Tekonsha P3?

[WhyNot21]

After almost 4 years of looking, my wife and I finally purchased something to tow. A Gulf Stream Vintage Cruiser 23RSS travel trailer. So, I obviously now need a brake controller for the Ranger. I originally wanted to go with the, now discontinued, Ford approved controller, but was not comfortable ripping into the headliner to access the CHMSL wire. I saw that some here were using the Tek P2 and P3 on their Rangers and seem happy with them, I bought a P3. I have a couple questions.

My Ranger came with the tow package and has the 4 wires under the dash. Is that all I need to connect to it? I've seen a video where they used an adapter cable and routed it back from the 7 pin connector by the spare tire. I'm hoping I don't need that.

Also, I know the reasoning behind the CHMSL connection was to ensure trailer braking if the truck automatically engaged the brakes in an "emergency" situation. Since the Tekonsha has an accelerometer, isn't that supposed to sense braking and engage them too? Some of the replies I've seen in older threads seem to point to me misunderstanding that, which is why I'm asking.

We look forward to finally using the Ranger for something truck related.

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[Grumpaw]

I have the Tekonsha P2, and it and your P3 only need to be hooked up to the 4 wires under the dash. No other wiring needs to be done. With the tow package you should already haver the 4/7 pin connectors on the rear bumper, and it is already hooked up and no other wiring needs to be done.
You lose the Ranger emergency brakeing as the set up is done thru the third brake light and the light sets off the Ford brake controller.
But the Tekonsha will be just fine for a regular brake system.....been running mine for 3 years now without any problems.

 

[brroberts]

I have the Ford controller in my Ranger for AEB, but I have the P3 in my other truck. Honestly, I MUCH prefer the P3. It’s easier to adjust, easier to keep adjusted, and it stops much smoother. If not for AEB, I’d rip the Redarc out and use the P3 in the Ranger too. I know some may disagree, but based on my real life experience, that’s my unwavering opinion.

 

[Frenchy]

In general it will work just fine. You just have to figure out where to mount it. That is a problem with most trailer brake controllers.

Though you don't necessarily have to get the Ford Specific kit, I personally like RedArc. The TowPro Liberty is a stealth type unit and is priced close to the P3. It also does a self calibration as you drive with and without the trailer.

 

[Grumpaw]

I mounted my P2 under the dash, left of steering column.
It's out of the way, and once you get your P3 dialed in you probably won't have to touch it again...
Aside from manually testing it when I first start out towing, I don't adjust it or touch it again.

 

[WhyNot21]

I finally got around to installing this. It took me over an hour to just locate the 4 wires! Once that was behind me, it was just a matter connecting everything up and figuring out where to put it. I'm getting the RV setup with the WDH tomorrow, so I'll hook it up and hope it sees it.

 

[Ranger Mel]

I finally got around to installing this. It took me over an hour to just locate the 4 wires! Once that was behind me, it was just a matter connecting everything up and figuring out where to put it. I'm getting the RV setup with the WDH tomorrow, so I'll hook it up and hope it sees it.

Been a while, how did everything go for you? I will likely put the same controller in my '19. Did you have to remove the driver side kick panel to find the wires?

 

[WhyNot21]

Been a while, how did everything go for you? I will likely put the same controller in my '19. Did you have to remove the driver side kick panel to find the wires?

It seems to be good, but haven't towed the trailer yet. It's still too cold here, so all I did was hook it up and make sure it saw the trailer.

I only removed the bottom fuse panel to get to the wires. I could find it much easier if I ever had to do it again. They were the only wires wrapped in blue painters tape. Once I pulled that tape off, they were obvious.

 

[Ranger Mel]

It seems to be good, but haven't towed the trailer yet. It's still too cold here, so all I did was hook it up and make sure it saw the trailer.

I only removed the bottom fuse panel to get to the wires. I could find it much easier if I ever had to do it again. They were the only wires wrapped in blue painters tape. Once I pulled that tape off, they were obvious.

I hate dealing with wiring but if I know what each of the four wires go to even I can do this one!

 

[WhyNot21]

I hate dealing with wiring but if I know what each of the four wires go to even I can do this one!

This thread was all I needed to figure it out!

https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/threads/redarc-tow-pro-elite-install.1924/

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