Tow Package Brake Controller?

[Turtle876]

My Dad picked up a 2023 Ford Ranger XL that came with a factory tow package. We've ran a few smaller trailers with the 4 pin but have never needed a trailer with the 7 pin.

We are looking at renting a bigger trailer that requires a brake controller. I'm guessing that is something that isn't OEM with the tow package?

The guy who is renting the trailer has blue tooth brake controller but I'm curious if it doesn't come with the factory tow package? (I don't believe it does but I can't find any concrete answers.)

Thanks!

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[Brett Fields]

Nope. No factory brake controller. There's a redarc controller that you can get from Ford, and there are wires tucked up under the dash to connect it to. That said, I've used a Bluetooth controller before and it works OK for the occasional tow. If its gonna be a regular thing, I'd install the redarc. There's plenty of info on the forum.

B.

 

[Turtle876]

Excellent! Thank you for the explanation.

 

[Ranger_Rocks]

Grab one quick. Benny @LevittownFordParts.com has indicated Ford discontinued them.

https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/thre...es-ford-performance.4664/page-133#post-725192

 

[QuickSilver]

I got the red arc from Amazon, works great!

 

[Big Blue]

I got the red arc from Amazon, works great!

I've been running one for 5 years, with no issues. Ford did not offer one when I bought my 2019 and needed one to tow my TT. I did my research and found that Redarc was the popular one for Rangers in Australia. Hooked it up to the four wires under the dash. Several threads about mounting it. I have my control in place of the left 12v socket. Won't have the AEB, but since Ford discontinued their kit which uses the same controller, not much choice.

 

[Dgc333]

If you want the trailer brakes to work with the trucks emergency braking system you need to buy the Ford system. It comes with a Redarc brake controller and a Lumen module that ties into the third brake light. The reason for this is when emergency braking happens the brake light switch on the brake pedal does not get activated until you actually apply the brakes. The brake controllers need to see the brake switch closing to be activated. The Lumen module that comes with the Ford system sees the brake light being turned on which the emergency braking system does and provides the switch closure for the brake controller.

Installing the Ford system can be a nuisance because you have to run the supplied harness under the carpet and up to the third brake light under the headliner.

 

[Turtle876]

I was able to rent a trailer through U-Haul that had surge brakes to get my Ranger back to my garage. (Suspension issue)

The new Ranger handled it like a champ. Very impressed. If I haul something behind my old Ranger you feel every bit of it.

Thanks again for the quick help! Hoping to keep that old Ranger on the road yet.

 

[Frenchy]

For the Trailer Brake Controller, it is a good idea to get one especially if you plan to tow often and know that you will be towing a trailer equipped with brakes. As others mentioned, get the RedArc Trailer Brake Controller. It is designed and made in Australia. I have one on my 2012 Frontier as I suspect I will run into a time that I need it.

As for towing performance? Don't say you hardly notice the load when towing that much. I towed a 1983 280ZX with my 2019 Ranger and I noticed it. Of course the Turbo and the 10 speed made a difference on how the truck handled it of course.

 

[Big Blue]

If you want the trailer brakes to work with the trucks emergency braking system you need to buy the Ford system. It comes with a Redarc brake controller and a Lumen module that ties into the third brake light. The reason for this is when emergency braking happens the brake light switch on the brake pedal does not get activated until you actually apply the brakes. The brake controllers need to see the brake switch closing to be activated. The Lumen module that comes with the Ford system sees the brake light being turned on which the emergency braking system does and provides the switch closure for the brake controller.

Installing the Ford system can be a nuisance because you have to run the supplied harness under the carpet and up to the third brake light under the headliner.

All true but Ford and it's FINITE wisdom has discontinued the Ford brake controller kit. Only if you are lucky enough to find one somewhere can you have it.

 

[ControlNode]

If you want the trailer brakes to work with the trucks emergency braking system you need to buy the Ford system. It comes with a Redarc brake controller and a Lumen module that ties into the third brake light. The reason for this is when emergency braking happens the brake light switch on the brake pedal does not get activated until you actually apply the brakes. The brake controllers need to see the brake switch closing to be activated. The Lumen module that comes with the Ford system sees the brake light being turned on which the emergency braking system does and provides the switch closure for the brake controller.

Installing the Ford system can be a nuisance because you have to run the supplied harness under the carpet and up to the third brake light under the headliner.

Or, just add a relay controlled by the brake light circuit that triggers whatever signal the REDARC wants to see as brake signal, likely grounded while braking.

 

[RangerBill]

Or, just add a relay controlled by the brake light circuit that triggers whatever signal the REDARC wants to see as brake signal, likely grounded while braking.

Redarc is looking for 12 volts as a braking signal input.

 

[Big Blue]

Or, just add a relay controlled by the brake light circuit that triggers whatever signal the REDARC wants to see as brake signal, likely grounded while braking.

An easy comment to make from someone who has the tools and skills to rewire his mirrors and is planning to rewire the headlights he hasn't installed yet. Not so easy for the average Ranger owner who just needs a brake controller installed to pull his trailer.

 

[midwayfordranger2021]

I highly recommend the Redarc controller. I got it from Ford, but it seems they have discontinued it as an accessory. The performance of it is excellent, as it is adjustable for amount of braking applied with the control switch. When I purchased my camper, they tried to sell me a bluetooth controller..but they had poor reviews and I decided to go with the Redarc...glad I did. The only caveat I might mention is that is if you want to install it yourself, read and understand the instructions VERY CAREFULLY before attempting it, as they are only pictoral and extremely vague. But, I did install it in one afternoon without any further problems.

 

[Big Blue]

I highly recommend the Redarc controller. I got it from Ford, but it seems they have discontinued it as an accessory. The performance of it is excellent, as it is adjustable for amount of braking applied with the control switch. When I purchased my camper, they tried to sell me a bluetooth controller..but they had poor reviews and I decided to go with the Redarc...glad I did. The only caveat I might mention is that is if you want to install it yourself, read and understand the instructions VERY CAREFULLY before attempting it, as they are only pictoral and extremely vague. But, I did install it in one afternoon without any further problems.

Sounds like you have the Ford brake controller kit! It is more than just the Redarc brake controller. People continually call the Redarc controller which you can buy from Amazon, but it is not. Ford just used the Radarc controller as part of their kit, which includes a separate module to tie into the CHMSL for the brake signal. The Redarc controller you can buy from Amazon just ties into the 4 wires under the dash. And, does not get activated by the trucks AEB system.

I do agree that Redarc makes a good brake controller. And, that is what I use in my truck. Ford did not have their kit available when I bought my truck, and did not come out with the kit until over a year later. Anyone that does not have a brake controller and needs one will have to buy any one of the many aftermarket contollers available and install it using the four wires under the dash.

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