What Is Needed To Install Brake Controller On 2005 Ford F-150 With Factory Tow Package

Updated 04/10/2014 | Published 04/09/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Venturer NEXT Trailer Brake Controller - Up to 3 Axles - Time Delayed

(84)

$77.72

Dielectric Grease for Electrical Connectors, 2 oz.

(1489)

$10.94

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

(1798)

$19.06

Curt TriFlex NEXT Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(981)

$135.95

Curt Custom Wiring Adapter for Trailer Brake Controllers - Dual Plug In

(274)

$12.90

Question:

with purchasing this Curt Brake controller, what else will I need to purchase to install it in My 05 F150 with the towing package? Also, will I need to take it to the Ford dealer to have it programmed?

asked by: Andrew P

Expert Reply:

On your 2005 Ford F-150 with the towing package, there will be a port under the dash that the Curt Custom Wiring Adapter, part # C51322 plugs into. I have attached a photo that has a red arrow pointing to the location on your truck.

The Curt Venturer Trailer Brake Controller, part # C74VV is a time-delayed brake controller designed for a trailer with electric brakes or and Electric Over Hydraulic. It uses a preset sensitivity setting to activate your trailer brakes when you press the brake pedal in your truck. It is easily adjusted for different towing conditions and comes with a manual slide switch that allows you to override the preset setting.

If you are planning on towing quite a lot and for a better towing experience, I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P2, part # 90885. This is a proportional brake controller that works with electric or electric over hydraulic brakes on your trailer. This controller will activate the brakes on your trailer in proportion to the braking action of your vehicle. Proportional brake controllers are easier on your brakes than the time-delayed controllers.

If you have the factory 7-way on your truck then the Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter, part # 3035-P is the adapter you need. I have included a link to an installation video for the # 90885 controller and # 3035-P adapter being used.

For a less expensive proportional brake controller I recommend the Curt TriFlex Trailer Brake Controller, part # C24VV. You would use the same adapter, part # C51322 as the electric brake controller uses.

You should not have any problems with the set up on your truck. If this controller is a replacement for a factory integrated brake controller system on your truck then you will need to see the dealer. If you have never had a brake controller on your truck and this is a new installation, then you will not have to see the dealer to set it up.

If you have a 4-way connector on your truck then you will need part # 37185 which will give you the 7-way needed at the rear of your truck.

When installing electrical components it is always good to use dialectric grease like part # 11755. This helps prevent electrical failures caused by corrosion and moisture.

I have attached some other articles you may find helpful.