Redarc Liberty Review

[Whodeez]

So, I needed to upgrade from my time delayed $30 curt, i do a lot of stop and go clearwater/tampa traffic with a 5000lb+ food trailer, I was going to get the regular tow pro but I saw this on their website, main difference is 3 axle vs 2 axle and a "user controlled mode for off-road driving". While I often park in the grass with this thing, i have only turned on 4x4 once... and it was by accident. Also, i doubt I will ever pull a 3 axle anything any time soon, and if I do, Ill find a much more appropriate truck. So, I thought for the price difference, it was worth a shot. The unit itself didnt come with any sort of plug, which I didnt notice until it showed up. I decided to mount the controller in the fuse access handle spot, its flat, ample room behind, the panel drops down for easy access and youll be in there anyways. The directions for the mount were easy to drill, and I ziptied the unit itself to the brace underneath so it was sure to not move.

Driving is so much better, the stop and go is so smooth instead of the neck breaking jerk even on the lowest setting on the old unit. I knew I should have got the good one from the start, but I was stubborn and tried being cheap. Id say as long as most of your towing is on road, this will do everything you will ever ask it to with a ranger.

https://redarcelectronics.com/produ...LUWeHG7SwMB-YUc5a83y3CFpoprZynBwaAsf1EALw_wcB

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[SeattleRanger]

That's all well and good, but more importantly, who is looking out the back!?
?

But for real, color me impressed with the setup!

 

[Whodeez]

That's all well and good, but more importantly, who is looking out the back!?
?

But for real, color me impressed with the setup!

Haha, pics for reference, that's Dingo.

 

[Scienceguy88]

So you didn't get the ford version? Not worried about it not working with the AEB?

 

[Whodeez]

So you didn't get the ford version? Not worried about it not working with the AEB?

I mean, because ford sells it and approves it, doesnt make the the "ford version"... Im pretty sure the Redarc happens to work with it, so they say it works and offer it to sell, but pretty sure it wasnt designed specifically for the ranger... other controllers "can work" and probably do. There is no specific ford version, youre just getting the same redarc tow pro that everyone else would buy.

 

[Scienceguy88]

I mean, because ford sells it and approves it, doesnt make the the "ford version"... Im pretty sure the Redarc happens to work with it, so they say it works and offer it to sell, but pretty sure it wasnt designed specifically for the ranger... other controllers "can work" and probably do. There is no specific ford version, youre just getting the same redarc tow pro that everyone else would buy.

It comes with a separate module from what I have read, but does yours work well?

 

[Whodeez]

Oh, I got ya, yeah, the trailer lamp ecu thing... as everyone who had a redarc before yhey released it and anyone who has any other trailer controller can attest, it doesnt really seem to be an issue. Plus, if Im in an AEB situation with my setup around here, its probably already too late. It works perfectly.

 

[Scienceguy88]

Oh, I got ya, yeah, the trailer lamp ecu thing... as everyone who had a redarc before yhey released it and anyone who has any other trailer controller can attest, it doesnt really seem to be an issue. Plus, if Im in an AEB situation with my setup around here, its probably already too late. It works perfectly.

Awesome think I might go with this one or the standard redarc cause don't want to tear my truck apart to install the second module

 

[McDeuce]

Oh, I got ya, yeah, the trailer lamp ecu thing... as everyone who had a redarc before yhey released it and anyone who has any other trailer controller can attest, it doesnt really seem to be an issue. Plus, if Im in an AEB situation with my setup around here, its probably already too late. It works perfectly.

How did you wire it to the Ranger?

 

[Whodeez]

How did you wire it to the Ranger?

I soldered the 3 wires to the 3 wires under the dash....

 

[Leftcoast]

I mean, because ford sells it and approves it, doesnt make the the "ford version"... Im pretty sure the Redarc happens to work with it, so they say it works and offer it to sell, but pretty sure it wasnt designed specifically for the ranger... other controllers "can work" and probably do. There is no specific ford version, youre just getting the same redarc tow pro that everyone else would buy.

Not exactly. The Ford labeled version comes with the AEB module. It will apply the trailer brakes in an emergency AEB situation. The regular Redarc won't and the truck brakes will need to stop the whole enchilada. It's your truck. Do with it what you like.

 

[Whodeez]

Not exactly. The Ford labeled version comes with the AEB module. It will apply the trailer brakes in an emergency AEB situation. The regular Redarc won't and the truck brakes will need to stop the whole enchilada. It's your truck. Do with it what you like.

Thats assuming I dont hit the brakes on my own accord... if its that close that I wasnt going to brake at all, the AEB kicking on the trailer brakes isnt going to save my 10000lbs of vehicle... yall have a lot of faith in the AEB in a really unrealistic situation.

 

[Leftcoast]

Thats assuming I dont hit the brakes on my own accord... if its that close that I wasnt going to brake at all, the AEB kicking on the trailer brakes isnt going to save my 10000lbs of vehicle... yall have a lot of faith in the AEB in a really unrealistic situation.

I take it you haven't tripped your AEB yet. GL

 

[Whodeez]

I take it you haven't tripped your AEB yet. GL

I have actually, but have you kicked it with 6000lbs of trailer, Mr. Expert? Ive been towing 8000lb+ trailers regularly for 17 years now, its not the same as an empty truck. Thanks for the condescending wishes of good luck though.

 

[Leftcoast]

I have actually, but have you kicked it with 6000lbs of trailer, Mr. Expert? Ive been towing 8000lb+ trailers regularly for 17 years now, its not the same as an empty truck. Thanks for the condescending wishes of good luck though.

This isn't the first brake controller thread on this forum. You're almost 2 years late to the discussion. I can't wait for your oil change thread.

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