Hi all,

I have a new 09 F150 with the trailer towing package. It comes with the 4 and 7 pin outlets. In order to use the brakes on the trailer, do I have to install a brake controller inside the truck?

I was told that I just need the plug outlet at the hitch??

I would appreciate your comments.

Thanks

 

Yes, you will need to install a brake controller to make the trailer brakes work unless the trailer uses a hydraulic surge brake.

What are you refering to about the plug outlet at the hitch if you already have a 4 & 7 pin outlet next to the reciever?

 

I woulda thaught it already comes with one, no? Or is that an option above and beyond the trailer towing? In any case, it plugs in under dash and you make sure the fuses and relays are in place. Basically then your set. A brake controller will need a specific harness from 09 ford to brake controller. This is a good section, I learned all trailer related crap from these guys in here, lots of knowledge and advice.

 

Unfortunately my truck didn't come with the brake controller (only on the max trailer package)

 

Brake controllers run from $45 to $250
Most agree that for the money the Prodigy is hard to beat.
It can be had for around $100.

Far cheaper than the factory installed option from Ford at about $1300, and in my opinion just as good.

 

So to install the "factory looking" setup is that much for the 2009 ?

I too have a new 09 that did not come with the factory dash controller setup and wanted to know the best route to go. Aby one have pics of one done ?

 

No, it is more.
To get the factory installed brake controller it is about a $1300 option.(last time I checked)
To go to Ford and have it retro-fitted to a truck that did not come with it, you are looking closer to $2000.

We have already been by-passing these factory set ups and installing Prodigy's on trucks as new as 2005 Super Duty's. They are not that reliable and fixing them is almost as costly as installing the system new.

Most of our customers are choosing the Prodigy for about $100 instead of $1000 plus on fixing their factory installed brake controller.



My advise... stay away from the factory installed option on both Ford and Chevy and just get a Prodigy.

 

Ok then which one would YOU buy? The P3 or the the other one then?

Thanks

 

Most don't need to run electric over hydraulic brakes so they don't need a P3. The P3 does change display colors and give errors codes in plain english.

If you don't need those options the Prodigy does everything else for you.

We install and/or sell 300 plus Prodigy for every P3 we sell. Most people choose the Prodigy.