Trailer Braker Controller instruction for a dummy

[Rangerguy]

I had the Ford dealer install their OEM version of the RedArc VKB3Z2C006A brake controller. All they gave me was the attached 1-pager, which I find very unclear. I have been reading online to try to figure out how to use it and how to confirm everything is working correctly there and at the trailer brakes when I plug in the trailer. But I am still mystified. I found this too: https://www.redarc.com.au/Content/Images/uploaded/Manuals/EBRH-ACCV2 Instruction Manual.pdf. Doesn't help that the controller is out of view down on the left. Can anyone provide some easy instructions? Thank you.

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[Rangerguy]

I had the Ford dealer install their OEM version of the RedArc VKB3Z2C006A brake controller. All they gave me was the attached 1-pager, which I find very unclear. I have been reading online to try to figure out how to use it and how to confirm everything is working correctly there and at the trailer brakes when I plug in the trailer. But I am still mystified. I found this too: https://www.redarc.com.au/Content/Images/uploaded/Manuals/EBRH-ACCV2 Instruction Manual.pdf. Doesn't help that the controller is out of view down on the left. Can anyone provide some easy instructions? Thank you.

I'll go out on a limb and start with this (assuming the TBC was installed and tested correctly):

1. Set the TBC dial to 5.
2. Drive the truck. The TBC automatically goes into Active Calibration, learning and confirming its mounting orientation.
3. Plug in the trailer and drive. The TBC should flash green/blue/green/blue as it calibrates in the first 20 brake applications.
4. Once calibrated the TBC will show a steady blue light in proportional mode, which would be my normal driving mode.
5. When I apply the brakes, the TBC will change to a lighter shade of red and darken with more braking force. The harder I brake, the harder the trailer brake force and darker the red on the TBC. The TBC applies force to the number on the dial.

If lighter trailer brake force is needed, turn the dial to a lower number. If higher trailer brake force is needed, turn the dial to a higher number.

Proportional mode is for normal highway and everyday use.

There is a way to switch to user controlled mode for special situations. In UCM, the TBC is green not blue like it is in PM. The trailer will brake to the number set on the dial, regardless of how hard the brake pedal is applied.

Driver can apply trailer brakes only by pressing the TBC dial in. In PM the trailer brakes apply light force. In UCM the trailer brakes apply force to the level on the dial.

 

[dmeyer302]

There's really not much that you need to do or monitor. Press the button for manual application and to test that everything is working. Turn it up for more braking power, down for less.

If you don't notice that the controller is working, it's working properly. You'll know if it's braking too soft or too much.

 

[nevada.tracy]

I had the Ford dealer install their OEM version of the RedArc VKB3Z2C006A brake controller. All they gave me was the attached 1-pager, which I find very unclear. I have been reading online to try to figure out how to use it and how to confirm everything is working correctly there and at the trailer brakes when I plug in the trailer. But I am still mystified. I found this too: https://www.redarc.com.au/Content/Images/uploaded/Manuals/EBRH-ACCV2 Instruction Manual.pdf. Doesn't help that the controller is out of view down on the left. Can anyone provide some easy instructions? Thank you.

How much did they charge you for the TBC and the install?

 

[Rangerguy]

How much did they charge you for the TBC and the install?

C$ 430 parts, 350 labour + tax
= US$ 330 & 270 + tax

 

[DMWilliams]

Does the Redarc Trailer Brake Controller sold thru Ford work on the 2020 Ranger (XLT)?
The parts person at the Ford dealership told me my s/n (VIN) is not compatible with my early 2020 Ranger?
Not sure he knew what he was talking about?

 

[Big Blue]

Does the Redarc Trailer Brake Controller sold thru Ford work on the 2020 Ranger (XLT)?
The parts person at the Ford dealership told me my s/n (VIN) is not compatible with my early 2020 Ranger?
Not sure he knew what he was talking about?

First I've heard of that. A lot of people have installed it without issues. I'm assuming your truck has the factory tow package. Otherwise it might require extra install of the 7 pin harness and hitch.

 

[DMWilliams]

First I've heard of that. A lot of people have installed it without issues. I'm assuming your truck has the factory tow package. Otherwise it might require extra install of the 7 pin harness and hitch.

I do have the factory tow package. I still would like to have a Trailer Brake Controller. Just would like to know what to install. Is there Ford technical reps that I can call?

 

[NetRedding]

How much did they charge you for the TBC and the install?

$339 + $109 to install. https://accessories.ford.com/module-trailer-brake-12688.html

 

[mark_anderson_us]

I'll go out on a limb and start with this (assuming the TBC was installed and tested correctly):

1. Set the TBC dial to 5.
2. Drive the truck. The TBC automatically goes into Active Calibration, learning and confirming its mounting orientation.
3. Plug in the trailer and drive. The TBC should flash green/blue/green/blue as it calibrates in the first 20 brake applications.
4. Once calibrated the TBC will show a steady blue light in proportional mode, which would be my normal driving mode.
5. When I apply the brakes, the TBC will change to a lighter shade of red and darken with more braking force. The harder I brake, the harder the trailer brake force and darker the red on the TBC. The TBC applies force to the number on the dial.

If lighter trailer brake force is needed, turn the dial to a lower number. If higher trailer brake force is needed, turn the dial to a higher number.

Proportional mode is for normal highway and everyday use.

There is a way to switch to user controlled mode for special situations. In UCM, the TBC is green not blue like it is in PM. The trailer will brake to the number set on the dial, regardless of how hard the brake pedal is applied.

Driver can apply trailer brakes only by pressing the TBC dial in. In PM the trailer brakes apply light force. In UCM the trailer brakes apply force to the level on the dial.

If I change trailers (say from a 750lb to a 2,000lb trailer), do I need to recalibrate? What is the calibration actually calibrating?

 

[McDeuce]

I'll go out on a limb and start with this (assuming the TBC was installed and tested correctly):

1. Set the TBC dial to 5.
2. Drive the truck. The TBC automatically goes into Active Calibration, learning and confirming its mounting orientation.
3. Plug in the trailer and drive. The TBC should flash green/blue/green/blue as it calibrates in the first 20 brake applications.
4. Once calibrated the TBC will show a steady blue light in proportional mode, which would be my normal driving mode.
5. When I apply the brakes, the TBC will change to a lighter shade of red and darken with more braking force. The harder I brake, the harder the trailer brake force and darker the red on the TBC. The TBC applies force to the number on the dial.

If lighter trailer brake force is needed, turn the dial to a lower number. If higher trailer brake force is needed, turn the dial to a higher number.

Proportional mode is for normal highway and everyday use.

There is a way to switch to user controlled mode for special situations. In UCM, the TBC is green not blue like it is in PM. The trailer will brake to the number set on the dial, regardless of how hard the brake pedal is applied.

Driver can apply trailer brakes only by pressing the TBC dial in. In PM the trailer brakes apply light force. In UCM the trailer brakes apply force to the level on the dial.

Thank you!

 

[HAMMERTIME]

I have a Tekonsha unit and it works great. They are not as expensive as the Ford unit. Over 10,000 kms towing and no issues at all. Either soft braking or hard braking I don't feel any trailer push.

 

[TN Ranger]

I do have the factory tow package. I still would like to have a Trailer Brake Controller. Just would like to know what to install. Is there Ford technical reps that I can call?

It's a super easy install. I done mine myself in like 2 hours. They sell a little plate you can remove one of the 12v outlets and place the knob in its place. Mybtruck didn't come with the 7 way but bought the 7way with the t harness clicked it in place in the back mounted knob and hooked to 4 wires under dash. Super easy.

 

[Big Blue]

It's a super easy install. I done mine myself in like 2 hours. They sell a little plate you can remove one of the 12v outlets and place the knob in its place. Mybtruck didn't come with the 7 way but bought the 7way with the t harness clicked it in place in the back mounted knob and hooked to 4 wires under dash. Super easy.

From your explanation I am assuming you just installed just the Redarc brake controller and not the complete Ford kit. The Ford kit only uses 2 of the four wires under the dash and requires running wires back to the Center High Mounted Stop Light. This requires removal of several trim panels and pulling the head liner loose. Much more than a 2 hour job for most people.

This is a common mistake people make because the Ford kit uses the Redarc controller. The ford kit adds the extra wiring to the CHMSL and an extra module to trigger the controller. This is to tie in the Automatic Emergency Braking system and Adaptive Cruise Control to the trailer brakes. The Redarc controller can be bought by itself and installed with out the extra module. This is where the confusion comes in.

 

[TN Ranger]

From your explanation I am assuming you just installed just the Redarc brake controller and not the complete Ford kit. The Ford kit only uses 2 of the four wires under the dash and requires running wires back to the Center High Mounted Stop Light. This requires removal of several trim panels and pulling the head liner loose. Much more than a 2 hour job for most people.

This is a common mistake people make because the Ford kit uses the Redarc controller. The ford kit adds the extra wiring to the CHMSL and an extra module to trigger the controller. This is to tie in the Automatic Emergency Braking system and Adaptive Cruise Control to the trailer brakes. The Redarc controller can be bought by itself and installed with out the extra module. This is where the confusion comes in.

was
Oh OK. I

From your explanation I am assuming you just installed just the Redarc brake controller and not the complete Ford kit. The Ford kit only uses 2 of the four wires under the dash and requires running wires back to the Center High Mounted Stop Light. This requires removal of several trim panels and pulling the head liner loose. Much more than a 2 hour job for most people.

This is a common mistake people make because the Ford kit uses the Redarc controller. The ford kit adds the extra wiring to the CHMSL and an extra module to trigger the controller. This is to tie in the Automatic Emergency Braking system and Adaptive Cruise Control to the trailer brakes. The Redarc controller can be bought by itself and installed with out the extra module. This is where the confusion comes in.

I was unaware of the difference honestly. I bought the Ford 7way with the t harness and the redarc because I saw that's what the factory installed. I don't have the adaptive cruise on my pesant version haha. I guess I'm a decent driver because I never heard the warning from the front camera except that it can't see because frost.

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