How to Install a Brake Controller on a 2017 Ford F-150

Question

Question:

I have a 2017 F150 without the factory tow package. I want to install a hitch with a break controller with a recharge line for the trailers battery. I want to use the controller similar to the factory supplied controller that mounts inside the dash in the small cubby hole already in the dash. Without the factory tow package installed I can not plug the factory controller in. Is there an after market controller that will fit in this hole in my dash OR an adapter kit to allow me to use the factory controller and connect to existing wiring or new wiring back to the plug?

asked by: Chris

0

Expert Reply:

Assuming you already have a trailer hitch like the Curt # C26HR and a 4-Way like the Curt # C56110 installed on your 2017 Ford F-150 you just need the Universal Wiring Kit # ETBC7 to use a brake controller.

This kit includes an adapter that plugs into an existing 4-Way connector and provides you with both a 7-Way and a 4-Way connector making it easy to switch between towing applications. Everything needed to fully activate your 7-Way for the brakes and a charge line for the battery is included. An installation video and helpful articles have been linked for you to reference as well.

Please note that some F-150s have the brake (Blue) and hot lead (Orange) wires already ran from under the hood to the end of the driver's side frame rail. However, these wires are hard to access and additional wire will still be needed so we recommend the # ETBC7.

I definitely recommend going with an aftermarket brake controller over your OEM brake controller as the aftermarket controllers have been found to be much more reliable. The Tekonsha Prodigy P3 # 90195 is one of the most popular brake controllers we have due to how easy it is to install and use. The LCD screen makes navigating the options and determining any troubleshooting a breeze compared to other controllers. If you check out the attached installation video for the ETBC7 kit you can see how the Plug-In Adapter # 22292 is used to help make the installation process easier.

expert reply by: Jon G

0

Answer 1

If you have a factory 4 pole on your 2017 Ford F-150, in order to get a 7 pole plug to work with your wiring I recommend the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 7-Way Trailer Connector Item #118283. You mentioned that you have a 7 pole however, the…

view full answer...

Answer 2

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

view full answer...

Answer 3

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

view full answer...

Answer 4

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

view full answer...

Answer 5

According to Blue Ox, it'll take an experienced installer about 4 to 5 hours to complete the installation of their #BX1128 Base Plate Kit on a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The install isn't what I'd call super-difficult, but the installation…

view full answer...

Answer 6

Since wire color codes are NOT universal, we always recommend wiring by function, rather than wire color. If you look at the Trailer Wiring FAQ article I have linked you to, you can see some diagrams showing the proper way to wire a vehicle and…

view full answer...

Answer 7

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

view full answer...

Answer 8

Yes, it will work. You'll just need to cut the Lance 6-pin connector out and rewire it into the etrailer Trailer Wiring 7-Way Upgrade Kit w/ Junction Box and RV Style Connector item #e99011. Here are the individual functions of that Lance 6-pin:…

view full answer...

Answer 9

That's a very good question, we tend to be extra cautious and say to use 10 gauge wire because that would be more than enough. When you get into longer trailers that will end up using a lot of wire the heavier gauge wire becomes more necessary.…

view full answer...

Answer 10

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only give…

view full answer...

Answer 11

It sounds like you are speaking of the wires for the brake magnets. If this is correct, you will need to connect one of the wires to the brake controller output wire on your trailer connector and the other wire will need to be grounded to a clean…

view full answer...

Answer 12

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

view full answer...

How to Install a Brake Controller on a 2017 Ford F-150

Products Featured in This Question

Product Page this Question was Asked From

Featured Help Information

Instructions

Miscellaneous Media

Continue Researching