Question about trailer brake
11-02-2016, 09:36 AM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Question about trailer brake
Hi everyone. I bought my F150 specifically to tow a trailer (I don't have one yet, maybe in the spring). It has a tow package but not the trailer brake installed. My dealership can install it and I have a coupon for a discount when I bought my truck. My question is, is the factory installed trailer brake good enough or should I wait to get an "appropriate" trailer brake once I have my trailer?
Thanks in advance,
Bonn
Thanks in advance,
Bonn
11-02-2016, 09:44 AM
#2
Senior Member
It's not a brake, it's a brake CONTROLLER. It's actually better than what you'd find after market, and integrates with the truck's systems, so yes, you should get the Ford one. The dealer has to activate it after they install it.
Before you buy your trailer, make sure you clearly understand the capabilities of your truck. You have a payload sticker (yellow) on the door jamb. From that you have to subtract your fog lights, your spray in liner, and your tonneau cover. Then subtract the weight of all the people including yourself that will be in the truck when you tow. Then subtract any gear they will bring in the truck or truck bed.
Take that weight and divide by .13, as 13% is the average tongue weight from a loaded trailer. That number is the max you can safely tow without exceeding payload. That's for a wet and loaded trailer, not an empty one that you then load.
If that number is greater than 5,000 pounds, you'll need to add a weight distribution hitch, which subtracts another 75 - 100 pounds from the payload, so you need to do the math after accounting for that.
Before you buy your trailer, make sure you clearly understand the capabilities of your truck. You have a payload sticker (yellow) on the door jamb. From that you have to subtract your fog lights, your spray in liner, and your tonneau cover. Then subtract the weight of all the people including yourself that will be in the truck when you tow. Then subtract any gear they will bring in the truck or truck bed.
Take that weight and divide by .13, as 13% is the average tongue weight from a loaded trailer. That number is the max you can safely tow without exceeding payload. That's for a wet and loaded trailer, not an empty one that you then load.
If that number is greater than 5,000 pounds, you'll need to add a weight distribution hitch, which subtracts another 75 - 100 pounds from the payload, so you need to do the math after accounting for that.
Last edited by Ricktwuhk; 11-02-2016 at 09:47 AM.
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CDN F150 (11-02-2016)
11-02-2016, 10:10 AM
#3
Grumpy Old Man
Hi, Bonn.
The OEM Ford integrated trailer brake controller (ITBC) is the best available. That's the one you want. Ignore any advertising hype that claims any aftermarket trailer brake controller is as good or better.
The F-150s powertrain control module (PCM or computer) also controls the ITBC. The dealer must "flash" the PCM to tell it you now have the ITBC installed so it will work correctly. With the ITBC installed and the PCM flashed, then all the fancy braking things the F-150 brakes do will also be done by the trailer brakes - skid control, electronic sway control, tow/haul mode for coming down the mountain, ect. That's what "integrated" means.
Last edited by smokeywren; 11-02-2016 at 10:12 AM.
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CDN F150 (11-02-2016)
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Ricktwuhk (11-02-2016)
11-02-2016, 12:42 PM
#5
How much are they asking for for the install?
The part itself is around $100, and the factory harness is behind the dash, its plug and play. With FORScan (checkout the FORscan threads) you can activate this yourself and there's plenty of other fun stuff to do with it. FORscan OBD-II is around $90. So you are looking at about $200 and you can use FORscan.
The part itself is around $100, and the factory harness is behind the dash, its plug and play. With FORScan (checkout the FORscan threads) you can activate this yourself and there's plenty of other fun stuff to do with it. FORscan OBD-II is around $90. So you are looking at about $200 and you can use FORscan.
11-02-2016, 02:14 PM
#6
Junior Member
Thread Starter
How much are they asking for for the install?
The part itself is around $100, and the factory harness is behind the dash, its plug and play. With FORScan (checkout the FORscan threads) you can activate this yourself and there's plenty of other fun stuff to do with it. FORscan OBD-II is around $90. So you are looking at about $200 and you can use FORscan.
The part itself is around $100, and the factory harness is behind the dash, its plug and play. With FORScan (checkout the FORscan threads) you can activate this yourself and there's plenty of other fun stuff to do with it. FORscan OBD-II is around $90. So you are looking at about $200 and you can use FORscan.
11-02-2016, 05:29 PM
#7
When I added the controller to my truck last spring the part was just shy of $150 US. I was able to find a local dealer that would do it at their hourly rate of $90. Other dealers wanted a flat fee of $95-$145 to install the controller and/or activate. In my case the tech only took 30 minutes and that was all they billed. So it pays to look around.
edit:
A quick thought. Is it worth crossing the bridge to get the part in the US?
edit:
A quick thought. Is it worth crossing the bridge to get the part in the US?
Last edited by old_programmer; 11-02-2016 at 05:32 PM.
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11-02-2016, 08:50 PM
#9
Grumpy Old Man
Here's a link to a discount source for an OEM Ford integrated trailer brake controller (ITBC), part number FORD FL3Z19H332A
http://parts.autonationfordwhitebear...rd/FL3Z19H332A
Ask your dealer to match that dealer's price.
http://parts.autonationfordwhitebear...rd/FL3Z19H332A
Ask your dealer to match that dealer's price.
Last edited by smokeywren; 11-03-2016 at 12:21 PM.