Trailer brakes

[Tomtint]

I think it's nuts. The part is only 90.00... truck came with the hitch, the 7 pin connector..the stupid dial for those who can't back up a trailer...and no brake controller... go figure...

 

[fried1765]

The module is scheduled to arrive on Friday. Should be a relatively easy installation.. then off to the dealer to flash the computer so the truck knows it痴 there... it is ridiculous that Ford puts a hitch and plug on the truck and calls it a tow package.. but no break controller ...

Sometimes they actually do install "brake" controllers.

 

[Ford850]

Mine came with the controller but it’s a 2013 and HD payload model, so better equipped for heavier trailers. Most pickups end up pulling landscape trailers and never go above 3 or 4K pounds. I’m surprised how many guys don’t know what mine is since they never tow a trailer with brakes.

 

[2LaneCruzer]

What a coincidence - I just saw part of this movie on TV today over lunch. I had never heard of trailer brakes that operate with a completely separate handle.

I think they were quite common 50 years ago; I pulled a trailer house from Western Oklahoma up into Kansas on wheat harvest, and the electric brakes on the trailer were operated by a hand brake in the truck. As for the old movie, I recall watching it when it came out. We thought it was hilarious; and very apropos for the time. I recall them buying this trailer, and he then had to buy a new car to pull it with. But, we were easily entertained in those days.

 

[Ken45101]

I think it's nuts. The part is only 90.00... truck came with the hitch, the 7 pin connector..the stupid dial for those who can't back up a trailer...and no brake controller... go figure...

For light duty trailers, you need the hitch and the wired plug for lights. You don't need brakes and a controller until the weight of the trailer is above 2000# in Ohio (it varies state to state generally dependent on the gvw from 1500# to 6000# or so.)

Trailer Brakes - AAA Digest of Motor Laws is a good start but check your actual state laws, they are often more complicated than the AAA guide.

 

[Tomtint]

For light duty trailers, you need the hitch and the wired plug for lights. You don't need brakes and a controller until the weight of the trailer is above 2000# in Ohio (it varies state to state generally dependent on the gvw from 1500# to 6000# or so.)

Trailer Brakes - AAA Digest of Motor Laws is a good start but check your actual state laws, they are often more complicated than the AAA guide.

All my trailers are dual axle , so all have electric brakes. This 150 won’t be pulling anything heavy, maybe the Kubota on a rare occasion. But without the controller.. the trailer would just be banging around on the hitch.

 

[bunyip]

Mine are all dual axle but only braked on the front one.
We can tow up to 750kg (about 1500lbs) unbraked and over 2000kg we have to have a breakaway unit.
I also use 2 tonne rated hooks on the tow vehicle to attach the chains, I hate trying to screw in shackles where I can't see.

 

[RobertN]

- A lot of people don't tow a heavy enough trailer to need brakes(under 2500lbs?)
- A lot of people tow with surge brakes and dont need a controller; boat trailers commonly use surge brakes
- Some people like controllers besides the factory supplied units.

it is ridiculous that Ford puts a hitch and plug on the truck and calls it a tow package.. but no break controller ...

 

[BLSXJ]

Good choice going with the factory brake controller, it ties into the factory stability control system (which after market can't)

after going years without brakes on my trailers (mostly small utility and boat trailers) I am a firm believer that all trailers should have them

 

[Tomtint]

I got the controller installed last week...it was relatively straight forward. Just had to figure out where the screws and clips were to remove some of the interior trim pieces. Took about 45 minutes total. After that I had to get the dealer to plug it into their system and have the truck recognize the unit. They charged me 65.00 to do it. .... personally I think they could have done it as a courtesy after buying the truck from them..but it is what it is. .. I know it's done and done right. Haven't towed with it yet, maybe tomorrow...my tractor needs service and I may use it to tow the Kubota to the dealer. ..I'm curious how the 3.5 Ecoboost tows...supposed to do well but I'm accustomed to a Diesel and V10.