SuperDuty Guy New to the Midsize Ranger

[Ranger Mel]

The Ford model is really a REDArc controller, with an added Lumen module.
Ford screwed up the wiring design for our US Ranger trailer brake. The REDArc module alone (or others) will work fine and apply brakes to the trailer when you push the brake pedal, but they will not apply brakes to the trailer under Auto Emergency Braking scenarios. That's where that Lumen module comes in.

That's what I'm seeing looking at options. If a different controller is used like a Tekonsha, etc. as long as a trailer is not plugged in will the AEB and adaptive cruise still work? Basically when not towing. All my other trucks did not have AEB so I'm used to being the one in control and keeping a safe distance so I'm wondering if the extra expense for the Ford model is really worth it??

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[Jason B]

Yes, those should still work, and I think even with the trailer hooked up. But I didn't have adaptive cruise control.
IIRC, with the trailer hooked up, the AEB will kick if needed, and apply brakes to the truck, just not to the trailer until you push the pedal.

 

[Ranger Mel]

Yes, those should still work, and I think even with the trailer hooked up. But I didn't have adaptive cruise control.
IIRC, with the trailer hooked up, the AEB will kick if needed, and apply brakes to the truck, just not to the trailer until you push the pedal.

Gotcha. Thanks. This is one I have looked at.
Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller

 

[Big Blue]

Gotcha. Thanks. This is one I have looked at.
Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller

The Tekonsha is a great controller, had one in my 2011 Ranger. The problem I had with putting it in my 5G Ranger, is where to put it, that it is not in the way, or a knee knocker.

That's why I Went with the Redarc unit. Ford did not have their kit available when I needed a controller for my 2019 XLT. I found the Redarc controller and liked how it was rather minimalist footprint, and mounted it in place the left 12 volt outlet. Works great with my 4K TT. I don't have ACC and stay extra attentive while towing, like you mentioned.

 

[Dereku]

I miss my full size every day honestly. But welcome! I could not justify a mortgage payment for a new 1/2 ton or greater.

Ranger is a nice little truck, just respect the limitations. Like rear seat legroom.

 

[Ranger Mel]

I miss my full size every day honestly. But welcome! I could not justify a mortgage payment for a new 1/2 ton or greater.

Ranger is a nice little truck, just respect the limitations. Like rear seat legroom.

It has been an adjustment but a welcomed one. Since I don't sit in the back seat ... ?

 

[Ranger Mel]

The Tekonsha is a great controller, had one in my 2011 Ranger. The problem I had with putting it in my 5G Ranger, is where to put it, that it is not in the way, or a knee knocker.

That's why I Went with the Redarc unit. Ford did not have their kit available when I needed a controller for my 2019 XLT. I found the Redarc controller and liked how it was rather minimalist footprint, and mounted it in place the left 12 volt outlet. Works great with my 4K TT. I don't have ACC and stay extra attentive while towing, like you mentioned.

I was looking at the knee room when I drove home from work yesterday and I think it will fit. My knees aren't that close to the dash. Then I got to thinking I don't look forward to putting the first holes in the plastic!!? I guess rip off the band aid!!?

 

[Jason B]

Gotcha. Thanks. This is one I have looked at.
Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller

As Big Blue said, you can use the RedArc TBC, even if it's not the Ford OEM that has the Lumen module for minimalistic footprint. Here are coupe examples of where to mount it. All you will see is the dial, everything is hidden behind the dash.

 

[subquark]

I was looking at the knee room when I drove home from work yesterday and I think it will fit. My knees aren't that close to the dash. Then I got to thinking I don't look forward to putting the first holes in the plastic!!? I guess rip off the band aid!!?

I went with the Redarc Liberty but, if I had more confidence, would have loved the Ford unit. BUT ... connecting to the high-mount brake light seemed too daunting to me.

As far as holes, there are several options for the Redarc. I went with the "factory" location but love the idea of it being centered so that the passenger could hit it too. There are folks here that replace one of the 12V plugs or place it near the gear shift.

But the Tekonsha is a great option too. One of our towing experts, who puts a lot of yearly miles towing, uses one with great success (I assume, I haven't seen their Ranger in any towing fail videos!). =)

 

[Ranger Mel]

As Big Blue said, you can use the RedArc TBC, even if it's not the Ford OEM that has the Lumen module for minimalistic footprint. Here are coupe examples of where to mount it. All you will see is the dial, everything is hidden behind the dash.

Those are clean installs!

 

[Ranger Mel]

I went with the Redarc Liberty but, if I had more confidence, would have loved the Ford unit. BUT ... connecting to the high-mount brake light seemed too daunting to me.

As far as holes, there are several options for the Redarc. I went with the "factory" location but love the idea of it being centered so that the passenger could hit it too. There are folks here that replace one of the 12V plugs or place it near the gear shift.

But the Tekonsha is a great option too. One of our towing experts, who puts a lot of yearly miles towing, uses one with great success (I assume, I haven't seen their Ranger in any towing fail videos!). =)

You know that guy that over researches before pulling the trigger?? Yeah, that would be me. ? Trying to find that balance of performance and cost. The RedArc doesn't have the Ford module to use AEB, right? Then it wouldn't matter as much which one to use other than preference.

 

[subquark]

You know that guy that over researches before pulling the trigger?? Yeah, that would be me. ? Trying to find that balance of performance and cost. The RedArc doesn't have the Ford module to use AEB, right? Then it wouldn't matter as much which one to use other than preference.

You're correct - no AEB module.

There are two Redarcs for our truck (as far as I know). The Tow-Pro Liberty which I use on my 2WD and the Tow-Pro Elite which has manual control for off-road situations. Both require the additional harness (which is not plug-and-play for US-made Rangers).

Install was straightfoward, but getting to the Ranger wires was a bit of a PIA.

https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/thre...-your-ranger-today.3511/page-1512#post-684731

 

[Ranger Mel]

You're correct - no AEB module.

There are two Redarcs for our truck (as far as I know). The Tow-Pro Liberty which I use on my 2WD and the Tow-Pro Elite which has manual control for off-road situations. Both require the additional harness (which is not plug-and-play for US-made Rangers).

Install was straightfoward, but getting to the Ranger wires was a bit of a PIA.

https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/thre...-your-ranger-today.3511/page-1512#post-684731
Thanks for the links and info! I hate wiring though!

 

[subquark]

Great that you have the tow package and 7-pin plug to the back. =)

But, still a bit surprising not to have a TBC as part of that package.

It looks like some Ford ones, with AEB, are still available out there:
https://parts.ford.com/shop/en/us/a...ler-brake-control-towing-pack-2-p-vkb3z2c006a

 

[Dr_Strangelove]

Hey Mel, welcome to the forum! Great looking truck.

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