Dealer said it can’t be done?

[Jedadiah]

This link from etrailer.com shows the install if the wires are there. Go to the 14:45 minute mark

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[VAMike]

so what wires am I looking for?

You're looking for a wire bundle up under the dash on the left, with four loose wires taped to it, often (but not always) with blue tape. Yellow, blue, white, and violet. Yellow is hot, blue is out to the trailer brake, white is ground, and violet is the brake pedal.

 

[airline tech]

You're looking for a wire bundle up under the dash on the left, with four loose wires taped to it, often (but not always) with blue tape. Yellow, blue, white, and violet. Yellow is hot, blue is out to the trailer brake, white is ground, and violet is the brake pedal.

Should look like this - Drivers Footwell in the O/B Corner

 

[craw169]

So I go ahead and try to order the parts to do this and the brake controller says it’s not compatible with my truck. What the hell!!!
anyone got some answers here?

HI,

I recently (august 2024) put the TBC in my 2020 Ranger Lariat with the tow package. I was quite confused when ordering my TBC as well. Pay attention to the model years...i believe there are 2 TBCs with the exact same part number..but some will say model year 2019-2022 (this is the one you want!).

i hope i am not giving you false information so double check before you order as my order was not returnable.

also, i managed to install the TBC myself....if i can do it anyone can. I had no experience with doing anything to my cars/trucks. It took me 2 days but i got it done.

tips that might help based on my experience:

1) i had a very hard time finding the wires for the TBC under the dash. i was looking for them for 3 hours and almost gave up. i saw some forum post mention blue tape....i remembered seeing blue tape on a wire harness while looking and went back and as soon as i unwrapped some of the blue tape the wires popped out

2) i broke the connectors to the rear brake light. if u read through the forums you will see that most people do. i cut the wires and used these and threw the kits broken connectors back in the box:
WAGO 221-2411 Wire Connectors, Inline Splicing Connectors, Electrical Connectors for Solid and Stranded Conductors, 221 Series Lever Nuts Assortment with Case 20-14AWG (20) : Amazon.ca: Tools & Home Improvement

put some tape around them to secure but it is a very strong connection even with no tape. i was also concerned about using a heat gun under my dash to use the connectors ford used for that...so i used the same wire connectors there too. there is a post here somewhere where the poster has good pictures of the connectors and how he did it...maybe if you find those pictures you will have better luck than me. the included instructions on this part of the install are horrible while i found the rest to be pretty clear. i struggled with the kits connectors for a while and finally got them in but during the struggle i realized the 2 of the wires had got switched and were in the wrong place. i couldn't get them out without destroying the connector

3) buy a trim removal kit from amazon. it is like $10 and helps a great deal to remove trim without breaking it. i did break a couple trim fasteners but my ranger is as solid and squeak free as ever.

i did my first tow this weekend and it all went well on the 401 highway in canada (very busy!!!). i have a tendency for my speed to creep up if no cruise control so i put the adaptive cruise on 95km/h and it was wonderful. being able to use the adaptive cruise like this makes the brake controller 100% worth its cost and effort!

hope this helps!

 

[Joeiconic]

When I read the title to the thread, I thought you were alluding to the roommate switch.

 

[Scottlane1171]

https://a.co/d/3JYz1hF

Use this. No wiring to do. Plug and play. Just have to put a ground on the frame. Also you can get this for the brake controller.
https://a.co/d/81WcuE
It’s Bluetooth and works with your phone.

 

[2021Ranger]

Here’s the message from varsity Ford when I tried to order the brake controller.

 

[airline tech]

I would reach out to Benny on this as if I am correct (X-1) is for the TRM, and Ford Parts are listing that as (Trailer Brake Controller) which is WRONG.
or physically call a local Ford parts and hopefully talk to someone who knows exactly what a TBC is.

This is strange and frustrating - I know

I am guessing here as it is NOT CLEAR - Tow Pack 1 vs Tow Pack 2 and the wiring associated.
Hopefully one of the Towing guys can clear it up.

Non-Tow Package - 4-Pin connector and the cut-out for hitch ball (bumper

Tow Pack 1 - 4-Pin Connector - and the Hitch Receiver plus cutout in the bumper (hitch ball)

Tow Pack 2 - 4/7 Pin and the Hitch Receiver plus cutout in the bumper (hitch ball)

This is where I am LOST on the varying - Tow Options, sorry but there is no clear-cut answer that I can find.
Am I CORRECT on the above descriptions?

I am guessing that Tow Pack 1 & 2 - relate to Class 1 or Class 2 Hitch but makes no sense for only having a 4-pin connector with a hitch receiver.

and may be tied into the OP's issues on finding the TBC as he is changing what Ford sees as installed and effective.

 

[RangerBill]

Here is what I ordered and installed in my Ranger 2019 Lariat:

The VKB3Z-2C006-A is what I ordered for the trailer brake controller.

Here is the part for the 7/4 pin Ford trailer connector:

 

[Jason B]

Original 2022-2023 Ford Ranger Trailer Brake Control Towing Pack 2 VKB3Z-2C006-A | Levittown Ford Parts

Once again, this is the TBC. There's no programing needed, but that may ask for VIN to insure compatibility. Many members have done it themselves, so you should be good to go.

I would reach out to Benny on this as if I am correct (X-1) is for the TRM, and Ford Parts are listing that as (Trailer Brake Controller) which is WRONG.
or physically call a local Ford parts and hopefully talk to someone who knows exactly what a TBC is.

This is strange and frustrating - I know

I am guessing here as it is NOT CLEAR - Tow Pack 1 vs Tow Pack 2 and the wiring associated.
Hopefully one of the Towing guys can clear it up.

Non-Tow Package - 4-Pin connector and the cut-out for hitch ball (bumper

Tow Pack 1 - 4-Pin Connector - and the Hitch Receiver plus cutout in the bumper (hitch ball)

Tow Pack 2 - 4/7 Pin and the Hitch Receiver plus cutout in the bumper (hitch ball)

This is where I am LOST on the varying - Tow Options, sorry but there is no clear-cut answer that I can find.
Am I CORRECT on the above descriptions?

I am guessing that Tow Pack 1 & 2 - relate to Class 1 or Class 2 Hitch but makes no sense for only having a 4-pin connector with a hitch receiver.

and may be tied into the OP's issues on finding the TBC as he is changing what Ford sees as installed and effective.

From what I can remember, if you optioned the tow package when purchased, it came with receiver and 4pin/7pin wired to rear. If you didn't get tow package, it was 4pin only and bumper pull.

I have a vague memory that TBC 'tow pack 2' superseded TBC 'tow pack 1', as there was a revision at the CHMSL connector.

EDIT:
If you look in the instructions, there is a call out for 2 different CHMSL connectors

EDIT 2: Kit comes with both sets:

 

[VAMike]

Tow Pack 1 - 4-Pin Connector - and the Hitch Receiver plus cutout in the bumper (hitch ball)

was this something ever available at retail? I don't recall ever seeing an option for a tow package from ford without the 7pin, it was the same $500 option with the receiver & 7 pin all the way back in 2019.

 

[airline tech]

Original 2022-2023 Ford Ranger Trailer Brake Control Towing Pack 2 VKB3Z-2C006-A | Levittown Ford Parts

Once again, this is the TBC. There's no programing needed, but that may ask for VIN to insure compatibility. Many members have done it themselves, so you should be good to go.



From what I can remember, if you optioned the tow package when purchased, it came with receiver and 4pin/7pin wired to rear. If you didn't get tow package, it was 4pin only and bumper pull.

I have a vague memory that TBC 'tow pack 2' superseded TBC 'tow pack 1', as there was a revision at the CHMSL connector.

EDIT:
If you look in the instructions, there is a call out for 2 different CHMSL connectors

EDIT 2: Kit comes with both sets:

Yes - But NOTE (2022-2023) - now if you search for 2019-2021 - There are (0) options and it ref the TRM as the Trailer Brake Controller which is WRONG, and the true part number needed is listed as does not fit.

 

[airline tech]

was this something ever available at retail? I don't recall ever seeing an option for a tow package from ford without the 7pin, it was the same $500 option with the receiver & 7 pin all the way back in 2019.

Again - I think I have seen this (Tow Pack 1 vs Tow Pack 2) as a listed option, for I believe the CV Shafts.

So with the OP, stating he has the Tow Package but ONLY the 4-Pin, I am ASSUMING that this is what Ford calls - Tow Pack 1.
This is why I am confused on why would you get a Tow Package but only give the truck a 4-Pin plug?

Unless the OP is confused and does not actually have the Tow Package or something was missed at the factory assembly plant.

Example: This shows Tow Pack 1 and Tow Pack 2 - What is the difference between them???

Unless Ford is calling Tow Pack 1 - The Non-Tow Package as you can still tow by adding the hitch ball.

 

[VAMike]

Again - I think I have seen this (Tow Pack 1 vs Tow Pack 2) as a listed option, for I believe the CV Shafts.

So with the OP, stating he has the Tow Package but ONLY the 4-Pin, I am ASSUMING that this is what Ford calls - Tow Pack 1.
This is why I am confused on why would you get a Tow Package but only give the truck a 4-Pin plug?

Unless the OP is confused and does not actually have the Tow Package or something was missed at the factory assembly plant.

I think it's gotta be that there's no factory tow package involved. @2021Ranger can you just post a picture of the back of your truck?

 

[2021Ranger]

I do have the tow package but only the 4 wire plug. It has the towing button on the console.. As I said I just want to add the 7 pin plug. And have trailer braking available..
The part number that was posted from for also said it’s not compatible..As I said I have the control module behind the glove box.

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