Installing an Aftermarket Brake Controller on a 2021 Ford F-150

Updated 06/11/2025 | Published 04/29/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Power Wire Kit for Electric Trailer Brake Controllers - 12 Gauge

(11)

$21.08

Hook Probe Circuit Tester

(70)

$13.81

Question:

Im planning to buy a 2021 f-150. It is coming with the hitch and trailer wiring option. I plan to buy this brake controller based on previous model I owned. Im a bit concerned. After unsuccessfully looking for videos on 2021 f-150 after market installation, I came across a ford forum. In the forum. It was mentioned that 2021 ford f-150s do not have the capability for after market brake controller installation. The forum referenced Ford BBAS SVA Q-330. Can I somewhat easily install this brake controller on a 2021 F-150?

asked by: Bill G

Expert Reply:

Installing an aftermarket brake controller, like the Tekonsha Primus IQ # TK90160, is definitely possible. That being said, not all of the 2021 models have the power run to get the controller up and running, so you may need to add # BRK-ELECKIT. This will add the power needed and is not very difficult to install. Especially since your vehicle will have a factory port under the dash. The Tekonsha # 22292 will plug directly into this port and then directly into the back of the # TK90160.

To test your factory plug for power, you will need to use something like the wire tester # PTW2993. The port that will supply the power to the controller will be in the bottom right corner of the port under the dash. If you do have power, then the # BRK-ELECKIT will not be needed. If there is no power, I included an install video we did with one for reference.

expert reply by: Lazer S

Taylor J.

6/11/2025

Good afternoon. I have to say that this response of its definitely possible is alittle vague. I have a 2021 f150 xlt with factory trailer tow package with 7 way connecter as well as 4 way. The problem i have seen is that the instructions for these trucks are done on a base model xl truck with no trailer module installed, there plug is just dummied into some molding by the kick panel. My truck has an actual module that this connector is plugged into. How am i supposed to make that work?

Lazer S.

6/11/2025

@TaylorJ I see what you mean about the instructions. The plug you found in the kick panel may be ready to just plug into and go. Yes, I am aware that is also a little vague, but Ford has done some weird things and this falls into that category. Any F150 built before August 1st in 2021 is not equipped with provisions to install an aftermarket brake controller, so it must be hardwired. If you truck was built after that August 1st date, the # 22292 will plug in and a Tekonsha controller (like the P3 # 90195) will work just fine. Do you know when your truck was built?

Taylor J.

6/11/2025

@LazerS Yes mine is built in July. I find that it makes more sense for my current truck being that it already has the module, for me to just get a factory controller seeing that im going to have to get it enabled either way.

Lazer S.

6/11/2025

@TaylorJ It would be easier, for sure. I am preferable to aftermarket controllers as the factory one I have in my 16 Silverado isn't very good and it can't handle electric over hydraulic set-ups, but the Ford one may be better than mine. But that's just my personal opinion on them. Sorry I wasn't much help with this.