Brian Laube

I bought an electric trailer brake controller for my 2008 F150 XLT and I am trying to figure out how to hook it up.

I have the wiring harness for my truck. (came with the truck when I bought it new and includes the needed relay)

I have the controller and its wiring harness (new also)

The problem that I am having is that the trucks wiring harness comes with 5 wires (brown,white,green,blue & red) the controller has 4 wires (red,white,blue & black)

not sure whats up.

I have photos of the wiring harness taken today (ignore the date on the photos as the date was not set on the digital camera)

Who can help???

Thunderslide

I didn't have the harness, then I bought my controller there was a plug and play cable option for like 8 bux I bought that and completed the job i about 10 minutes, It look longer for the wife to get outside and operate it so I could look at the test light.

To answer your question I would read the instructions if it does not tell what to hook to the wire it is an optional accessory. I think my cable had only 4 wires used.

Thislilfishy

Looks like the brown wire is switched with your lights (for an illuminated controller). I would option that one. We have the same controller on one of our work trucks, don't remember anything lighting up at night (unless the brakes are activated) though. So tape that one off...PS: don't forget to put the fuse in too, my 08 didn't have the break controller fuse installed at the fuse panel.


Ian

pushnf8

I believe black is 12v hot, white is 12v ground, blue is trailer brakes and red is brake sense. You shouldnt need the illumination one (as posted above). It will depend on the controller itself. Like stated double check the 12v charge line fuse is it place as well as the relay.

Brian Laube

Thanks all!!! Sounds like my original thoughts were correct but wasn't sure enough to try it and perhaps fry something. By thw way - thanks for reminding me about the fuse - forgot that one.

I was asked to pull a trailer in a christmas parade and want to have this installed and working before Dec. 4th. Don't really need it for the trailer but want it installed anyway.

mr. fix it

I am resurrecting an old post here but I want to know what size fuse is required and the location of the fuse since I am just completing this installation on my 08 F150

Thanks in advance!

Mulestang

Fuse for the brake controller, or are you talking about the relay for the battery charger?

mr. fix it

I was referring to the above replies and it talks about installing a fuse.
I found another video on line and it shows just simply using the relay with the e brake wiring kit which I have

Mulestang

Ok. I think the brake controller fuse they are referring to is actually the trailer tow battery charge ISO relay (not a fuse) that charges the battery for the emergency break-away on your trailer (if so equipped). My horse trailer has the e-breakaway, and that relay enables charging of the little battery in the trailer that engages the trailer's brakes if it separates from the towing vehicle. I believe it's relay #5 behind the kick panel.
**Just checked. Yes, it is relay #5 in the fuse/relay box behind the passenger interior kick panel.

mr. fix it

Ok. Thanks for the info
sounds like I'm good to go!