Ford licensed TBC Install Instructions

[PonyXpress]

Those connecters for the 3rd light are junk. I broke 2 and then decided to cut the ends off and hard wire them. Works great.

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[Grumpaw]

Return it and just get the prodigy p3. I’ve towed 10000 miles+ on my prodigy and I have the added benefit of taking it to any other vehicle with ease. It’s fully stupid that ford couldn’t figure out a better way than pulling the interior apart for something as simple as a brake controller.

X2 ^^^^
I have a Tekonsha Prodigy P2, have towed with it around 7500 miles. Simple to set up and use and you don't have to tear your interior apart to install it. The P2 or the P3...can't go wrong with either.
Yeah, I lose the emergency braking system, but I really don't think the system would work that well while towing a 7000 lb trailer.....even if brakes did lock up, still 7000 lbs of weight pushing you. By the time the system kicks in on an empty truck, it's almost too late, so I can't imagine the system working that well with a loaded truck and heavy trailer.

 

[Motorpsychology]

I have not yet installed one but I finally got my hands on the instructions that come with it... They suck by the way.

Looking at the Tools Required Page, it reminds me of those elementary school test questions. Q: "Which two items do not belong with the others?"

ANSWER:
The hanger
The 10mm socket (they don't exist).

 

[t4thfavor]

Those connecters for the 3rd light are junk. I broke 2 and then decided to cut the ends off and hard wire them. Works great.

If you decide to do it this way, you can pick them up right under the drivers side dash and skip tearing apart the entire interior.

 

[7Boomerang7]

Haha weird shit.

 

[Dgc333]

Return it and just get the prodigy p3. I’ve towed 10000 miles+ on my prodigy and I have the added benefit of taking it to any other vehicle with ease. It’s fully stupid that ford couldn’t figure out a better way than pulling the interior apart for something as simple as a brake controller.

The reason for connecting to the third brake light is so the trucks emergency braking system works with the TBC. The brake input to the TBC whether it is your Prodigy P3 or the Redarc that comes with the Ford system is off the brake switch which does not get activated when the emergency braking system is applying the brakes. So if you do not care if your trailers brakes get activated during an emergency braking situation then go ahead and wire it like a generic brake controller and leave the Lumen module that is part of the Redarc system Ford sells out of the truck.

IMHO, if your paying for a tow package it should include the TBC wired from the factory even if it means charging an extra $200 for the package. Having to buy a TBC controller after the fact is a big whiff on Fords part.

 

[subquark]

X2 ^^^^
I have a Tekonsha Prodigy P2, have towed with it around 7500 miles. Simple to set up and use and you don't have to tear your interior apart to install it. The P2 or the P3...can't go wrong with either.
Yeah, I lose the emergency braking system, but I really don't think the system would work that well while towing a 7000 lb trailer.....even if brakes did lock up, still 7000 lbs of weight pushing you. By the time the system kicks in on an empty truck, it's almost too late, so I can't imagine the system working that well with a loaded truck and heavy trailer.

Never heard of this TBC, thanks Grumpaw - this looks like a really good unit and since I know you tow, I trust your insight.

Do you have it mounted below the light switch? Or below the ignition switch on the right side?

 

[t4thfavor]

The reason for connecting to the third brake light is so the trucks emergency braking system works with the TBC. The brake input to the TBC whether it is your Prodigy P3 or the Redarc that comes with the Ford system is off the brake switch which does not get activated when the emergency braking system is applying the brakes. So if you do not care if your trailers brakes get activated during an emergency braking situation then go ahead and wire it like a generic brake controller and leave the Lumen module that is part of the Redarc system Ford sells out of the truck.

IMHO, if your paying for a tow package it should include the TBC wired from the factory even if it means charging an extra $200 for the package. Having to buy a TBC controller after the fact is a big whiff on Fords part.

I'm unfortunately (and fortunately) an "OG" of the Ranger5G world, I was probably the second person to install a TBC on my ranger back in 2019 when I got it, and while I agree with you that it should have been factory, the bottom line is it wasn't an option for me when I got my truck, and waiting a year also wasn't an option. The Emergency braking feature is fine without a trailer attached, but honestly, I want complete control over what brakes are applied, and when if there happens to be an emergency while I'm towing a 7500# trailer.

The Ford controller is also inferior (other than being nearly invisible) as you can't control how much force the brakes apply if you have to apply them manually to straighten out some wobble or for whatever reason whereas on just about every other controller since the early 90's has had a progressive manual function.

TL;DR: Yes, it should be factory, but it should be "better" in just about every way as well.

 

[RangerBill]

I installed this kit, under dash was easy, got the ground, blue, and yellow wires connected. The 3rd brake light was the worst part for sure.

After getting everything put back together, the 3rd brake light worked, but no light on the TBC knob. Plugged in a trailer, truck recognized it, but still nothing from the TBC.

I took everything apart and rechecked all the wiring. I have the black plastic connectors, verified the wire colors match the instructions. Still no light on the TBC knob with or without a trailer.

Very frustrating, my money is on the 3rd brake light wires, but not sure how else to troubleshoot.

If you push in on the brake controller knob, does it illuminate? It should, even without the third brake light connected.

Check if fuses F64, F73, and F87 are good in the battery junction box (BJB) under the hood.

 

[t4thfavor]

Never heard of this TBC, thanks Grumpaw - this looks like a really good unit and since I know you tow, I trust your insight.

Do you have it mounted below the light switch? Or below the ignition switch on the right side?

I stick mine to the drivers side to the left of the steering wheel under the dash with two absolute monster magnets (It's been fine for 10K+ miles of towing). I've got pictures on the forum somewhere that show it. This has the added bonus of me being able to pull it and put it in one of my other vehicles without having any visible screws, brackets, or holes. I'm on the shorter side though, so if you're taller you might want to move it to the center somehow.

 

[Grumpaw]

Never heard of this TBC, thanks Grumpaw - this looks like a really good unit and since I know you tow, I trust your insight.

Do you have it mounted below the light switch? Or below the ignition switch on the right side?

Have it mounted left below the light switch. Been using these standard controllers for many years and never had a problem with them...Tekonsha is probably the best. Simple 4 wire hook up......4 wires from controller directly to 4 wires under dash attached to the wire bundle to the left of brake. Have mine permanently mounted as I don't need to move it,,,,but t4thfavor has a good idea with magnets if you have a second vehicle you can use it in.

 

[subquark]

I stick mine to the drivers side to the left of the steering wheel under the dash with two absolute monster magnets (It's been fine for 10K+ miles of towing). I've got pictures on the forum somewhere that show it. This has the added bonus of me being able to pull it and put it in one of my other vehicles without having any visible screws, brackets, or holes. I'm on the shorter side though, so if you're taller you might want to move it to the center somehow.

I like magnets! LOL, I use some to hold up my saggy BedRug but the idea for this is brilliant! Thank you!

 

[t4thfavor]

I like magnets! LOL, I use some to hold up my saggy BedRug but the idea for this is brilliant! Thank you!

I’m using some that look like this.
GMW Gun Magnet [2-Pack] | 30 lbs. Rating Magnetic Gun Mount | HQ Rubber Coated Gun Magnet for Vehicle, Desks, Safes, and Walls | Concealed Gun Holder for Handgun https://a.co/d/aMhL1Wj

 

[subquark]

Have it mounted left below the light switch. Been using these standard controllers for many years and never had a problem with them...Tekonsha is probably the best. Simple 4 wire hook up......4 wires from controller directly to 4 wires under dash attached to the wire bundle to the left of brake. Have mine permanently mounted as I don't need to move it,,,,but t4thfavor has a good idea with magnets if you have a second vehicle you can use it in.

Looks great! So I was watching videos and it looks like some Rangers might even have a brake plug ready to use, but some only have stubbed wires (and one video, he had none and had to dig them out of the massive wiring harness bundle). Sounds like just wires in your case (and I'm gonna go look to see what I have).

I really like the Tekonsha and it looks like a nice way to go (I was clueless and even looked at those that are phone app controlled and just plug into the 7-pin plug at the bumper! Talk about make me nervous!).

Thanks!

 

[subquark]

I’m using some that look like this.
GMW Gun Magnet [2-Pack] | 30 lbs. Rating Magnetic Gun Mount | HQ Rubber Coated Gun Magnet for Vehicle, Desks, Safes, and Walls | Concealed Gun Holder for Handgun https://a.co/d/aMhL1Wj

Thanks for the link, rubber coating is really nice and they look like a quality design - thanks!

And ... I think you solved my fire extinguisher issue. I use those flare-type extinguishers but my double-back tape let go and I didn't want to drill holes in the seat trim, I think your magnets might be a solution!

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