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Best Way to Wire the Redarc Brake Controller on 2020 Ford Ranger Without Tow Package  

Updated 02/17/2021 | Published 02/14/2021



Question:

I have a 2020 ford ranger xl without factory tow package. I want to install the redark proportional brake controller but cant find the 4 wires under the dash. There is an extra plug, but there appear to be more than 4 wires going to it, so it may be for some other option. Any advice?

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Expert Reply:

Thanks for the pictures you sent! It looks like you don't have the right plug under your dash which is due to not having the factory tow package on your 2020 Ford Ranger. That's ok, since there's still a solution to adding brake controller wiring to your truck.

Ford USA offers the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite # RED44FR with their own wiring kit included so it's confirmed that this controller is compatible with the 2020 Ford Ranger. I talked with Redarc and they explained how to wire your Ranger to match the wiring kit that Ford offers. This comes in handy if you already own your own Redarc Tow-Pro Elite.

First, you need a 7-way wiring harness. Since you already have a 4-way on your truck, you can use # ETBC7 to convert it to 7-way. From here, all you need is the blue wire from this converter to connect to your brake controller.

Second, you need to connect the white, black, and red wires from the wiring harness # RED69FR that came with your brake controller.

White - Ground connection

Black - Connect with circuit breaker like # 331-CBK30-EB to Battery Positive

Red - Connect to dedicated STEADY 12V brake light signal (CMHSL); Prevent feedback with # RED34FR

The red cable connection is a little bit different here. Since the 2020 Ford Ranger has driver assist braking, tapping straight into the brake pedal switch is not recommended. The stop lamp signal is a good source since it lights up under both types of braking events (driver and vehicle generated). However it must be a dedicated solid 12V signal to be used with the Tow-Pro.

This is where the CMHSL (Centre Mounted High Stop Light) at the rear of the roof comes in. This is a possible suitable source of the stop lamp signal, but you need to make sure it is solid 12V and not Pulse Width Modulated signal.

You also need to prevent reverse power on the brake signal wire which is why you use an encapsulated diode like # RED34FR.

Once you hook all four wires up, you're good to go!

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Evangeline M
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