Brake Controller Recommendation for 1992 Ford F250 Pulling a Horse Trailer

Updated 09/02/2009 | Published 09/01/2009

Products Featured in This Question

Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 6-Way and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires

(9)

$63.55

Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires

(3470)

$118.67

Question:

My truck has a v/8 and is not pre-wired for trailer brakes. I just bought a 3500lb 2 horse trailer. Fully loaded I expect it to be about 6500lbs. We will be around town mostly with a few longer trips 100-200mi each way. What controller should I get? Also when I hooked our new/used trailer I noticed that the male part of the hitch with the ball said 5000 lbs max! Do I need a whole new Hitch? Can I put the ball on the bumper instead? Your help would be greatly appreciated,

asked by: Eric B

Expert Reply:

Any of the brake controllers that we offer would work just fine for your application, I would recommend you get a proportional-type controller such as the Tekonsha Prodigy P2, part # 90885. A proportional controller has an internal sensor which can determine how quickly the tow vehicle is braking, and will then send the correct amount of voltage to the trailer brakes so that the vehicle and trailer are stopping at the same rate. Having the vehicle and trailer braking in tandem is important because neither braking system will be working harder than the other, saving wear and tear on the vehicle and trailer.

Since your truck is not pre-wired for towing, I would recommend using one of our Brake Controller Install Kits. We offer one for trailers that use a 6-Way connector, part # ETBC6, or if the trailer uses a 7-Way, part # ETBC7. The install kits contain everything necessary for installing a brake controller, but if your truck does not have an existing 4-way connector for the trailer lighting, you will need the T-1 Vehicle Wiring Harness, part # 118316.

Any towing system will only be as strong as its lowest rated component. According to my research, your 1992 Ford F250 has a maximum tow rating of 10,000 lbs. Take a look at the hitch on the vehicle, there should be a sticker or plate on it somewhere listing the maximum capacity. If the hitch has a higher capacity than the loaded weight of your trailer, you can use the existing hitch. In your case, the draw bar you have needs to be upgraded to one with a higher capacity. You will need to choose a draw bar and trailer ball whose capacity exceeds the trailer weight. We offer a large selection of draw bars in numerous rise/drop configurations and weight capacities, as well as trailer balls in 1-7/8, 2, or 2-5/16 inch sizes with differing capacities and shank diameters.

I would not recommend using a ball on your existing bumper, most bumpers only have a 3,500 pound towing capacity.

expert reply by: Mike L