controller uses an internal accelerometer to determine how quickly the tow vehicle is braking. It will then send the appropriate amount of power to the trailer brakes so the trailer and tow vehicle stop at the same rate. A time delayed brake controller, like the # 5504 will always send the same pre-set amount of power to the braked regardless of whether you've tapped the brake pedal or are experiencing a pedal to the floor panic stop. I like the safer and more predictable braking provided by the proportional controller.

If your F150 is equipped with the factory installed 4-pole trailer connector, you'll need a 4-pole to 7-way adapter, part # 37185. Plug the adapter into the 4 pole, and ground the loose white wire to the truck frame. Follow the wiring harness for the 4-pole until in plugs into a connector. This connector will have a wiring harness running toward the front of the vehicle. Peel away the wire loom from the harness and find the blue and the orange wire, and cut them. The blue wire from the adapter would connect to the blue wire going to the front of the vehicle. The black wire from the adapter plugs into the orange wire leading to the front of the vehicle. The purple adapter wire is usually tapped into the reverse lamp circuit. If your trailer doesn't need the reverse lamp circuit, you could just tape off the end of the wire and tuck it up out of the way.

I've linked you to an install video, as well as to an FAQ article that will walk you through the process described above.

expert reply by: Mike L