Brake Controller for an RV Built on a 2016 Ford E-450 Van Chassis

Updated 10/11/2016 | Published 10/10/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - Ford

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$18.01

Wiring Kit for 2, 4, 6, and 8 Brake Electric Trailer Brake Controllers

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$56.30

Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

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$159.19

Hook Probe Circuit Tester

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$12.27

Question:

I have tried ti get the dealer to install the factory TBC #9c2z2c006a in a new e450 class C motorhome, they say it cant be done, is this true?

asked by: Clyde M

Expert Reply:

As far as I know the factory integrated Ford brake controller cannot be installed on the E-Series van chassis because it was not designed or set up for it. But that isn't a bad thing for you because the factory controllers are not nearly as effective as an aftermarket controller can be. And the price is usually much lower.

Since 2014 was the last year the E-Series vans were available to the public brake controller manufacturers can no longer test them to confirm if a brake controller wiring harness will work. If any of them work it would be # 3034-P. Otherwise an aftermarket controller will have to be hardwired into the vehicle.

If the RV already have a factory installed 7-Way trailer connector then some of the work will already be done. You will just need a brake controller and wiring. For a brake controller I recommend the P2 # 90885 because it is easy to set up and use and it is reliable.

To hardwire it in you would also need wiring kit # 5506. On the brake controller the white wire grounds to the negative battery terminal. Black will go to the positive terminal via the 30-amp circuit breaker included with 5506. The red wire will attach to the cold side of the brake switch above the brake pedal. It should be a white wire, but you would need to test it to be sure using a circuit tester such as # PTW2993 or a meter if you have one. The wire should only have power when the brake pedal is pressed.

That just leaves the blue wire which will need to attach to the back of the 7-Way trailer connector in the 7 o'clock position. When routing wires avoid areas that could pinch or damage the wire. And if you have to drill through the firewall to get to the battery be careful of what is on the other side!