Brake Controller And Wiring For A 2017 Ford F-150 With A Factory 4 Pole Plug

Question

Question:

I have a 2017 f-150 XLT with factory 4 pin trailer connections. I have a 7 pin connection to install on the bumper already. The truck does have a tow-haul mode but I’m unsure if I need to order any additional wiring or connections to ensure that the parts Part Numbers: RED24FR,331-TPH-007 will plug in and operate properly once I install the 7 pin trailer connection on the truck. I’m only looking to tow a 14’ dual axle trailer occasionally with my UTV on it but some of that travel will be off-road so I wanted to ensure I would have full functionality of this Redarc brake controller.

asked by: Sean

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

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 back of the 7 pole will not be compatible with the way your factory wiring adapts from the truck to the plug. This kit provides the adapter for the 7 pole plug. One end of the wiring has pins to snap into the adapter for the 7 pole. The other end has two adapters. Once you follow the factory 4 pole to the adapter on the factory wiring, disconnect the two ends and add the new wiring in place. This allows you to maintain your factory 4 pole and provides you with the 7 pole with out having to splice into any factory wiring. As far as the brake controller, the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller Item # RED24FR is a great option and the Redarc Plug-and-Play Wiring Harness for Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controllers Item # 331-TPH-007 is the correct brake controller adapter to fit your vehicle. I also recommend a Mounting Bracket and Installation Hardware - Pollak 7-Pole, RV-Style Trailer Connector - Vehicle End Item # PK12711U and a No-Drill Mount Bracket, Long Item # 18136 to give your 7 pole a more permanent mounting location.

I have provided a link to a video to walk you through how to install the wiring for your 7 pole plug

expert reply by: Shane H

1

Sean

11/11/2020

I have a 2017 f-150 XLT with factory 4 pin trailer connections. I have a 7 pin connection to install on the bumper already. The truck does have a tow-haul mode but I’m unsure if I need to order any additional wiring or connections to ensure that the parts Part Numbers: RED24FR,331-TPH-007 will plug in and operate properly once I install the 7 pin trailer connection on the truck. I’m only looking to tow a 14’ dual axle trailer occasionally with my UTV on it but some of that travel will be off-road so I wanted to ensure I would have full functionality of this Redarc brake controller.

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Shane H.

11/11/2020

The 2017 F-150 does not require any additional fuses for adding an aftermarket brake controller. That actually changed in the 2018 models which now do require an additional fuse. As far as an instillation video, we do not have one for the Red Arc brake controller however, I have linked a video of a brake controller instillation on a 2017 F-150 to help you locate the plug behind the dash. In the video I just reach up under the dash to grab the plug. It may be easier if you remove the panel under the steering column and the metal plate behind it first. As far as mounting the control module, it can be mounted anywhere under the dash in any orientation as long as it is mounted to a solid surface. Make sure it is not zip tied to any wiring. Be sure to determine a location on the dash where you will be mounting the actual controller knob so the cable from the control knob can reach the control module mounting location under the dash. As far as mounting the control knob, you want to make sure the location you choose, the dash is not too thick and there is enough room behind it for the knob and cable when they are connected together. The long vertical panel to the left of the stereo, in front of the location where the plug is, may be a good spot to mount the knob. Those panels are typically not very thick and make it easy to mount. That panel can be popped off. Following the instruction for drilling the holes for the knob. Before you do any drilling double check behind the panel once it is removed to make sure the control knob and wire is not going to make contact with anything once the panel is reinstalled. Once the control knob is installed onto the panel and the nut is put on, put the dial on and push it, you should feel a slight click, that is your manual override. If you cannot push the dial down, remove it and tighten the nut until you are able to push the dial for the manual override. After reinstalling the panel route the cable from the control knob to the module, it will only plug in one place and one way. Route your wiring from your factory plug to the control module, it will only plug in one place and one way. Once all the wires are plugged into the module, push the dial down as if your were using the manual over ride function. You should see the LED light come on. Once you see the light the brake controller is functioning but the control module needs to be calibrated. I like to connect a trailer and adjust the dial to the weight. A good starting number is usually between 4 and 5 on the dial. Drive your truck and trailer down the street, you will need to apply the brakes several times for the module to calibrate the direction of travel. Refer to the instruction for the LED light flashes during calibration.

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