Brake Controller Installation 1988 Ford F-350
Updated 12/23/2020 | Published 12/21/2020
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Question:
Hello, I am n the process of installing a electric brake controller in a 1988 Ford F-350. My questions are did these come with a factory brake controller plug if so where is it located? I would also like a wiring diagram of the brake lighting circuits if you have them. I have been a customer in the past and always have had good experiences dealing with E-Trailer Thanks
asked by: Roger M
Helpful Expert Reply:
Ford didn't start equipping their trucks with the plug-and-play brake controller provision until the 1994 model year, so you'll need to hardwire the controller. This is a pretty simple process.
First, you'll need to choose a controller. I prefer a proportional controller like the Tekonsha Primus, part
# TK90160. A proportional controller will sense the rate that the tow vehicle is braking, and will send the appropriate amount of voltage to the trailer brakes so the trailer and tow vehicle stop at the same rate for safe and predictable braking.
How you proceed with the installation will depend on how your truck is currently equipped. If it doesn't have a trailer connector at all, the easiest way to proceed would be to install a 4 pole trailer connector, part # 118316. This allows you access to the taillight circuits without needing to cut or splice anything. You'd then use our # ETBC7 brake controller installation kit. The kit includes everything needed to install a controller, including a 4-pole to 7-way adapter which would plug into the connector provided by the # 118316.
If the truck already has the 4-pole, you'll just need the # ETBC7 kit. If it already has a 7-way installed, use the # 5506 install kit.
I don't have a wiring diagram for the taillight circuits, but using the # 118316 would eliminate the need for that. I've linked to some help articles and install videos for you that will assist with the installation.
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