Ford licensed TBC Install Instructions

[WLFPIR8]

You would think there is a much easier place to get that signal from. I’m not an expert though.

They COULD pull it from the CANBUS, but I suspect making a device to do that specifically would cost MUCH more. Also, you could pull the tail light trigger from somewhere further back in the harness, but again, that would be either less accessible or too costly. Honestly, that way they ran it is about the same way I ran my rear dash cam wire, so it's not TOO hard to get back there. Just, a pain in the ass.

I still have a problem with them obviously NOT thinking about how they were going to use a brake controller before the release of the truck. How does the F-150 do it? is it just 4 wires? Do the Aussie versions of the ranger not have AEB?

HOPEFULLY... A third party, or Redarc comes out with the standalone module to go with the Redarc I already installed... Since, Redarc is probably making the one for Ford anyway. Maybe I'll contact them about it.

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[gbritt89]

They COULD pull it from the CANBUS, but I suspect making a device to do that specifically would cost MUCH more. Also, you could pull the tail light trigger from somewhere further back in the harness, but again, that would be either less accessible or too costly. Honestly, that way they ran it is about the same way I ran my rear dash cam wire, so it's not TOO hard to get back there. Just, a pain in the ass.

I still have a problem with them obviously NOT thinking about how they were going to use a brake controller before the release of the truck. How does the F-150 do it? is it just 4 wires? Do the Aussie versions of the ranger not have AEB?

HOPEFULLY... A third party, or Redarc comes out with the standalone module to go with the Redarc I already installed... Since, Redarc is probably making the one for Ford anyway. Maybe I'll contact them about it.

It's made by lumen. I have a point of contact and an email with them that has been helping me with an issue with my specific situation. If you want it PM me here

 

[Edsel]

Just want to say thanks to all who posted about the VKB3Z-2C006-A. I am getting ready to pull the trigger on a new '19 Ranger FX4 with TP and must have an integrated TBC. I plan to work the dealer installing it as part of the sale, thus putting it under the warranty umbrella. I could see a tranny/drive-train issue down the road and Ford saying that the warranty was invalid because of trailer towing with an aftermarket TBC. What kills me is that the manual specifically says to NOT tow an electric brake trailer w/o a TBC!

Anyway, I am not having a box hanging under the dash and frankly just love how Redarc has designed their 'minimalist' controller that is loaded with features. I am already loving on this truck, which I test drove today, but I am a bit nervous about the shenanigans that Ford has gone through over this issue.

 

[dmeyer302]

I just found something that will help you guys about to tear your interior apart to access the CHMSL feed. This is straight out of the Body Builders handbook (think service beds, etc). Now you know what line to connect to, under the dash, rather than going to the back of the cab. source

 

[Edsel]

I just found something that will help you guys about to tear your interior apart to access the CHMSL feed. This is straight out of the Body Builders handbook (think service beds, etc). Now you know what line to connect to, under the dash, rather than going to the back of the cab. source

When I saw this my first thought was "Why did they go for the CHMSL?" Well, there has to be a reason because whoever designed this surely knew about the feed point at the fuse box. My guess is that the wire lengths, loads, etc. are such that they had to do it at the box for it to work correctly, unless they are total dumbasses (certainly possible).

That all said, whoever tries this and gets it to work, please post ASAP

PS

If you are doing the VKB3Z-2C006-A install anyway, it is easy enough to test this concept without tearing up the trim to get to the CHMSL. Of course, you might blow out a module...

 

[VAMike]

When I saw this my first thought was "Why did they go for the CHMSL?" Well, there has to be a reason because whoever designed this surely knew about the feed point at the fuse box. My guess is that the wire lengths, loads, etc. are such that they had to do it at the box for it to work correctly, unless they are total dumbasses (certainly possible).

That all said, whoever tries this and gets it to work, please post ASAP

PS

If you are doing the VKB3Z-2C006-A install anyway, it is easy enough to test this concept without tearing up the trim to get to the CHMSL. Of course, you might blow out a module...

I'd guess it's because they didn't want to cut a wire, or put something inline to that entire connector. But then there are also three wires going to the ECU...CHMSL, ground, and...? Maybe the bed light? But why run that all the way back and forth? So strange.

 

[Edsel]

I'd guess it's because they didn't want to cut a wire, or put something inline to that entire connector. But then there are also three wires going to the ECU...CHMSL, ground, and...? Maybe the bed light? But why run that all the way back and forth? So strange.

Good point, but there are all sorts of piggy-back and knife-edge adaptors to tap into the FB fairly easily and cleanly.

Could also have to do with some obscure DOT regs because it involves an automated safety system. LOL, we may never know!

 

[VAMike]

Good point, but there are all sorts of piggy-back and knife-edge adaptors to tap into the FB fairly easily and cleanly.

Ford is probably (rightly) nervous about screwing with big multi-pin connectors after the recalls.

 

[Edsel]

OK, yesterday I picked up my new '19 Ranger.

Today I ordered the TBC kit (from Levittown) and spent quite some time reviewing the install document posted here earlier.
(BTW, wifey is apoplectic over me "tearing up my brand new truck" to install the TBC--women, sheesh!)

Basically you install a Redarc Tow-Pro Elite and then 'add in' a Lumen 'Trailer Lamp ECU'. The latter sends six wires back to the CHMSL (Center High-Mount Stop Light) where you disconnect the three-pin connector that is feeding it and jumper in the wires from the front based on which color connectors Ford used at the factory.

'Why this lunacy?', you ask. Well, the reason is because the CHMSL is a very special kind of brake lamp. Since Ford failed to think about an integrated TBC in time, they had to work out this Rube-Goldberg solution to provide a fully integrated, factory-look install that would meet all of DOT's very complex rules when it comes to automated systems in autos (AEB & FCWS). Everything is plug-and-play with the exception of two wires that have to be spliced--but those two wires were meant to be spliced as they are terminated and hanging loose behind the trim panel.

So, once you jump through the hoops of installing the fool thing, you have a 'factory installed look' as well as what many are calling the most advanced TBC out there, the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite AND it plays well with your AEB and FCWS!

You have to admit that one little knob/button that blinks different colors and has sense enough to control your trailer for you trumps the huge "squeeze me' paddles on the older integrated systems.

I'll report back after I 'tear up my interior' and y'all will want to know if divorce happened.

 

[Dustanmont]

It doesn’t look too bad to me. But I’ve been pretty deep into interiors recently for stereo systems and rattle chasing in the past. I agree it’s unfortunate you have to access the cab light though.

 

[Edsel]

Really not a lot to this. Pretty much plug 'n play:

 

[Edsel]

The more I study it, while waiting for my kit, the less complicated it looks. I poked around the headliner back at the CHMSL and it looks like it just pops off. It also looks like, from the instructions, that you just pull it back at the center and pull the wires out with the connector to be jumpered. It looks complicated because there are two different sets of connectors to be attached depending on what color (black or gray) the trucks connectors are.

Anyway, one of these $10 kits will make the whole thing much easier than it appears. I pulled the headliner out of a '66 VW Beetle once (to Baja it) and that was a nightmare beyond belief. Automotive manufacturing has learned a lot from young engineers that played with Legos as kids!

 

[johnitahoe]

Are there any replacement trim or fasteners I should purchase ahead of time so when I put things back together its all well fastened?

 

[Edsel]

Are there any replacement trim or fasteners I should purchase ahead of time so when I put things back together its all well fastened?

The instructions don't show any sacrificial parts, so any that break are on you

The fasteners used are fairly sturdy and designed to be R&R'd a few times before they break and this design allows for things like this as well as audio upgrades. The key is knowing where the fasteners are and what sort of tool is needed to pop the panel off. This is shown fairly explicitly in the instructions.

 

[Snorebaby]

Is there enough cable to mount the knob (B2 in the pic above) in the center console by the 4wd knob instead of on the left hand side where Ford suggests?

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