How to Add Trailer Brake Controller to 2021 Ford Transit T-150

Updated 12/15/2025 | Published 04/21/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller w/ Universal Wiring Harness - Dash Knob - Proportional

(2813)

$217.00

Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller - 7-Way Plug-in w/ Bluetooth App - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional

(1823)

$289.95

Question:

Do I have a brake controller plug in my 2021 ford transit F-150 if it has a factory installed hitch with tow mode? Also , does the brake controller come with a plug specifically for my transit if indeed my van has the brake controller plug from factory? Thank you!

asked by: Ioan W

Expert Reply:

Hey Ioan!

So, I did some research into the 2021 Transit T-150 and I found some fun stuff...

It sounds like it's actually pretty hit and miss as to whether or not there is any factory wiring for a brake controller on the van, even if it came equipped with the tow package like yours. If you're one of the lucky ones, there will be a 4-wire harness that can be accessed by pulling the cup holder part of the console out - it'll be in there bundled up with clips.

If you have this, then installing a brake controller like the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty # RED52VR you were looking at (great choice) will be pretty simple. You'll just have to splice in the 4 wires from the unit to that factory harness. There isn't a plug-and-play port on the Transits at all.

Now if you DON'T find this factory harness, installing a standard brake controller is going to require a lot more work and probably some profanity. If this is the case, I actually recommend pivoting to a wireless controller like the Curt Echo # C51180.

This unit will plug right into the 7-Way you already have at the bumper. You'll then control settings and activate the manual override via the smart phone app. This keeps you from having to do any wiring at all at the dash or inside the Transit.

expert reply by: Chris R

Ioan W.

4/30/2025

Chris,, thank you for the reply, I would rather have a physical button instead of the app, that’s just me but I will give it a try and see how the Bluetooth controller works. Maybe I’ll like it. Since I’m not sure which wire harness to look for behind the cup holder if it’s not labeled. Thanks again! Ioan W.

Chris R.

4/30/2025

@IoanW I definitely get that. Now there IS an option to add an actual manual override button to the setup with part # C83HR. This simply pairs with the controller and can be mounted anywhere inside the vehicle. It's not exactly like having all the hard controls of an inside-the-cab controller, but it's close...

Chase

12/15/2025

I’m considering purchase of a 2025 Tranist with trailer wiring and hitch factory installed, but without the brake controller. Is your answer the same for hit-or-miss finding a 4-wire plug under the console cup holder? Are you thinking as with Ioan above that a bluetooth controller is simpler way to go?