Hello again everyone,

Quick question for the screw owners...maybe I should post this in another section...but anyway I hear that there is a simple plug in adapter under the sterring column of the f-150 trucks for easy install of a brake controller.

I looked on my truck and see the plug, but is is really for a electric brake control or is it some kind of diagnostic port?

The reason I ask is I need to install one of these and if that is how simple it is I won't be paying someone else to hack the electrical system to install the BC.

Thanks everyone!
--Justin

 

There are two plugs under your dash. One is the diagnostic port and the other is a brake controller port.

What most people do is buy a brake controller and an adapter for that controller for their specific vehicle. I highly recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy. You can download the wiring instructions, but I believe you just plug and play with the harness. BTW, RJay's has the unit for about the best price and service/shipping is quick.

 

I have the Prodigy controller, the plug/harness for late model F150's is available at most hitch shops, and the Ford Dealer. Mine was included as part of the trailer tow package. The leads out of the controller just connect to the harness and you plug it in under the instrument panel just right of the steering column. You need to look under the I.P. to see the plug. The prodigy unit fits nicely into that small cubby to the right of the steer column.

 

Ditto here with Ed Simon. Mine came with the tow package so the harness was in the drivers door pocket when I got the truck. I don't have the controller you mention but mine was very simple to install just as stated and as Ed said, I mounted mine inside the cubby on the lower panel by your right knee also. Easy and looks professional. Take it to a trailer dealer and they will charge you probably $250.00 to install a controller and you can do it yourself in literally a half hour at most.

Good luck.

 

I just installed a Prodigy last week in my 03 Screw. It took 20 minutes. The most difficult thing was deciding were to mount it so that it was aligned with direction of travel. I tried the cubby hole to the right of the steering column, but was unable to reach the manual lever without leaning down to do so. I also wanted to be able to see the display. I ended up mounting it on the left side of the dash under the light switch so that I could both see and reach the manual brake lever easily.

Ford included a brake plug/pigtail with my screw and the prodigy brake controller included a connector/pigtail for the controller. It just takes a few minutes to connect the wires. Check the wire functions to ensure you connect them correct. The wires do not necessarily match each other.

 

This is why I love this forum!!

So one last quick question on the controller mentioned, when you manually squeeze the brake lever will it light up my brake lights? In the past I have had some pretty generic brake controllers (different vehicle) that did not do that...so when you come to a stop using the manual lever you have no brake lights which is not a good thing.

Thanks!!
You people rock!
--Justin

 

I do not know the answer to your question, but I do not believe whether the lights ocme on or not should be a factor. I have never towed a trailer with brakes therefore no first hand experience with brake controllers so take that into consideration. I don't think you are supposed to be using the trailer brakes only to stop the whole vehicle. Just to assist if the automatic sensor is not doing enough when you are already braking.

 

This site has a lot of good information as well as deals on the controller, I however bought mine new on Ebay for $39.00 which is far cheaper then most places. Hope this helps
http://www.brakecontroller.com/

 

Yeah I understand APT...hard to explain why you would only use the trailer brakes but sometimes I do. It is rare yes but needed every once in a while.

And I'll check out that web site wefare...

Thanks!

 

If the trailer becomes unstable when descending an incline and the trailer starts to sway or for that matter it starts to sway anytime, you should reduce your speed, avoid using the vehicle brakes, and manually activate the trailer brakes to regain control.

 

Brake lights on both the trailer and truck go on when you manually activate the controller (using the slide bar on the controller).

 

Hey thanks for confirming that!
--Justin

 

Reading through has helped greatly!!! One question is about the DC 20 - 30 Amp breaker that the say is required. My truck came with the cable and fuse. Would both fuse and breaker be required. If so, what breaker amp should be used 20 or 30. Current config - 2005 F150 screwcab!!! Thanks in advance.

 

Setting up the Prodigy manuel setting should only be to the point of just before wheel lock up, at max right hand travel, and not be able to brake the towing truck as a matter of habit.
You can set it for a little lead where the trailer brakes will brake a little more aggressive but that is all that should be adjusted into the system.
What is being attempted is to get all brakes to share as near equally as is possible for max stopping power on all road surfaces.
It's all in the instructions.

 

One thing to consider is a "disable switch" On my old Expy I put a switch in the brake wire to disable the trailer controler when I was baking. If your controler comes on and your trailer brakes aren't the auto backing release it comes in real handy!

Dave V