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Easiest Brake Controller Installation for 2018 Ford Explorer  

Published 02/22/2019

Question:

We finally got our first camper trailer and it is one that has brakes. So now I need a controller for the trailer brakes, an expense which we had not planned on. Can you give me a few options at different prices and maybe one that is real easy to install? I'm handy but then again my back is not great. Thanks for your help!

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Expert Reply:

Congrats on acquiring your first RV!

We can give you brake controller options both in various price ranges and with different degrees of installation complexity.

If your Explorer came from the factory with a 7-way trailer connector and if you have a Smartphone, there is a solution from Curt that is absolutely the easiest option available, their Echo Mobile Trailer Brake Controller # C51180. The Echo simply plugs in to the factory 7-way and it is then paired to you Smartphone. That's it. No wiring, no splicing, no fuss. There is also then no controller in the passenger compartment to get in your way; your phone serves as the display and control device to operate the Echo. Your trailer then plugs right into the Echo. Please check out the photo I linked.

You can still use the Echo even if your Ford has only the 4-pole wiring setup; you'll just add the # ETBC7L kit which converts the 4-pole wiring to the 7-way type. This installation requires you only to route and connect one new wire between the kit's 7-way socket and the Explorer battery. In this case you can refer to the linked article for tips on routing that one wire.

If you prefer a lower-cost but still excellent controller that mounts inside the passenger compartment then I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 # 90195 or the similar P2 # 90885 that you referenced in your question. If you have a 7-way all you need to install it is the wiring adapter # 3035-P. If you have a 4-pole harness then you'll use the install kit # ETBC7, similar to the one above.

If you're still unsure about which way to go check out the video I linked.

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Adam R
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Instructions

Instructions for 90885

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Brake Controllers for 2018 Ford Explorer
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Routing the Power Wire for a Trailer Wiring Harness
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Choosing a Brake Controller - Video
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