Do I need a brake controller? (new to towing)

[Justin B]

As I’m new to towing with my F150, I thought I’d ask the experts on this one. I’m renting a Travelstar hybrid travel trailer (18sb) in about a month for a trip to Big Bend. Do I need a brake controller? If I don’t get a brake controller, will the electric brakes on the TT still work? I hate to buy a controller if I don’t have to, because I don’t ever tow anything--but I want to be safe as we’ll be hitting some steep hills. Thanks in advance for any advice, -Justin Here are the details: 2001 Lariat 2 wheel drive 5.4L Tow package (tran cooler, wiring harness—plugged in those relays from the bag, hitch w/ 2’ ball) 3.55 axle CIPA Mirror extensions -------------- Renting a Travelstar 18sb20’ 20’ Single axle Electric brakes GVW (trailer): 2,654

[kd4crs]

The short answer is yes, you need a brake controller. The trailer brakes will not work without one. The most popular one is the Tekonsha Prodigy.

[Justin B]

kd4crs, thanks for the reply. I ordered a Podigy controller. Take care,
-Justin

Originally Posted by kd4crs

The short answer is yes, you need a brake controller. The trailer brakes will not work without one. The most popular one is the Tekonsha Prodigy.

[GIJoeCam]

It depends on the type of brakes the trailer is equipped with. Many of the rental places use hydraulic surge brakes on their trailers so they don't need to install a controller.

Contact the place you're renting it from and ask them what type of brakes the trailer you'll be renting is equipped with. If they're hydraulic, you won;t need a thing. If they're electric, you will need a controller.

-Joe

-Joe

[Justin B]

Thanks for the reply, Joe. The brakes on this particular trailer are electric and the trailer rental place wanted to make sure I had the tow package for brake wiring. I just wasn't sure if electric brakes would work without a controller.
-Justin

Originally Posted by GIJoeCam

It depends on the type of brakes the trailer is equipped with. Many of the rental places use hydraulic surge brakes on their trailers so they don't need to install a controller.

Contact the place you're renting it from and ask them what type of brakes the trailer you'll be renting is equipped with. If they're hydraulic, you won;t need a thing. If they're electric, you will need a controller.

-Joe

-Joe

[GIJoeCam]

In that case, yes, you will need a brake controller.

Your truck will be pre-wired however. Unless already equipped with the towing package, you'll need the 7-pin harness for the rear of the truck, and the towing kit that includes the relays and fuses for under the hood and the pig-tail to connect the controller. IIRC, the plug under the dash is gray, right about in between your knees behind the trim panel.

-Joe

[Colorado Osprey]

Since you normally don't tow I'd advise you to sell the controller once your trip is over from big bend. There are plenty of people who will give you $50-75 for your used prodigy. This will at least re-coup part of the expense of needing one for this trip only.

Good luck....happy trailering

[F. BEAIRD]

Originally Posted by Justin B

Thanks for the reply, Joe. The brakes on this particular trailer are electric and the trailer rental place wanted to make sure I had the tow package for brake wiring. I just wasn't sure if electric brakes would work without a controller.
-Justin

it is against the law to tow a trailer over 2,000 lbs. without brakes. have an accident in texas and they will fry you if no brakes. i am an r.v. dealer.

[Justin B]

Thanks for all the advice everyone. Ya, there is no way I would tow with no brakes at all, just for safety's sake even it wasn't agasint the law. Reselling the controller's not a bad idea, I may do that. I ordered a Prodigy the other day, should be here soon. Setup looks easy, I got the Ford harness--should just plug right in. Thanks again,
-Justin

[GIJoeCam]

I was just about to suggest buying a used one, then re-selling it. You can often get what you paid for it that way, less shipping of course.

At any rate, I bought a controller four years ago for a two-time towing deal. It's still sitting on the shelf collecting dust, but it's there if I need it.

-Joe

[APT]

Each state has its own law limit for towing w/o trailer brakes. 2000 pounds is common, but it could be higher or lower.