Redarc Tow Pro Elite Install

[Robik]

It may have been me that you're thinking of, but I didn't use a third-party face place, so maybe not.

I drilled into the lid. It was a real pain in the ass. The lid is made of multiple pieces and you have to be very careful / go very slow. I am very happy with the end results, though.

Pics here: 8492 - 2019 Ranger - Trailer Brake Controller Availability | Page 32 | 2019+ Ford Ranger and Raptor Forum (5th Generation) - Ranger5G.com

I've recessed the clear hex part into the switch since then so now it's even nicer looking:

I dig it! Recessing the clear nut into the lid looks like royal PITA, but will definitely give it a try since the chrome bezel adds some factory look. Did your truck came with tow package? Mine only has 4 blade connector under the bumper and I'm looking for suggestions on 4 to 7 blade adapter as well.

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[TechnicallyReal]

I dig it! Recessing the clear nut into the lid looks like royal PITA, but will definitely give it a try since the chrome bezel adds some factory look. Did your truck came with tow package? Mine only has 4 blade connector under the bumper and I'm looking for suggestions on 4 to 7 blade adapter as well.

Mine came with the tow package so I don't have any experience with adding a 7 pin.

BTW here are a few other random details about putting the knob into that lid..

• I used super glue to permanently close the lid, because it was possible to flip it open a tiny bit even with the knob installed.
• The black plastic that houses the knob's electronics must be popped off in order for the electronics to fit inside of the 12V housing and the shaft to line up straight with the hole you drill.
• When I recessed the clear plastic nut, I also ended up trimming and using the black plastic that houses the knob's electronics.. but I can't remember why. I think it may have been needed as a spacer or something when recessing the knob?
• If the 12V housing gets loose from fitting and refitting everything, you can just wrap the backside of it with automotive felt tape, and then it'll be nice and secure again.

 

[mark_anderson_us]

Yesterday installed my V3 module and it took 2 hours including fishing the wire to third light.

Installing mine next week

did you pull the whole headliner down? (Do you have a window?)

Any other tips?

 

[Robik]

Installing mine next week

did you pull the whole headliner down? (Do you have a window?)

Any other tips?

I have a window in the rear and I only had to pull the liner near the 3rd light to access connectors. Flexible glow rod makes it much easier to fish the wires. Everything is pretty straight forward, just take your time and look through the manual carefully.

 

[alcohenusa]

Installing mine next week

did you pull the whole headliner down? (Do you have a window?)

Any other tips?

Hey Mark,

Here’s a video of someone installing the Ford TBC kit and shows the access to the headliner (with the sliding rear window).

 

[TechnicallyReal]

Hey Mark,

Here’s a video of someone installing the Ford TBC kit and shows the access to the headliner (with the sliding rear window).

Great video on it!

 

[Blue Streak]

Finally finished the install of my Redarc Tow Pro Elite. Early version, no third brake light hook up. Acording to my trailer light tester all is in working order, brake, turn & tail lights. Also tested the 7 pin conector. Now for driving so unit can calibrate itself for it's location. Then wait till it's time to hook up a trailer & hope for the best. If I understand the instructions there is no light on the dash control knob unless a trailer is connected.

 

[albireo13]

Is the 3rd brake light hookup necessary?
I notice some folks connecting it up that way.
I plan to install my TBC very soon but, would rather not muck round with running wires like that.
I have a 2021 Ranger with tow package.

Thx

 

[mark_anderson_us]

Is the 3rd brake light hookup necessary?
I notice some folks connecting it up that way.
I plan to install my TBC very soon but, would rather not muck round with running wires like that.
I have a 2021 Ranger with tow package.

Thx

Seems to be a contentious issue. Here's my perspective:

• Ford say it is required
• It's needed if you have active cruise control or automatic emergency brakes and you want this to brake the trailer. These functions apply the brakes without generating the signal from the brake pedal, so the controller has no idea the vehicle is braking (if you don't connect this). I have had the automatic braking applied really hard on a few occasions. Wouldn't want that happening with a heavy trailer in tow
• Depends on the weight of what you're towing (I'll be towing 2,000lbs, so I'm putting it on)
• A few hour's labor is cheap insurance IMO

 

[TechnicallyReal]

Is the 3rd brake light hookup necessary?
I notice some folks connecting it up that way.
I plan to install my TBC very soon but, would rather not muck round with running wires like that.
I have a 2021 Ranger with tow package.

Thx

+1 to what Mark said.

There's an alternate point under the dash that has been mentioned in some of these threads. Still not sure I've seen anyone use it with a brake controller yet. Could be worth looking into.

 

[mark_anderson_us]

+1 to what Mark said.

There's an alternate point under the dash that has been mentioned in some of these threads. Still not sure I've seen anyone use it with a brake controller yet. Could be worth looking into.

AFAIK, the brake controller still needs to have the Lumens device in the kit, as it's not a 12v signal. (IIRC it's PCM or soemthing)

 

[TechnicallyReal]

AFAIK, the brake controller still needs to have the Lumens device in the kit, as it's not a 12v signal. (IIRC it's PCM or soemthing)

Yes that's true. Still need the OEM kit with the Lumen module in order to use the alternate point under the dash

 

[albireo13]

Ugh. I talked with my Ford dealer today about. They are asking > $500 for the Ford brand/approved BC just for the parts! Ugh

 

[mark_anderson_us]

Ugh. I talked with my Ford dealer today about. They are asking > $500 for the Ford brand/approved BC just for the parts! Ugh

I got one on ebay (ford dealer) for $285 - https://www.ebay.com/itm/174182334157

 

[alcohenusa]

I got one on ebay (ford dealer) for $285 - https://www.ebay.com/itm/174182334157

You can get it from our sponsor, Levittown…
https://www.levittownfordparts.com/part-ymm/2020-ford-ranger-trailer-brake-controller.html

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