Recommended Brake Controller for a 2005 Ford F-150 with Factory 7-Way Installed  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Don't worry, I can help you understand brake controllers a little more and help you pick one out. I recommend a proportional brake controller like the # TK90160 instead of a time delayed controller every time.

A proportional brake controller senses when and how your tow vehicle brakes with an internal inertia-based sensor. This sensor responds to the deceleration of your tow vehicle as you brake by signaling the controller to send out enough power to your trailer brakes so that they are activated with an intensity that matches. The result is uniform braking across your towing setup. No push-pull action - just smooth, proportional braking every time.

A time delay controller is so named because there is a delay between the time that you initially apply the brakes in your tow vehicle and the time that the controller reaches maximum power output. Unlike the proportional brake controller, which activates your trailer's brakes based on the deceleration of your tow vehicle, a time-delayed controller sends power out in the same way, with the same gradual delay, no matter the braking situation. Although this delay always exists, it can be adjusted by changing the sync setting. A time-delayed brake controller doesn't rely on internal parts to sense braking motions of the tow vehicle. This allows you to mount the controller at any angle. Time delayed is older technology and while it still works for this purpose it is not very desirable among towers like proportional braking is.

I have linked a Help Article on Brake Controllers to this page for you to check out.

For an economical proportional brake controller closer to the cost you were looking at with the time delayed, I recommend the Primus IQ # TK90160. This proportional brake controller automatically levels when mounted within a 90-degree vertical range. Includes digital display, 3 boost levels, battery protection and continuous diagnostics. See attached image of automatic leveling feature. The Primus will install into your 2005 Ford F-150's brake controller port using the # 3035-P wiring adapter. I have linked a video of this harness being installed on our vehicle just with another brake controller that uses the same wiring adapter.

If you look at the brake controllers that fit your 2005 Ford F-150, see attached link, you will see that they all have the same adapter for your Ford plug on the vehicle end but may have different brake controller port adapters on the controller end depending on which brake controller you select. They will all be paired up in the provided link for you to easily make sure you purchase the proper one.

I have linked all the above mentioned parts to this page for your viewing and purchasing convenience.

expert reply by: Jackie C

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