Wiring and Brake Controller for 2012 Ford F-350 Cab and Chassis

Question:

I am getting a 2012 Ford F-350 Cab-Chassis that is bare bones. It did not come with a trailer tow package, so I need a package that includes a brake controller. The previous owner added a receiver hitch, but no wiring. Can you please recommend a brake controller, and if possible, a plug and play wire harness and seven pin round wire receptacle for the rear. Please let me know if you system needs to be programed through the OE computer and and will work with the master cylinder that does not have the pressure switch in it?

asked by: John S

Expert Reply:

We can get you set up with a brake controller for your 2012 Ford F-350 cab and chassis, and let's start with the wiring. Since you don't have any trailer wiring you will need to install the 4-Pole Hardwire Kit # 18252 and for the 7-way and rest of the wiring you will need the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller # ETBC7.

For the brake controller itself, I highly recommend the the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller # 90195.

The P3 is the best option because it gives you the most consistently smooth braking, has a bright LCD screen that is very easy to read, has continual diagnostic checks with safeguards to prevent battery drain or shorts, and even lets you store settings if you have numerous trailers. This brake controller combines a high level of performance with reliability and ease of use, and is a favorite of our customers.

In regards to the harness, that will depend on if your F-350 has a brake controller port under the dash (some models do and some do not). If it does not, you will need to hardwire in the brake controller, but if you do have a port, the harness you can use to plug it in is the Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - Ford # 3034-P.

Nothing will need to be programmed through the truck's computer, and I have added links below to some video reviews for you to check out as well.