Trailer Brake Controller Wiring Is TOO SHORT

[queenOfHerLariat]

I am super frustrated. I bought the oem controller from redarc directly. I've gotten everything done except for connecting the controller to the truck itself. What I can't do is get the dang wire's connected via butt connectors because the truck's pigtail wires are so SHORT! They don't extend at all into the footbed so I have be completely upside down with my head under the dash. It's just impossible to hold a butt connector on a wire and have the placement right while also holding a crimping tool and getting the pressure right. How have any of you done this? The only way I've seen to make it longer is to cut the entire "braid" of wires open but I don't know if that would make things better or worse...

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[queenOfHerLariat]

I should say I have a 2019 lariat with the tow package...

 

[Cabose-1]

Well it is a bit of a tight squeeze. I did what you did but with a soldering gun and shrink tubing. That was a tight fit but the solder melted right on. I also have the redarc controller.
2022 xlt fx2

 

[2021Ranger]

Just did mine a week ago and the blue wire on mine was also very short. It was a PIA but I managed to get a but connector on it..

 

[EJH]

Well it is a bit of a tight squeeze. I did what you did but with a soldering gun and shrink tubing. That was a tight fit but the solder melted right on. I also have the redarc controller.
2022 xlt fx2

Solder with shrink tube here also. Those Ford under dash wires were pretty short!

 

[queenOfHerLariat]

Ok, you're all giving me hope. I'll pick up a solder and shrink tubes.

 

[Cabose-1]

It's a tight spot, yoga is involved. I am 5, 8, 160 lbs. Old compression fractures on my back, growing arthritis, eyes can't see anymore, s*@# come to think of it, lucky I soldered correctly, it can be done. I twined or tried twisting wires together soldered and heat gunned all the shrink wrap at the same time.

 

[treeranger]

Good luck with the soldering! Hope it works out for you.

 

[Superspirit]

4 bolts and 1 or 2 connectors and the seat comes out. Giving you plenty of room to lay in the floorboards to do this.

 

[Blue Streak]

Mine is a 2019 XL STX package. When I did mine I remember cutting some tape to give me more wire. I believe they had the wires taped to the main wiring harness. It was no big deal to do.

 

[Sojourner]

Posi-lock connectors is what I used.

See here:

Posi-lock Connectors, 10-12 Gauge, Bulk Pack of 20 https://a.co/d/idjkiNb

Posi-lock Connectors, 14-16 Gauge, Bulk Pack of 20 https://a.co/d/1BQRRky

 

[ljames]

Mine is a 2019 XL STX package. When I did mine I remember cutting some tape to give me more wire. I believe they had the wires taped to the main wiring harness. It was no big deal to do.

you managed to turn 4 connections into 12.. not my idea of correct.

 

[Blue Streak]

you managed to turn 4 connections into 12.. not my idea of correct.

Actually you should only see 8 wires. 4 from the truck wiring harness & 4 from the brake controller. So there is still technically only 4 wires. I am not sure where you see 12.

 

[EJH]

Actually you should only see 8 wires. 4 from the truck wiring harness & 4 from the brake controller. So there is still technically only 4 wires. I am not sure where you see 12.

12 new wire connections, 12 possible points of failure.
Each wire has the spade connector and two wire crimps to each end of the spade connector.
I suspect that is what ljames means.

 

[Grumpaw]

12 new wire connections, 12 possible points of failure.
Each wire has the spade connector and two wire crimps to each end of the spade connector.
I suspect that is what ljames means.

Unless you purposely kick em their not gonna fail.
I've had those wires butt connected for 2 1/2 years now, and they haven't come apart yet.
Using a regular Tenkonsha Brake Control....wires are tucked under the dash.

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