Brake Controller Recommendation and Installation for a 1998 Ford Ranger with 4-Way and New 7-Way

Question:

Please help me, I need a brake controller and hopefully a wiring adapter for a 1998 Ford Ranger 4.0 liter engine, 4x4 Xlt ext cab truck, I am pulling a 17ft camper weighing 2750 dry weight. I am almost sure it has the towing package, It came with the factory 4 pin trailer connector and the factory transmission cooler. I have already installed the 7 pin trailer connector but still have the extra 2 wires coming from it zip tied to the hitch. We just came back from a 8 hour trip one way with no trailer brakes and almost ran into the back of a car in Tenn. The trailer pushed us when we locked the brakes up. I thing it is time for trailer brakes?? Thanks

asked by: Gary M

Helpful Expert Reply:

If the trailer's momentum is causing you some white-knuckle driving, then I would agree that it is time for a brake controller on your 1998 Ford Ranger. Since you already have the 7-Way installed you will just need to finish off the connections and wire in the brake controller.

One of the wires on the 7-Way is for 12-volt power. If the trailer does not need a 12-volt power circuit for a battery or other items that run off 12-volt power, then you won't have to connect it. There should be a blue wire and that one is for electric trailer brakes.

It will need to attach to the blue wire on a brake controller. All you will need is the brake controller itself and wiring kit # 5506. This kit also comes with a 40-amp circuit breaker that you would use if you needed to wire up the 12-volt power wire. Otherwise use the included 30-amp circuit breaker for the brake controller.

For a brake controller I recommend the P2 # 90885 because it is easy to use and set up and it's reliable. On it the white wire is ground and will need to connect to the negative battery terminal. Black is 12-volt power into the controller and will connect to the positive battery terminal via the 30-amp circuit breaker mentioned earlier. The blue wire will connect to the blue wire from the new 7-Way as I mentioned before.

That just leaves the red wire which will connect to the brake switch wire that only has power when the brake pedal is pressed. If the wire has power at any other time such as with the headlights or turn signals on then it is not the correct wire. Use a circuit tester such as # PTW2993 to test the brake switch wires (located above and often attached to the brake pedal).

I have included some links that will help. Not all of the information pertains to your situation so just use the parts that do.