Can 2017 Ford F-150 With 7-Way Have Trailer Brake Controller Installed

Updated 12/05/2022 | Published 12/02/2022

Question:

Curt Echo Mobile Brake Controller. I have a 2017 Ford F-150 that I went to the dealership to have a brake controller added. They informed me that since there was never a brake control module added from the factory, I could not add a brake controller to the truck, factory or aftermarket. It appears this product would be a good work around for this issue since it doesn’t connect to the trucks wiring. Can you confirm if anyone else has had any issues with this not working with an F150?

asked by: Kevin C

Expert Reply:

So, I'm going to go ahead and rip the Band-Aid off right here - your dealership is very wrong and your 2017 Ford F-150 can absolutely have a trailer brake controller installed. They are wrong about not being able to add one and wrong about there not being a module/wiring connection. It is up and under the dash on the right side; I have added a photo from an install we did on a '17 F-150 showing the port. That said, I don't recommend using the Curt Echo # C51180.

The reason why is 2015-2017 F-150's turn off power output to the 7-way when in park or during gear shifting, and the Echo relies on the 7-way 12-volt power. So instead I recommend going with one that will plug into that port:

- Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller w/ Custom Harness # TK99UR

This comes with both the controller and the plug for your F-150 so it's all that you'll need.

expert reply by: Kyle S