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have a couple brake controller questions-HELP-

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Old 04-26-2001, 09:35 PM
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Question have a couple brake controller questions-HELP-

Where do you guys mount them? are they hard to install? what kind is best? anyone got pics of one mounted?
Thanks!!!
Do they come with them?

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1998 150 SC, Lariat, 5.4, Black with a little silver, 4X4, Stock at this time.
 
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Old 04-26-2001, 09:52 PM
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Check out https://www.f150online.com/f150board...ML/000130.html - lots of discussion there.

Ian

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Old 04-28-2001, 07:08 AM
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John,

Locating a brake controller is a real issue. You need to find a mounting location within easy reach, that provides visibility, and won't interfere with the operation of other dashboard components. You also have to be careful you don't hit any wiring when you drill the holes for your mounting screws.

I don't have many locations that meet these criteria in my '97 Expedition. Yesterday I mounted a Tekonsha Sentinel controller. I received it in exchange for a Tekonsha Voyager. The Sentinel allows for near-vertical installation, which was necessary to give me the visibility I need. Here is a photo...

In addition to the problem of selecting the location, I also had a lot of trouble fastening the controller to the mounting bracket. There is minimal clearance between the center console and the right side of the controller bracket. I needed a small adjustable wrench to fit into the space and patiently turn the two attachment screws.



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Old 04-29-2001, 12:00 AM
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Thanks for the pic, I appreciate the help, Its not like the old trucks where the dash just ends and you can mount stuff on the bottom, I dont have a center console so that makes mine a little easier... I have a controller coming tuesday. So I will hopefully find a suitable place for it, does it need to be in plain sight?

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1998 150 SC, Lariat, 5.4, Black with a little silver, 4X4, Stock at this time.
 
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Old 04-29-2001, 07:50 AM
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I wouldn't necessary say mine is within plain sight, other people getting into the truck don't tend to notice it. But you do need it to be within easy reach for the driver. And being able to glance at the readings is also a good idea. The location bluesky put his is about where I've got mine too.

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Old 05-01-2001, 11:35 PM
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Right now i cannot find my brake controller (its somewhere in the garage) because i dont really have a good place to mount it because of my CB so i just put it in when i need it. I dont know what kind you are getting and to be honest, i dont even know what kind i have, i dont tow alot with electric brakes, but the little slot under the ignition, place to put wallets ect...i found out that it fits my controller in there perfectly, it doesent fall out and is really easy to just put in and out, and since it is a plug in under the dash it takes me all of 30 seconds to put it in and take it out.

Brian

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98 F150 XLT Supercab 4X4
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Old 05-02-2001, 12:04 AM
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I just got a tekonsha, hope to try to wire it up next day or two
 
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Old 05-02-2001, 04:50 PM
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What do y'all think about mounting it under the light switch on the left hand side of the dash?
 
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Old 05-03-2001, 12:00 AM
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Here's mine. It's visible through the steering wheel.


 
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Old 05-04-2001, 01:27 AM
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OK, I got it mounted, I will get a pic up soon, its to the right about even with the panel line in the pic above, I have the wires spliced into the pigtail that came with the truck. Sure do appreciate that one!!!!!

Anyhow, I have one final important question, the instructions for the controller say it must be grounded to the battery, did you all run a wire to the batt for the ground????????????????? I need to know!!!!

Thanks!!!!

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1998 150 SC, Lariat, 5.4, Black with a little silver, 4X4, Stock at this time.
 
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Old 05-04-2001, 11:09 PM
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I installed mine with the FORD supplied adapter, ran no extra wires. One of those is the ground. Mounted mine like Bluesky.

In my 98 the trailer dealer installed it, just a little bit over. Turns out it was blocking the computer port. Took it in for tranny problem, dealer test drove and stated nothing wrong. Couldn't run the test because the box was in the way, slug wouldn't drop two screws without charging me (i think it was an excuse because they were busy). I moved it, brought it back, and they tested it. Two days later had a brand new transmission in it!



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99 F250XLT Supercab LD
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Old 05-05-2001, 01:15 AM
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OH, the controller said it needs to go to the battery, you hooked it up to the wire in the connector for the trailer ground?
 



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