Recommended Off-Road Brake Controller for a 2024 Ford F-150

Question

Question:

My 2024 F150 STX 5.0 Crewcab Shortbed 4WD with the electronic locking 3.31 axle, has both a 4-flat, and 7-Round plugs plus Trailer Sway alert. I do not see 53T package on the door jamb or window sticker. I want clean simple, nice, flexible with off-road capability. Possibly have a 3-axle trailer someday. Currently a single and a double axle, later with tandem brakes. **Will this be ideal for my needs? ... Redarc Tow-Pro Trail Brake Controller w/ Custom Harness - Dash Knob - Off-Road Mode - Up to 3 Axles RED44UR ... **Do I need anything else to Plug and Play?

asked by: Roger S

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

Hey Roger, thanks for all of the information. The Redarc Tow-Pro Trail Brake Controller w/ Custom Harness item # RED44UR is going to be a great option for your 2024 F-150. It checks all the boxes for what you're requiring now and down the road.

You can't get any cleaner or nicer of an installation then the one that is provided by the Redarc Tow-Pro item # RED44UR that's for sure. Its unique installation method where the only visible portion is the control knob that's about the size of a nickel makes adding this to your truck look like a factory option. The main unit is hidden away inside your dash to be completely out of the way and out of sight.

Since you have a 7-way and a 4-way connector you will have a brake controller plug. The custom wiring harness included with item # RED44UR will make this install pretty easy. I have attached a picture below that will guide you to where the plug is located.

What model trailer is your current single axle one?

expert reply by: Jerred H

1

Ford Plug
(click to enlarge)

Greatdanes4u

9/28/2025

I sent requests for install to: 1) Reliable RV, 2) Westgate Trailers Springfield & 3) Westgate Trailers Lebanon. No Responses. I further followed up with phone calls to 1) Reliable RV. They were not interested in any install that was not that million dollar Blue Ox. I contact Eric at: 3) Westgate Trailers Lebanon. He was interested. I drove it Lebanon in Laclede county. Eric was eager as he opened the wet box. *UPS driver left it out at the far corner of the garage instead on near the front door under cover like most deliveries get left. Eric took the truck back to the Service area and came back showing me according to the fitment chart, my truck was not listed. That was the justification the installer used to explain why they could not mount the Redarc. The installer showed me a smaller box unit than I have in a different vehicle, same as one you guys also offer. New truck and an Asian wife that would not want the clutter on the passenger side of the dash. I took the truck and the unit to Freedom Ford in Lebanon. The personnel were all eager to assist and have any customers I suspect. They warned against installing the Redarc! They went so far as to not just offer to obtain the Ford Authorized Trailer Brake Controller, but offered an extended warranty on it that does not come from Ford Accessories. They went further offering to meet any 15% discount that Ford would offer me. I just would have to Drive back to Laclede county to Lebanon. I stopped by Don Vance in Marshfield. Vance Ford was nothing as nice as Lebanon's Ford. I came back home ordered the Ford Authorized Trailer Brake Controller and pre-paid install from a local dealer. Vance still not happy has scheduled an install with the Ford part. Meanwhile I put all the components of the "Rain Damaged" box into a gallon Freezer bag because you never know what delivery drivers do to the containers before it reaches its next destination. I dropped the return shipment at UPS, and currently waiting for the refund to be credited back to original method of payment, minus the return shipping label costs.

Jerred H.

9/28/2025

@Greatdanes4u That's a wild frustrating adventure you've gone through that's for sure. I have no idea what the issue is with your installers warning you against Red Arc and refusing to install it. These brake controllers are crazy reliable and the features built into them are extremely user friendly. We've been selling that custom brake controller wiring harness for quite awhile on that generation of F-150's. There was a covid shortage for the 2021-2022 model years where they left the plug out but that's been long since resolved. I think you're getting some bad information that's prejudicial based on the installer's relationship with vendors and preference. The Ford dealerships and dealerships in general always turn people away from aftermarket parts and justify/scare tactic voiding warranty as the reason. I personally verified with Red Arc the item # RED44UR kit is the right one for your 2024 F-150 since you clearly have the tow package. I hope you find a resolution to this situation and end up with a functional brake controller that satisfies your needs and looks good in your new truck. If you have any additional questions do not hesitate to reach out.

Answer 1

Hi Larry, I can definitely understand your frustration, and based on your testing, that low voltage at the 7-way is not normal and does point to an issue on the truck side rather than the trailers. Also, thank you for your photo. The good news is you…

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Answer 2

That's a very good question, we tend to be extra cautious and say to use 10 gauge wire because that would be more than enough. When you get into longer trailers that will end up using a lot of wire the heavier gauge wire becomes more necessary.…

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Answer 3

Hey Dale, thanks for reaching out. For your 2010 Toyota Tundra with the factory tow package, a proportional controller is definitely the way to go for smooth braking on a 2-axle trailer, and a really clean option is the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty…

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Answer 4

Hi Mark; have you tried looking behind the center dash storage pocket? Technically on the vehicle the location is BH7. It will be similar to the attached picture on an Expedition. You can also take a look at the installation video I attached further…

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Answer 5

For your 2024 Nissan Frontier I recommend the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller #RED24FR. I like the Liberty because it is simple, reliable, and looks great in any vehicle. The main unit installs behind the dash, so only the control knob will…

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Answer 6

The difference between the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty #RED24FR (and pigtail wiring #RED69FR) and the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite #RED44FR is that the Liberty has proportional towing mode only while the Elite has proportional AND user-control towing modes.…

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Answer 7

Thank you for reaching out and for the photos! We try to carry over the wiring brackets and for a long time they didn't change which is why we carried it over. With this new information we will definitely be updating our website. For your…

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Recommended Off-Road Brake Controller for a 2024 Ford F-150

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