Brake Controller Install in Motorhome on 2005 Ford E-450 Van Cutaway Chassis

Updated 05/21/2021 | Published 05/20/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Hopkins Heavy-Duty, Coiled Trailer Connector Adapter - 7-Way to 6-Pole Round - Center Pin 12V Power

(30)

$59.48

Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - Ford, Lincoln, Mercury

(1793)

$18.94

Adapter 6-Pole to 7-Pole Trailer Wiring Adapter

(126)

$23.69

Tekonsha Primus IQ Trailer Brake Controller - Up to 3 Axles - Proportional

(2159)

$90.04

Question:

I have motorhome on a 2005 E450 chassis with round 6 pin connector and no brake controller. I wish to tow a trailer that has a 7 blade connector and trailer brakes. I would like to install a trailer brake controller in my vehicle. Looking for recommendations about what wiring changes i might require. Do i need to change round 6 pin to 7 bladed?How does the brake controller signal get delivered to the brakes in the trailer? I know i need to buy the controller, what wiring do i require, what socket or adapter do i need? Sincerely

asked by: KeithBare

Expert Reply:

Other than the physical difference, a 7-way carries one extra circuit which is typically used for reverse lamps. If you don't need that feature, you could simply use an adapter like # 47435 which would convert your existing 6-way to a 7-way.

Your cutaway van chassis should have been prewired from the factory to install a brake controller. There should be a connector under the dash near the e-brake pedal as shown in the provided photo. If the connector isn't there, let me know and we'll find an alternative.

For a brake controller, I'd recommend a budget-friendly option like the Tekonsha Primus, part # TK90160 the Primus provides the reliable and predictable braking of a proportional controller without all the bells and whistles you might not need. You'll also need the # 3035-P connector.

I've linked to an install and a demonstration video that you might find helpful.