Easiest Brake Controller Installation for 2018 Ford Explorer

Question

Question:

We finally got our first camper trailer and it is one that has brakes. So now I need a controller for the trailer brakes, an expense which we had not planned on. Can you give me a few options at different prices and maybe one that is real easy to install? I'm handy but then again my back is not great. Thanks for your help!

asked by: Frank Z

0

Expert Reply:

Congrats on acquiring your first RV!

We can give you brake controller options both in various price ranges and with different degrees of installation complexity.

If your Explorer came from the factory with a 7-way trailer connector and if you have a Smartphone, there is a solution from Curt that is absolutely the easiest option available, their Echo Mobile Trailer Brake Controller # C51180. The Echo simply plugs in to the factory 7-way and it is then paired to you Smartphone. That's it. No wiring, no splicing, no fuss. There is also then no controller in the passenger compartment to get in your way; your phone serves as the display and control device to operate the Echo. Your trailer then plugs right into the Echo. Please check out the photo I linked.

You can still use the Echo even if your Ford has only the 4-pole wiring setup; you'll just add the # ETBC7L kit which converts the 4-pole wiring to the 7-way type. This installation requires you only to route and connect one new wire between the kit's 7-way socket and the Explorer battery. In this case you can refer to the linked article for tips on routing that one wire.

If you prefer a lower-cost but still excellent controller that mounts inside the passenger compartment then I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 # 90195 or the similar P2 # 90885 that you referenced in your question. If you have a 7-way all you need to install it is the wiring adapter # 3035-P. If you have a 4-pole harness then you'll use the install kit # ETBC7, similar to the one above.

If you're still unsure about which way to go check out the video I linked.

expert reply by: Adam R

0

click to enlarge

Answer 1

The Curt hitch offered for your 2015 Kia Soul is a light-duty 1-1/4-inch Class I type, part #C11419, that has 200-lb tongue weight (TW) and 2000-lb gross trailer weight (GTW) ratings. But, and here's a big but, your 2015 Soul is NOT recommended…

view full answer...

Answer 2

The Tekonsha Prodigy P3 #90195 can be installed in any position in the vertical plane but must also remain level horizontally and pointed in the direction of travel. So long as you can meet this requirements with your Velcro installation you'll…

view full answer...

Answer 3

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

view full answer...

Answer 4

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

view full answer...

Answer 5

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only give…

view full answer...

Answer 6

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

view full answer...

Answer 7

Hey Antoine, so the two kits you mentioned are actually really similar and honestly I would go with the part #ETBC7 if I were you. The #ETBC7L is basically the same thing minus a couple wires and breakers so you may as well get the kit that has…

view full answer...

Answer 8

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

view full answer...

Answer 9

If you have a vehicle specific wiring harness for a brake controller then that would indicate that you have a factory tow package and subsequently would already have a 7-way at the back of your vehicle. The universal 7-way connector #ETBC7 is meant…

view full answer...

Answer 10

For sag from towing a trailer the best recommendation I can make is actually a weight distribution system. Suspension enhancement will help level your truck while towing. But the advantage to a weight distribution system is that it levels the vehicle…

view full answer...

Answer 11

The first thing you will need for your 1999 D250 is a 4-way. The Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness #C55317 plugs into the connection points behind your rear bumper and will allow you to power your trailer's signal lights. Once the 4-way is…

view full answer...

Answer 12

I would be happy to help you set up your 2022 Toyota Highlander to haul your new travel trailer. The wiring harness you currently have controls your trailer's lighting functions only. You do not need to rewire your Toyota you just need another…

view full answer...