Trailer Brake Controller Recommendation for a 1997 Ford F-150 Towing a Travel Trailer

Question

Question:

Im new to owning a travel trailer. 30FT Coachman. I need to purchase a brake controller but not sure how to the correct one. I have a 97 Ford F-150 with factory towing. Any guidance is appreciate. Thanks

asked by: Jerry T

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Expert Reply:

If your 1997 Ford F-150 came with a 7-Way wiring connector at the back from the factory then all of the wiring and everything needed is already on your truck so the installation will be pretty simple! I recommend using the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 # 90885 which connects to your truck wiring using the adapter # 3035-P.

I really like this brake controller for a few reasons; it's a great entry-level controller that's easy to use and it's backed by a limited lifetime warranty so you can be confident in the quality of the controller. The wiring adapter plugs right into the back of this controller and then the other end plugs into a port under the dash of your truck.

I'm attaching an installation video of the wiring harness and the Prodigy P2 # 90885 being installed on a 2000 F-150 for you to check out.

If the existing wiring on your F-150 is a 4-Way then you'll need to upgrade with the Wiring Kit # 118242, but if you don't have any wiring you'll need the T-One # 118344 and Universal Wiring Kit # ETBC7 to complete your wiring.

expert reply by: Jon G

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Answer 1

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.

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Answer 2

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 3

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 4

To determine the size of the brake assemblies you need you have to measure the depth and width of the hub drum on the axle like what you see in the picture I attached. The most common size is 2-1/4 inch wide like the #T4071600-500 that you…

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Answer 5

Hey Richard, thanks for reaching out! The Dexter DX7.5 Drop-N-Go Brake Actuator #099-175-00 is a great option for a replacement actuator because it's a direct replacement for the common Model 60 actuators that were popular in the '90s.…

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Answer 6

Even though I cannot comment specifically on the grease you used because I am not familiar with it, I can tell you the best grease for trailer bearings is a a grease with a rating of GC-LB, which just means it is made to withstand very high…

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Answer 7

Traditionally, trailer manufacturers did not use electric brakes on boat trailers because the brake magnet wiring and trailer wiring did not always have the best insulation or water protection. These days, more and more manufacturers are using…

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Answer 8

To find the load capacity for your axle you should look on the trailer VIN plate or sticker that lists the VIN number. The weight rating of the axle should be listed on that same plate or sticker. Also, the axle could have a tag or plate on it that…

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Answer 9

The recommended lug nut torque for your 7,000lb axle depends on a few factors like wheel size, stud size etc. Check out the attached photo which shows the torque specs for a variety of applications. I see you were looking at the Dexter Nev-R-Adjust…

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Answer 10

There really isn't a particular maximum trailer weight that is used to determine when brakes need to be added to both axles of a tandem axle setup. While I do still recommend checking your local laws, I am also not aware of any general laws that…

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Answer 11

To determine the size of the hub assembly you need to purchase you have to determine which bearings are in the old assembly. If the old assembly has L44649 inner bearings, you would use the hub you chose #8-258-5UC1. If the inner bearings are marked…

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Answer 12

If your trailer has 7 wires running all the way back to the brakes, then yes, you can tap into the existing wiring. Each of your new brakes will have two wires for the brake magnet. One wire is for 12 volt power to the brake magnets and the other…

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