Recommendation for Brake Controller to Replace Factory Brake Controller on 2012 Ford F350

Question:

I have 2012 super duty 350, it has the integrated braking system for trailers. On two occasions I have been unable to come to a complete stop at an intersection and was into it by several feet before I could stop. I had system set at 10 the highest setting and my brake pedal faded on me. I had the truck checked at the dealership and the integrated system was ok. I have since read in the truck owners manual that below 11 miles per hour power to the trailer is reduced which would explain the fading of the brakes. I brought this to the attention of management and shop forman and they were all surprised what the manual said, they had never been aware of this. I asked if there is way to over ride the system as it is a little concerning when you feel a loss in the ability to stop. I can see when traveling on a level road the brakes on the truck would stop , in my case I was coming down a slight grade and allowed the truck to slow using the tow haul mode and transmission gear down to I am guessing below 11 mph Any information is appreciated.

asked by: Greg S

Helpful Expert Reply:

The story you've just told me is one of the many reasons why I recommend folks go with an aftermarket brake controller, rather than going with the factory model. Factory brake controllers can cost hundreds of dollars, while our top of the line Tekonsha Prodigy P3, part # 90195 is much less expensive. Not a week goes by where my colleagues and I don't receive at least one or two emails from folks who aren't happy with their factory brake controllers. We hear many stories about malfunctioning controllers. Hearing that the Ford dealer doesn't know how to fix the problem isn't a rare occurrence.

The P3 brake controller I mentioned above will send voltage to the trailer brakes based on the deceleration rate of the tow vehicle, as long as the tow vehicle has forward or backward movement. The braking power won't cut off or be reduced below a certain speed.

To install the aftermarket controller, you'd unplug the factory harness from the rear of the brake controller, and plug the # 3034-P brake controller wiring adapter into the factory wiring harness. Mount the controller to the underside of the dash, preferably to the right of the steering column and plug the other end of the wiring adapter into the rear of the P3 brake controller.

When you start the vehicle, it will show a warning message on the dash display saying that the brake controller has been disabled. The aftermarket controller will be working at this point but if the warning bothers you, your dealer would be able to get into the computer and remove the warning.

The video I've linked you to shows where to find the factory brake controller connector.

expert reply by: Mike L