Trailer Brake Controller Required...

[joroberts240]

My sales guy is saying you do not need a trailer brake controller to tow the rated 7500 lbs (2020 Lariat w/factory tow package). He went on to say that his dealership was told that the only requirement to tow 7500 lbs is the factory installed trailer towing package.

The manual clearly states in the table on page 222 that the max tow weight without a trailer braking system is 1650 lbs, 7500 with a trailer braking system.
It goes on to say a couple pages later that its unsafe to tow a trailer rover 1500 lbs without trailer brakes.

Am I taking crazy pills?

I cannot imagine trying to stop a 7500 lb trailer relying on the truck's brakes.

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[LightingBlue]

Yes, you need a trailer brake controller on that to meet the max towing rating, and also many states will require one to be in compliance with the vehicle laws of their state (unsure what Texas requires).

 

[VAMike]

You do not need a trailer brake controller, but you do need trailer brakes. There are at least two other ways to brake a trailer without a controller in the cab.

 

[LightingBlue]

You do not need a trailer brake controller, but you do need trailer brakes. There are at least two other ways to brake a trailer without a controller in the cab.

Yes, you will need control over the brakes in some capacity be them load sensor, g-movement, mechanical coupler at the hitch or electrical controller in the cab.

Money will be spent, trailer brakes will be "controlled" (ie: not arbitrarily functioning at will), full load rating will be achieved safely.

 

[DrRoger]

Yes, you need a trailer brake controller on that to meet the max towing rating, and also many states will require one to be in compliance with the vehicle laws of their state (unsure what Texas requires).

YES Texas requires trailer brakes.

 

[BillinPCB]

The controller is needed if the trailer has electric actuated brakes. If the trailer has surge brakes, no controller is needed.

 

[Deleted member 1634]

Keep in mind there are a handful of different types of brake controllers out there. The classic in-cab module, an in-harness module, and trailer wired module which is what we have. Each have their benefits, so do your research and find the best that fits for you and your needs.

 

[Tito]

My sales guy is saying you do not need a trailer brake controller to tow the rated 7500 lbs (2020 Lariat w/factory tow package). He went on to say that his dealership was told that the only requirement to tow 7500 lbs is the factory installed trailer towing package.

The manual clearly states in the table on page 222 that the max tow weight without a trailer braking system is 1650 lbs, 7500 with a trailer braking system.
It goes on to say a couple pages later that its unsafe to tow a trailer rover 1500 lbs without trailer brakes.

Am I taking crazy pills?

I cannot imagine trying to stop a 7500 lb trailer relying on the truck's brakes.

I’m in Texas, trailer brakes and inspection are required if GVWR is OVER 4,500lbs.

 

[Motorpsychology]

Regardless of the legal or engineering limits, much more than 2000 lb towed unbraked with a light vehicle like a Ranger can be dangerous in an emergency situation.

 

[krisrayner]

And in general, take what a sales guy says with a grain of salt. Some do know their stuff, but there are a lot more that just switch from other makes of cars or washers and dryers and don’t know anything about what they’re selling.

It takes a brand loyal, dedicated sales person to really know the models and all the ever changing specs and trim levels. When I bought my FX2, I don’t think anyone there knew they existed. Had to get it through a dealer trade.

 

[Gizmokid2005]

Just take page 217 of the version 3 of the (2019) manual to your dealer, talk to the GM. This chart very plainly states that without trailer brakes you can only have 1,650lbs in a trailer, it doesn't talk about a *controller* but brakes in general.

As others have said, if the trailer brakes are a self-contained system (surge, etc) they you don't need a controller in the truck, but if they're not (say electric trailer brakes), you do.

 

[joroberts240]

Update
Went to two different truck accessory stores, and the guys had no clue about how to wire in a controller. One guy called the local Ford service department and they told him that the only way to get a brake controller installed was at the dealership, and if they tried it would void the warranty.

I ordered the Curt Bluetooth brake controller. It "worked", but...
The unit would not hold tight into the receptacle on the truck, and popped out too easily. It stopped the trailer well, but after a period of testing with several hard stops, I noticed a "burning" smell coming from the unit. I sent it back.

I found a truck accessory store 2 hours away that had installed a controller in a new Ranger recently, and just got one installed. They didn't have the Redarc, but they did have a Curt Spectrum that has the knob control. Took them about an hour and its a very clean install.

Get a grip Ford. Put an accessory plug under the dash and stop the insanity. You also need to educate your folks at eh dealership.

 

[Return Ranger]

Update
Get a grip Ford. Put an accessory plug under the dash and stop the insanity. You also need to educate your folks at eh dealership.

NAILED IT!

 

[geophb]

I towed a 6300lb camper (not mine) around for a few miles to see how it handled it. I do not have a trailer brake controller yet, just wanted get an idea of power and suspension with that kind of weight.
I would NOT tow anything that heavy without a trailer brake for any sort of distance. It was very noticeable. That and main reason is in Wisconsin anything over 3000 lbs needs trailer brakes by law. Whether that be surge brakes or brakes with a controller.

Moral of the story: Salesmen say what you want to hear. Always check your facts.

 

[kmanshi]

So, my story is long, so I will spare you the details. I did negotiate with my dealership to have them install a Ford OEM TBC when it became available. I got my 2019 Ford Ranger back TODAY with the newly installed Ford OEM Trailer Brake Controller. The part number is: VKB3Z-2C006-A which has been posted here already.

I am providing two pics. The first is the owners manual that came with the TBC and the second is where my dealership (Lithia Ford of Boise) installed the TBC per Ford's recommendation.

The owner's manual is pretty much useless in trying to figure out how this thing works. By my guess, you just turn the knob to select the voltage for the trailer brakes. I haven't hooked up my trailer to calibrate it, but that is on my list. I will be camping this weekend, so I will know more then.

Has anyone had the OEM TBC installed and know how to use it? I hope that's not a dumb question.

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