Best Options for a Brake Controller on a 2021 Ford F-150 Built Before August

Question

Question:

Has anyone successfully installed an aftermarket brake controller on a 2021 F150 built prior to August? It’s depressing reading in forums that it may not be possible. I have the tow package and have the plug for the OEM brake controller, but they are impossible to find.

asked by: Colby

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Expert Reply:

We have a couple of options for getting a brake controller to work on your 2021 Ford F-150 that was built before August of 2021. If you are interested in the standard in cab option like the Tekonsha Primus IQ Trailer Brake Controller item # TK90160 you will need the Power Wire Kit for Electric Trailer Brake Controllers item # BRK-ELECKIT. This will provide power to the OEM Port you have.

If you don't like this option and want to go with the easiest possible solution then I recommend the Curt Echo item # C51180. The Echo is a proportional brake controller that connects through your F-150's 7-Way connector. You simply plug it in in line with your trailer's 7-way plug and then you can operate the controller through an app on your smart phone. The set up process is pretty simple and user friendly. It is controlled through Bluetooth not wireless so you don't have to worry about losing signal. In the event your phone dies the settings default to factory and do not reset. If you need the reassurance of a standard push button override we also have the Manual Override Button for Curt Echo Brake Controller item # C83HR.

expert reply by: Jerred H

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Answer 1

The brake controller port on a 2021 Ford F-150 (if equipped) will be located behind the coin tray in the center console. This will be accessed by removing the panel under the steering wheel. I have attached a video which shows this below. For a brake…

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Answer 2

The best tried and true electric trailer brake controller for a 2021 Ford F-150 is the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller part #90195. The P3 has storable settings for multiple trailers, and easy to read LCD display, and integrated…

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Answer 3

This is a common issue for installing a brake controller in the 2019 Ford F-150 and the easy solution is to install the part #BRK-ELECKIT which bypasses the very mysterious brake controller power wire issue your truck has and allows your brake…

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Answer 4

The location that you would connect an adapter like part #22292 to your 2018 Ford F-150 for installing a brake controller like the Prodigy P3 #90195 is behind and to the left of the center console area. If you remove the front panel that is directly…

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Answer 5

To install the Tekonsha brake controller on your 2021 Ford F-150, you will need a wiring adapter like the Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers #22292. You can use this adapter if your F-150 has the factory 4-Flat or 7-Way.…

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Answer 6

So long as your 2021 Ford F-150 Power-Boost hybrid has a 7-Way connector you will be able to use the Curt Echo item #C51180. This is a wireless brake controller that connects directly to your F-150's 7-way. You will be able to manage the settings…

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Answer 7

Running your own 12V power wire for the 7-Way on your 2021 Ford Explorer would give it the constant 12V power that the Curt Echo #C51180 needs, but I'm pretty sure we can remedy this problem without you having to splice into the wiring on your…

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Answer 8

Thank you for reaching out and for all of the information! If you're unable to find the connector for a brake controller under the dash or behind a panel for your 2021 Ford F-150 with the factory tow package then you probably do have a model that…

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Answer 9

The Curt Echo Mobile Trailer Brake Controller part #C51180 will work with a 2019 Ford F-150. However, the 2015+ Ford F-Series Pick-Ups have what is called a SmartTow feature that prevents power from supplying the trailer connector most of the time.…

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Answer 10

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…

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Answer 11

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…

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Answer 12

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…

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