t4thfavor
Well-Known Member
That’s roughly the quote I got in February before the dealers figured out there wasn’t one for the ranger yet.Found this today, more than listed at SEMA
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That’s roughly the quote I got in February before the dealers figured out there wasn’t one for the ranger yet.Found this today, more than listed at SEMA
Ever since Ford, GM and Dodge incorporated the brake controller in the dash, it has become an optional item that is perceived to be an expected offering these days. Those of us who've owned trucks for a long time remember when no truck came with an in-dash controller. Everyone had to get a Reese or whatever, and install it. My very recent Tacoma didn't have one, I don't believe Frontier has one either and lots of larger SUV's, with substantial towing capacities, don't offer one either. Did Ford screw up the launch by sending it out without one ready to install?
Absolutely, but the wiring is there and there are 100's, likely 1000's of 2019 Ranger owners already towing with a Reese, Tekonsha, Red Arc or other brake controller. We're doing just fine, thank you. A solid controller can be had for well under $100 and for just a few dollars more, a top notch Tekonsha, or spring for a Red Arc if you wish and still save hundreds over the vapor-ware Ford offering now rumored to finally appear.
If they install a factory one it will be the first. Please update us to your progress.As part of the purchase deal for my new XLT I'm having the dealer install the factory brake controller. It will be done tomorrow and I'll see how they did. I went with the Ford controller after the TSB came out in July warning that after-market controllers may not be compatible with the emergency braking assist that is on the truck. This could just be Ford marketing, but I decided to err on the side of safety.
The emergency braking thing is a recent tech addition to the auto world, and not on my new F-150 which we also tow with. Not knocking the tech, only saying that folks have been driving and towing for a century without that feature. Many people disable it when towing anyhow, along with adaptive cruise and lane keeping. At this point in the evolution of the self driving car, the shutoff option remains available.As part of the purchase deal for my new XLT I'm having the dealer install the factory brake controller. It will be done tomorrow and I'll see how they did. I went with the Ford controller after the TSB came out in July warning that after-market controllers may not be compatible with the emergency braking assist that is on the truck. This could just be Ford marketing, but I decided to err on the side of safety.
To me, a "factory" feature is designed and installed at the factory. If a dealer puts it in, it's a dealer installed item. Not mincing words for argument's sake, just the way I see it. One of these days I am sure Ford will get it right and they'll come out the door at Michigan Assembly with a proper, factory brake controller. Now in it's second year of production and it hasn't happened yet.If they install a factory one it will be the first. Please update us to your progress.
I do see your point. How about we say OEM. That would cover factory and dealer install.To me, a "factory" feature is designed and installed at the factory. If a dealer puts it in, it's a dealer installed item. Not mincing words for argument's sake, just the way I see it. One of these days I am sure Ford will get it right and they'll come out the door at Michigan Assembly with a proper, factory brake controller. Now in it's second year of production and it hasn't happened yet.
Honestly, it doesn't matter. The dealer unit, and for that matter, the one day, factory unit will be supplier purchased by Ford anyhow. The auto makers today are largely designers and assemblers of outsourced components as most people realize. It has just been fun/irritating/bewildering to watch this whole thing unfold and amazing that Ford didn't see it coming as they put so much stock into designing towing capability and touting towing capacity. Love my Ranger. Glad they brought it back. Bought it with eyes wide open. No regrets.I do see your point. How about we say OEM. That would cover factory and dealer install.
That knob is definitely the RedArc.Factory/Ford/OEM brake controller installed by the dealer in my 2019 XLT. Part #VKB3Z2C006A. Don't have the trailer yet -- gotta save up some more nickels. And while I'm sure the after-market controllers are OK, I decided to go the factory route. Each to his own.
That knob is definitely the RedArc.
I'm curious whether that's the prescribed location or if the installer just got creative.Agreed. The RedArc buttons installed in the center console, as shown by others, would likely be a better location for me personally.