No Brake Controller on new truck

[fluffhead31]

I bought a 2009 F150. It has no brake controller yet and i need to trailer my tractor today. The truck and trailer both have the 7-way adapter. I'm wondering how the trailer will respond in the absence of a controller. Will there simply be no power to the trailer brakes? Or will the brakes be set to a default level?

 

[slowzuki]

You will have no brakes on the trailer.

 

[timswi]

I bought a 2009 F150. It has no brake controller yet and i need to trailer my tractor today. The truck and trailer both have the 7-way adapter. I'm wondering how the trailer will respond in the absence of a controller. Will there simply be no power to the trailer brakes? Or will the brakes be set to a default level?

As was said you'll have no brakes unless the trailer is a surge brake...Buy a controller and the wiring adapter..Takes longer to find a place to mount it than it does to install at least that has been the case on my Gm's

 

[grsthegreat]

all newer trucks that i have messed with already have the trailer brake harness under the dash. All you need is a brake controller and the appropriate truck model adapter kit (Napa, Auto Zone, etc) and it takes about 10 minutes to install. Just dont go cheap on the controller. The more expensive ones do a much better job at adjusting the trailer brakes so they dont lock up under different loads. Mine increases the braking capacity of the trailer at a greater rate as you push down harder on the brake pedal. Mine never lock up.

 

[Dr Dave]

Your truck is prewire, you can get a factory one from the dealer, just pop out the storage tray and plug in. The dealer reprograms the computer. The trailer settings will then be diplayed on the dash.

Or you can install an aftermarket one, the wire connector is attached to the back of the storage tray or filler panel.

Dave

 

[94BULLITT]

Your truck is prewire, you can get a factory one from the dealer, just pop out the storage tray and plug in. The dealer reprograms the computer. The trailer settings will then be diplayed on the dash.

Or you can install an aftermarket one, the wire connector is attached to the back of the storage tray or filler panel.

Dave

I would go with the factory brake controller.

09 10 2009 2010 Ford F 150 F150 Factory in Dash Trailer Brake Controller | eBay

 

[Diamondpilot]

I would go with the factory brake controller.

09 10 2009 2010 Ford F 150 F150 Factory in Dash Trailer Brake Controller | eBay

I agree. Nothing else compares.

Chris

 

[KenB2920]

I bought a 2009 F150. It has no brake controller yet and i need to trailer my tractor today. The truck and trailer both have the 7-way adapter. I'm wondering how the trailer will respond in the absence of a controller. Will there simply be no power to the trailer brakes? Or will the brakes be set to a default level?

Don't mess around. Not sure how far you are hauling but any distance is worth brakes. Don't chance it, get the controller. Safety first. Would you risk: no safety chains or not locking your load down to the trailer? You will be happy and more comfortable after you install it.

Sent from my iPad using TractorByNet

 

[JJZ 109]

Your truck is prewire, you can get a factory one from the dealer, just pop out the storage tray and plug in. The dealer reprograms the computer. The trailer settings will then be diplayed on the dash.

Or you can install an aftermarket one, the wire connector is attached to the back of the storage tray or filler panel.

Dave

Exactly what I was going to suggest. I did this when the 2013 F150 I bought came without a controller. As Dave says, a dealer will have to reflash your computer. Maybe cost a few bucks more than an aftermarket/screwed to your lower dash model but it looks like it belongs there (because it does) and is meant to work with your truck's computer.

 

[VTFireftr]

Go aftermarket. Get a Prodigy.

To add the OEM brake controller, you will need more than just the actual controller and programming. You will also have to change out the master cylinder.

I added a Prodigy to my 2008 Expedition. Works almost as good as the OEM controller in my F250.

Since your truck has the 7 pin round connector, the wiring is under the dash. Most retailers that sell the controllers also sell the adapter that will plug right into the OEM wiring.