Tekonsha Brake Controller Install! Super "Easy"

[John Galt]

I transferred my brake controller from my Grand Cherokee over to the Ranger today. Super easy, although why couldn't Ford just put a freaking plug on the end of the wires for us. Im disappointed in this.
Pulled the lower driver kick panel and saw the 3 wires coming through the firewall. The purple wire was harder to find, it was taped up to the large white plug on the left in the picture. I had to extend this wire to reach where I wanted to mount the controller.
I thought about mounting it under the dash where my knees are but I feel like the knee compartment in the ranger is very tight already. I decided to mount it near the 12 volt outlets as seen in the pic.
This required taking the trim pieces off the whole dash, but I feel it was worth it. Its a very clean and convenient install.

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[t4thfavor]

I transferred my brake controller from my Grand Cherokee over to the Ranger today. Super easy, although why couldn't Ford just put a freaking plug on the end of the wires for us. Im disappointed in this.
Pulled the lower driver kick panel and saw the 3 wires coming through the firewall. The purple wire was harder to find, it was taped up to the large white plug on the left in the picture. I had to extend this wire to reach where I wanted to mount the controller.
I thought about mounting it under the dash where my knees are but I feel like the knee compartment in the ranger is very tight already. I decided to mount it near the 12 volt outlets as seen in the pic.
This required taking the trim pieces off the whole dash, but I feel it was worth it. Its a very clean and convenient install.

I put mine on the left of the steering wheel, that thing is too big for that cubby and it’s where I put my phone. It’s mounted with a really strong magnet so it comes right out of I need it elsewhere.

 

[John Galt]

I put mine on the left of the steering wheel, that thing is too big for that cubby and it’s where I put my phone. It’s mounted with a really strong magnet so it comes right out of I need it elsewhere.

That’s great. Ya there’s a couple places to put it. I don’t use my cubby at all. I tried where you have yours but I’m 6 ft 3 and my knees literally would take out the controller every time I got out of the truck. I tend to sit close and secure, old habits die hard. My 5ft 10 wife moves the seat back every time she gets In.
I do need to fine a spot to mount my nGuage. My golf had its tune pod in the vent and I loved it but nothing for the ranger, and I assume nothing that integrated will every be released.

 

[t4thfavor]

I'm just an average sized human male, so I don't have to worry about fitting in places (usually). That spot worked for me, and with the magnet, it's a 1 second remove.

 

[WhiteLightning19]

I'm just an average sized human male, so I don't have to worry about fitting in places (usually). That spot worked for me, and with the magnet, it's a 1 second remove.

@t4thfavor I'm looking to install a P3 Like you did, can you provide more details about how the magnet piece works? I seen another post where you mentions the magnet(s). Does this mounting solution use 1 or 2 magnets?

 

[t4thfavor]

@t4thfavor I'm looking to install a P3 Like you did, can you provide more details about how the magnet piece works? I seen another post where you mentions the magnet(s). Does this mounting solution use 1 or 2 magnets?

It relies on two of the magnets linked, one is placed inside the handle area, and the other is bolted to the P3's bracket. I did not secure the inside magnet with anything, but I would recommend doing so with either a small blob of super glue (small so you can remove it if needed). Or maybe some thin 3M grey tape.

I've bounced it down really messed up dirt roads and it has not moved on it's own once.

 

[WhiteLightning19]

It relies on two of the magnets linked, one is placed inside the handle area, and the other is bolted to the P3's bracket. I did not secure the inside magnet with anything, but I would recommend doing so with either a small blob of super glue (small so you can remove it if needed). Or maybe some thin 3M grey tape.

I've bounced it down really messed up dirt roads and it has not moved on it's own once.

Thanks for the quick reply! Trying to find the exact thread you posted a link to the magnets in so I can get them ordered.

 

[t4thfavor]

This is the style I used. I got them for free from a friend though.

https://www.amazon.com/AmeriGun-Han...s=Gun+magnets&qid=1555340805&s=gateway&sr=8-6

They are EXTREMELY STRONG and will pinch your fingers.

I also used this pigtail as it was cheaper than the open wire one, and had a wire loom already installed.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001NZKPS8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Pinecrestjim]

Have you confirmed the magnets do not interfere with the controller sensors?

 

[t4thfavor]

yes, the brake controller is accelerometer controlled, and the magnets have been stuck there since it was installed. No issues whatsoever with either the controller, the truck or the trailer. Sorry it took me several months to reply to this

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