Recommended Trailer Brake Controller for a 1996 Ford F-150  

Question:

Expert Reply:

In order to install a 7-way trailer connector on the rear of your 1996 Ford F-150 you would want to use the Adapter 4-Pole to 7-Pole and 4-Pole part # 37185. The adapter uses the existing 4-way harness and converts this to a 4 and 7-way trailer connector. I have attached a video that will show you exactly how to install this harness on a similar 1999 Ford F-250 for you.

Once you have the 7-way trailer connector wired properly, I recommend taking a look at the Tekonsha Voyager Trailer Brake Controller part # 39510 with the Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers part # 3035-P. The Voyager is a proportional brake controller that automatically adjusts trailer's braking based on the deceleration of the tow vehicle. The brake controller is extremely easy to install using the above adapter as it is a simple plug and play installation (see video).

expert reply by: Conner L

0

Don

11/27/2017

As far as the brake controller, I was also considering either the 90885 or the 90195. You are suggesting the 39510. Please let me know how they compare. Also, I'm considering getting a new 2017 Ram 1500. Would these work on the Ram? Would the Equal-i-zer 90001000 be a good fit for a weight distribution system? My travel trailer is a Artic Fox 25R and has a weight of 6380 and gross weight of 10,000 pounds.

Conner L.

11/27/2017

The Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller part # 90195 is actually one of our most popular, well reviewed brake controllers. The integrated safeguards and storable settings make it a much more popular option among our customers. The Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller part # 90885 is just a slightly older version of the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 however, does not have the storable settings feature. If you have the extra cash for a brake controller, then by all means the P2 or P3 would be the better option but if you were on a budget, the Tekonsha Voyager Trailer Brake Controller part # 39510 would work for you. All of the above brake controllers can easily be transferred to your new 2017 Ram 1500 using the Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers part # 3024-P. I have attached an installation video of the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 installed on a similar 2017 Ram 1500 for you as well. In regards to weight distribution, the Equal-i-zer systems are also another customer favorite and for good reason. All of our Equal-i-zer weight distribution systems have an integrated 4-point sway control system thats works to prevent and reduce trailer sway. In order to be sure you are choosing the correct weight distribution system, you will want to find the total tongue weight of your towing setup by adding the tongue weight of both your loaded ready to tow trailer and any cargo stored behind the rear axle of the truck. The average total tongue weight (TW) rating of a trailer is typically 10-15% of the gross trailer weight (GTW). An easy way to find this would involve using a tongue weight scale like the etrailer Trailer Tongue Weight Scale part # e99044. When choosing a weight distribution system, you will want your total tongue weight to fall in the middle of the weight distribution weight capacity. For example, the ideal weight distribution system for a total tongue weight of 600 lbs. is one that is rated for 400-800 lbs. of tongue weight. For a total tongue weight between 800 lbs - 1,200 lbs, I recommend using the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control part # EQ37120ET. I have attached a review video of this system for you as well.