Brake Controller Recommendation for 2004 Ford F-250 6.0L Diesel Towing Trailer with OEH Actuator
Question:
I am trying to figure what make and type of brake controller makes sense for a 2004 Ford F-250 6.0 L diesel towing a Float On boat trailer with electric over hydraulic brakes. I see discussion of proportional and time delayed brake controllers but I dont understand the pros and cons. Is it simply that the time delayed type are typically cheaper, or do they offer some advantage over proportional? The truck has a 7 pin round connector near the tow bar. The trailer also has a 7 pin round. It appears that an adapter is typically listed as a necessary addition to the brake controller. Is this adapter used between the brake controller and the truck wiring under the dashboard? If so, is there a fitting under the dash to which the adapter is simply plugged, or is this fitting something I need to have installed?
asked by: Tony
Expert Reply:
Time-delay type brake controllers can offer advantages in specific applications but in general most people prefer the more predictable performance from a proportional unit that slows the trailer in direct relation to the rate of deceleration in the tow vehicle. These units cause less of that tug-of-war feeling between the truck and trailer. Time-delay controllers do generally cost less since they are simpler in construction and do not need an internal accelerometer, which is the part of the proportional controller that senses the actual braking of the tow vehicle.
For an application with electric-over-hydraulic (EOH) brakes I recommend the proportional-type Prodigy P2 # 90885 or the P3 # 90195 (which offers the same performance but with some additional convenience features like a nicer display). Either unit will work with BOTH electric drum brakes and EOH actuators. Wiring adapter # 3035-P provides for easy plug-in installation of either controller in your 2004 Ford F-250.
For more on brake controllers please refer to the linked article.
Products Referenced in This Question
Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - Ford, Lincoln, Mercury
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Wiring Adapter
- Plugs into Brake Controller
- Vehicle Specific
- Tekonsha
more information >
Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LCD Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LED Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
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