Recommended Wiring and Trailer Brake Controller for 2016 Ford F-150 without Tow Package

Question:

Ive got a 2016 F150 w/o a tow package from the factory. I need instruction on how to install a controller and the 7 pole female plug. Do I need the computer flashed to make all this work also?

asked by: Earl M

Expert Reply:

If your 2016 Ford F-150 does not have a factory connector at the rear of the truck, you will just want to take a look under the bumper to determine which harness will fit.

If you find a round connector that looks like the #1 image attached below, then I recommend the Reese Replacement Multi-Tow 7-Way & 4 Pole # 74682. This will plug directly into that round port to give you both a 7-Way and 4-Way connector.

If you instead find a rectangular connector under the rear bumper, you will need Curt Wiring Harness # C56110. This will give you a 4-Way connector to power the trailer's signal lights. In order to install a fully functional 7-Way from the 4-Way, you will also need the Universal Installation Kit # ETBC7. This kit includes the wiring necessary to install a trailer brake controller as well. I have attached a great article that details the installation steps for this kit that you can look through.

Then for the brake controller itself, I highly recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 # 90195. This is a great proportional controller that will activate the trailer brakes at the same time and with the same intensity that you apply to them in your truck. It features an easy to read digital display and continuous diagnostics that will alert you to any potential issues. To install the controller, you will just need the Custom Plug-In Adapter # 22292. One end of this adapter will connect to the controller and the other end will plug into the built-in port beneath the truck's dash. I have attached an installation video that you can use for reference.

Since your F-150 did not come with the factory tow package or integrated brake controller, you should not need to have the computer flashed for the new controller to work properly.