I want to buy a brake controller and get my trailer brakes workin on my cattle trailer. What do I need to do to get it all set up. When I plug the controller in and hook up the trailer do the brakes work through the plug from the trailer lights or how does it get back there to control the trailer brakes. I want to do this myself. I am planning on getting a decent controller since I dont tow a ton but enough that I think I should get one. The place I bought the trailer from said they would do it for 200 but if I can do it myself cheaper then I want to go that route. Thanks.

 

Without your vehicle info it is tough for us to tell you what you need.

Did your truck come with the tow package?
Do you already have a 6 or 7 pin trailer plug and matching end on the trailer?
Does your trailer have installed and wired electric brakes?

In 1997 and newer F series trucks they are pre-wired, but you may need to install a few realys and fuses to get it all working. Just because they are pre-wired does not mean that there will be a trailer plug on the back of the truck. If you didn't get the tow package it will be dead ended with a plug mounted next to the spare tire on the drivers side of the frame.

If you already have the tow package and a 6 or 7 pin on the rear of the truck all you will need is to install the brake controller, a few fuses and relays and you are all set...at least on the truck side.

I have a 1992 that needed brake and charge wires run from the front to the back..and had to be fused as well...more dollars to have somebody do that....more than $200 including a decent controller. The controller had to be wired as well on that one.

 

I have an 01 f150 with the 5.4 it has the towing package and the trailer is set up to have trailer brakes already. sorry i forgot to put that. thanks for the help aprreciate it.

 

Then you're in good shape. There should have been a bag of fuses/relays in the glovebox of your truck. You'll have to install those in the distribution box under the hood. Pick up a Prodigy or P3 brake controller with the quick connect adapter and you're done.

 

+1 tp above post. Just put in fuse and wire the controller in. Can get an wiring kit for like 10-$20 or just do it w/o. Controllers cost between $60-$200. So if their $200 is with a nice controller - like a Prodigy, then its not too bad...

 

No need to pay over $100 for the Prodigy.