Is Built-In Sway Control on a 2025 Ford Explorer a Substitute for a Brake Controller?

Updated 11/17/2025 | Published 12/18/2024

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Echo In-Line Bluetooth Brake Controller w/ OneControl App - Up to 4 Axles - Proportional

(41)

$414.95

Manual Override Button for Curt Echo Brake Controller

(95)

$62.95

Question:

I am looking for a brake controller for a 2025 ford explorer with factory tow package. The local ford dealer says there is no wiring harness available for this car as it has a built in trailer sway control. The online ford towing info for the 2025 explorer says that you need to add an aftermarket brake controller to safely tow. I have installed several brake controllers in different vehicles and know how they work. I feel as though I am getting misinformation. Can you shed some light on this problem? thank you

asked by: Don B

Expert Reply:

Hey Don, it's good to hear from you again!

I can see where your local Ford dealer misunderstood about the trailer sway control, but they really need to brush up on the info for their vehicles because what they told you is not true and can/will result in someone getting hurt.

The built-in Sway Control does activate the trailer brakes, but only when it senses the trailer is swaying and only in short bursts to get the trailer back under control - it does NOT hit the trailer brakes in tandem with your vehicle brakes like what happens with a brake controller.

I've got a brake controller recommendation for you, but so far we don't know of an OEM harness that you can plug an aftermarket controller into so what I recommend picking up is the Curt Echo In-Line # C79DR because it tees in behind the 7-Way on your Explorer which we know exists. If you can find a brake controller harness up under your dash (or something that you think is for the controller) feel free to reach back out and I'd be more than happy to help you figure it out so we can get some more fits listed.

I really like the Echo because you manage all of the controls through an app on your phone so it eliminates having to modify anything in your cab. Initially I was a little worried about this controller because of that app control, but Curt has built this so that if your phone dies or loses connection the controller will still operate via the last known settings. You can also ditch the phone once you have everything set how you want it and use the Manual Override Button # C83HR for a physical button when you need to hit the trailer brakes in an emergency.

Check out the linked video to get Ryan's thoughts and insight on the Echo In-Line!

expert reply by: Jon G

Jon G.

11/17/2025

Hey Don, how did things go with the Curt Echo brake controller on your Explorer? Did the in-line setup behind the 7-way work out the way you hoped? Your feedback could really help others sorting through the same factory tow package confusion.