Do I Still Need A Brake Controller With Ford Replacement OEM Tow Package Wiring Harness

Question:

Would I still need to use a brake controller if I buy this part?

asked by: Stephen

Expert Reply:

The Ford Replacement OEM Tow Package Wiring Harness part # 118243 will function without a brake controller in the vehicle, however if your trailer has electric brakes you will need a brake controller. The Ford Replacement OEM Tow Package comes with a 7-Way plug and the fuses needed to activate the brake function on the 7-Way for the following vehicles:

2000 - 2002 Winnebago Adventurer Motorhome
2000 - 2002 Tiffin Allegro Motorhome
2001 - 2002 Coachmen Aurora Motorhome
2000 - 2002 Fleetwood Bounder Motorhome
2001 - 2002 Winnebago Brave Motorhome
2000 - 2000 Coachmen Catalina Motorhome
2001 - 2002 Gulf Stream Cavalier Motorhome
1999 - 2001 Ford F-53
2001 - 2002 Fleetwood Fiesta Motorhome
2000 - 2002 Fleetwood Flair Motorhome
2000 - 2001 Coachmen Mirada Motorhome
2000 - 2002 Fleetwood Pace Arrow Motorhome
2002 - 2002 Winnebago Sightseer Motorhome
2000 - 2002 Fleetwood Southwind Motorhome
2000 - 2000 Fleetwood Southwind Storm Motorhome
2001 - 2002 Fleetwood Storm Motorhome
2002 - 2002 Gulf Stream Sun Sport Motorhome
2002 - 2002 Gulf Stream Sun Voyager Motorhome
2002 - 2002 Fleetwood Terra Motorhome
1999 - 2001 Ford F-250 and F-350 Super Duty with factory 4-Flat
1999 - 2001 Ford F-250 and F-350 Super Duty with factory 4-flat
1999 - 2001 Ford F-350, 450, and 550 Cab and Chassis with factory 4-Flat
1999 - 2001 Ford F-350, 450, and 550 Cab and Chassis with factory 4-flat

If your trailer does not have brakes, then the OEM 4-Way functions will be the only active pins on the 7-Way once installed so if your trailer doesn't have brakes then this will power the turn/brake signals, ground and running lights. If you do need a brake controller, I recommend Curt Echo Mobile Trailer Brake Controller part # C51180 which will plug in line with the 7-Way and allows you to control the trailer brake settings like the manual override via your smart phone.

The Curt Echo is the easiest way to use a brake controller with your 7-Way as long as your trailer only has 2 axles and your smart phone is Apple: 8.0-newer or Android: 4.4-newer.