Trailer brake controller install help

[WanderLoveJosh]

So I've been putting off on the trailer brake controller for awhile, which I know isn't smart, since I'm pulling about 2800lbs.

Was about to pull the trigger on one yesterday while at camping world. There was one about $69, and on the package it says quick connect easy install. So I asked a guy working there real quick about how simple it was and if I would need a certain adapter harness.

He said, I had to do all kinds of wiring into my system, that it would take about two hours, its not very fun, and immediately when to how that particular control wasn't very good, and they could do an install for $200 and he recommends a more expensive controller.

Right about it sounded like nothing more than him trying to sell me more than I need and get an additional $200 out of me. 

Does it sound like a bunch of crap from camping world? Or are there brake controllers that are easy and quick to install??

 

[highdesertranger]

depends on what you are trying to install it on. some vehicles come prewired for them some don't. some you need an adapter harness(vehicle specific) some don't. so in other words, it depends. do you have a 7way plug already installed? how many wires come out of it? highdesertranger

 

[WanderLoveJosh]

Only think I know is it came with a Tow package, Its a ford 2000 E150

 

[highdesertranger]

if it has the factory 7waytrailer connector then it's prewired. be careful with the Ford wiring. read the instructions carefully and follow them exactly, there are 2 types of Ford factory wiring. highdesertranger

 

[DangerBird]

My 2017 Ram 1500 came prewired. Only had to by a Y adapter got the 7 pin plug cuz we added a connector over the wheel well for the 5th wheel. Under the dash was also just plug and play. Get a prodigy controller. I think mine is a P3 and it works excellent.

-Mike

 

[WanderLoveJosh]

Well lucky for me the wife knows more about wiring than I do, so hopefully it won't be too much of a headache.

 

[tx2sturgis]

Your Ford E-150 MIGHT (emphasis) have the connector under the dash, and either a 4 pin or 7 pin connector...and if so, you might only need an adapter and brake controller that plugs in under the dash, and then you might also need to have a separate brake cable run to the rear trailer connector.

Here is a place to look for info:

https://www.etrailer.com/bc-2000_Ford_Van.htm?style=with+factory+4-Flat

 

[WanderLoveJosh]

Your Ford E-150 MIGHT (emphasis) have the connector under the dash, and either a 4 pin or 7 pin connector...and if so, you might only need an adapter and brake controller that plugs in under the dash, and then you might also need to have a separate brake cable run to the rear trailer connector.

Here is a place to look for info:

https://www.etrailer.com/bc-2000_Ford_Van.htm?style=with+factory+4-Flat

That was the impression I was under, because I've seen where some just plug into the connector under the dash. Whether its the proper connector I'm not sure. Right now trying to pinch pennies so trying to avoid buying a controller and paying $200 for it to be installed. lol

 

[WanderLoveJosh]

 

[Ballenxj]

I looked til I was Blue in the face for the junction that my friend said was most likely there to make the installation plug n play. Couldn't find it, so off to UHaul I went. I asked the tech there what the difference was between the cheapest and most expensive. He said just fancier on the more money units, but they all did basically the same thing. Come to find out my 03 B2500 Dodge was not pre-wired, and the unit had to be hard wired in. I think all total was less than $150. BTW, I had a 7 pin commercial style plug installed with the class 3 hitch, and was done in Vegas for an additional cost, so I wont have any problem connecting to most trailers. My trucker friend recommended that.

 

[tx2sturgis]

The connector you show is your OBD port for vehicle diagnostics.

Instead, look for this connector up under the dash, maybe hidden in between bundles of wiring:

 

[WanderLoveJosh]

I looked again.. this was all I could find that wasn't occupied...

 

[rm.w/aview]

What is the relation of what's under the dash & what's at the back of the vehicle. A trailer package will come with some items plus the connector at the rear. Can a 4 pin at the rear be used like a 7 pin regarding brakes? Have all trailer packages the 7 pin?

 

[WanderLoveJosh]

 

[Ballenxj]

What is the relation of what's under the dash & what's at the back of the vehicle. A trailer package will come with some items plus the connector at the rear. Can a 4 pin at the rear be used like a 7 pin regarding brakes? Have all trailer packages the 7 pin?

A good question, and I'm not entirely sure about the right answer. I'm going to guess no, the 4 pin cannot be used as a 7 pin. On the 7 pin however, you can buy a 4 pin adapter that just plugs into the 7 pin receptacle by the receiver hitch, then plug the 4 pin into it. That's what I did. I can now hook up to and tow both types. (As long as I don't lose my adapter that's floating around somewhere)

 

[rm.w/aview]

So a 4 pin at the rear will have little to do with an install of a brake controller at the dash without further wiring for the trailer with electric brakes.

 

[travlinman and wife]

I have a2000 f150 with towing package and a 7 pin conector. when  
 I bought my brake cont the sals person asked what truck I had and looked up what adapter I wood need . went home mounted brake controller pluged adapter into controller truck harness was wire tied to brake leaver arm pluged them together and was ready to go. I would go to a parts store and get adapter and look for a matching plug under the dash.

 

[Burbanlife]

a four pin plug will not be for use with trailer brakes at all. 4 pin will work just the lights..running , brake, turn signals etc.. but not for use with a trailer that has electric brakes

 

[highdesertranger]

like I said before by careful with a Ford. there are two types of under dash wiring on Fords if you connect it wrong you will do serious damage. READ THE INSTRUCTIONS. no you cannot use a 4way for trailer brakes. highdesertranger

 

[tx2sturgis]

I looked again.. this was all I could find that wasn't occupied...

That should be it..like HDR said, two different setups, and I have no idea when they changed the plugs.

I have been away from the computer all afternoon, sorry to have left you hanging.

That plug provides power when the ignition is on and a signal when the brake is applied. Of course the adapter will make the proper connections to the brake controller that you will need to buy.

If you have the 7-way plug at the back, this should be all you need, since the 7-way should have a blue wire for the electric brakes. 

Since I'm not hands-on with it, you need to double check things for your own peace of mind. Brakes are kinda important.