Quick question. I'm driving 150 miles to pick up a new trailer. It is a 6000lb GVWR trailer with electric brakes, and 7 way plug and go. I'll pick it up and tow it back empty #1800lbs with no brake controller.

What can I expect with the trailer brakes. I believe I have no trailer brakes at all without a brake controller. Is that correct?

 

Correct, no trailer brake controller in the truck, no trailer brakes working.

You can expect the trailer to push you when you are trying to stop.
With only 1800#'s you feel it when trying to stop, pushing you; increasing yiour stopping distance.
Another way you could possibly get into trouble without the brakes on that trailer is if it starts to sway back and forth. With trailer brakes you could calm it down by applying just the trailer brakes to keep it from wagging.

If that happens without trailer brakes the only way you are going to stop that wagging is with tow vehicle acceleration. If you don't have enough engine it gets pretty western, pretty fast... then after it calms down you slow back down to the speed you intended to be at.

 

get one. they aint that expensive compared to a major F up

 

1800 is not that much, I think you should be fine. But don't jump on the freeway and take it up to 70. Take is slow for a while and get the feel for it. Just from this post I take it you don't tow much, so take ur time.

 

Thanks. I'll look into a brake controller.

 

A Prodigy is only about 100 bucks. Do you have a 7 pin socket at the rear, and are all the fuses and relays installed?

 

I have a 7 pin socket in the rear, and a plastic bag of stuff that I've never looked at. I have three weeks, so many I can put on in by then. Is it a quick and easy plug-in type install? Is there a good How-to thread on it? The Prodigy sounds fine,,, where to buy one?

 

Tekonsha P3 or prodigy. I have a p3 and love it!

 

id like one also. do we have a plug or something these brake controllers plug into?
i have the 7 pin socket/towing package but bo brake controller.

 

^ If you have a tow package there is a 6 pin (I think it's 6) plug under your dash. Plug and play with the purchase of a harness, or use the ford harness and relay kit and solider. Very easy install.

 

Is there a Prodigy for the 03-10 F150, or do I pick up a standard Prodigy brake controller and get the F150 wire harness?

 

I think if you go to etrailer.com you can buy the prodigy and the Ford wiring harness, it is literally plug and play in the F150 with the harness. Two screws to mount it, and it plugs right in.
On the other hand, I've pulled well over 1800lbs behind my old Ford Ranger with 33s with no trailer brakes and it was fine. I wouldn't worry about brakes for an empty trip home if you are in a hurry personally.

 

X2

I have towed more than this with my ranger and 35s with no trailer brakes. You should be fine, but since you will probably be pulling it when it weighs more and it has brakes on it and you have time might as well get the controller now.

 

x2.

 

http://www.etrailer.com/Brake-Contro...ha/3035-P.html
http://www.etrailer.com/Brake-Contro...sha/90185.html

The bag of stuff should be the relays.