7-Way Upgrade And Brake Controller For A 2018 Ford F-150 XLT With A 4-Flat  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Hi Wyatt!

We can definitely you all set with a 7-way and brake controller for your 2018 Ford F-150 XLT with the 3.5l V6. Having that 4-flat makes things easier as it will be used to piggyback off of to get you up to a 7-way. I have options for wireless and wired brake controllers along with the needed 7-way upgrades for each listed below:

Wireless Curt Echo:
7-Way RV Upgrade Kit for Trailer Brake Controller Installation - 12 Gauge Wires # ETBC7L
Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller - 7-Way Plug-in w/ Bluetooth App - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional # C51180

This is a pretty easy way to go, but I must admit to not being a huge fan of. I don't always trust technologies, as I am a bit of a caveman, and prefer to use my phone as a phone. Plus it's illegal to have your phone out in some states. I highly recommend also grabbing the Manual Override Button for Curt Echo Brake Controller # C83HR if you go this route as you will not have to have you phone out for the manual override function. You will still need to use your phone for the initial set up though.

Wired Controller:
Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires # ETBC7
Tekonsha Primus IQ Trailer Brake Controller - Up to 3 Axles - Proportional # TK90160
Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller w/ Universal Wiring Harness - Dash Knob - Proportional # RED52VR
Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Brake Controller - Dash Knob - Off-Road Mode - Up to 3 Axles - Proportional # RED44FR

This is my preferred way of doing a brake controller. It is a little more work than a wireless option, but not overly so. I did include a couple options for brake controllers as well. The Tekonsha Primus IQ is a tried and true controller that works very well, but I am 6'5" and these types of controller tend to get in the way of my knees when they are mounted. Granted, not everyone has this problem, but also figured it was worth mentioning.

The other two controllers are from Redarc and are my favorite controllers currently on the market. Once they are installed, the only visible part will be the control knob. You will either need to drill a small hole in the dash or find a blank switch plate to drill a hole in, but I think it's very worth it. The main difference between the two is the Liberty can handle up to 2 axles and the Elite can handle up to 3 axles. The Redarc controllers also have the added benefit of being able to also handle electric or electric over hydraulic braking set ups, whereas the Tekonsha and Curt controllers can only be used with electric brakes.

I included diagram for the # ETBC7L and # ETBC7 for you to check out as well. They are very similar to each other, but figured it wouldn't hurt to show both for comparison.

This is a lot of parts, so if you have any questions about any of them, just let me know. Also, what are you going to be towing?

expert reply by: Lazer S

0

ETBC7 Hardwired Controller Diagram
(click to enlarge)

ETBC7L Wireless Controller Diagram
(click to enlarge)

Lazer S.

3/4/2026

Hey Wyatt, how did things go with wiring up the 7-way and choosing between the Curt Echo and the Redarc controllers for your F-150? I'm curious which setup you went with in the end. Your experience could help others deciding between wireless and wired options.