2022 Bronco Sport Outer Banks Brake Controller for a 2012 Scamp 13 Fiberglass Travel Trailer

Question:

Hello ETrailer Technician, I recently purchased a 2022 Ford Bronco Sport Outer Banks, 1.5 Turbo, with the factory class II package. The factory tow package only includes a four-way flat connector, but my mechanic is going to swap that out and install a combo 4 way/7 pin tow connector. I tow a 2012 Scamp 13 fiberglass travel trailer, with a dry weight of approximately 1,850 pounds and electric brakes. I’m shopping For a brake controller, and I’m wondering what you might suggest? I see a lot of reference online to the Reese brakeman IV for light towing needs, but it’s a timed controller. What are your thoughts on that unit versus a proportional unit such as the Tekonsha Prodigy for my vehicle and towing needs? Can you recommend a brake controller and wiring harness that will fit and work with my vehicle? Because the vehicle is so new and only tows 2,000 pounds, Ford has not yet come out with anything OEM to my knowledge. The electric brakes were an option on my Scamp 13 because it’s so light weight. But because the Ford bronco sport has a short wheelbase and I am close to the maximum towing capacity here, I thought a brake controller would be prudent. I look forward to and appreciate your recommendations for a brake controller and any other wiring or harnesses I might need. Thank you! Sincerely

asked by: Wendy

Expert Reply:

I would be happy to help you. I completely agree you will benefit from having a brake controller in your 2022 Ford Bronco Sport. You don't want a time delayed brake controller so don't worry about the Reese Brakeman. For your light weight vehicle and trailer you don't want to wait for it to slow down. I personally own the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller Proportional item # 90195. It is a great controller and I haven't had an issue with it and have owned the truck for years. The Prodigy is a proportional brake controller that will activate your trailer's brakes in proportion to your Bronco's braking action. It activates immediately meaning there is no pausing like with time-delayed brake controllers. Your Bronco being so new means there isn't going to be a plug in adapter available for it. You will need to have it hardwired into your Bronco with the included harness. I have linked an installation video and attached a picture of what the Prodigy looks like installed.

expert reply by: Jerred H