Hello everyone, I have a '17 F150 Super Crew FX V8 5.0. I have a question on brake controllers, I was using a Tekonsha P3 with my GMC Acadia to tow our travel trailer and have since installed it on my ford, I'm wondering if it would make sense for me to have the factory Ford brake controller installed instead of using the aftermarket unit. There are times when I find the Tekonsha brake control to be annoying (over braking/under braking despite where I have it set), i didn't know if anyone here could speak to whether the factory control would be better. At a minimum i know I would gain the interface on the speedometer display.

 

I don't have any experience with the P3. But the big difference would be antilock trailer brakes with the OEM controller and without antilock brakes with the P3.

 

Huh? The integrated brake controller does not provide anti lock brakes to the trailer (nor does any brake controller). The trailer itself would have to be equipped with anti lock brakes.

As to the original question, I would go with the integrated controller for the reasons you already mentioned, and it just looks better. Too bad you already drilled into your new truck to install the P3.

 

I spent the $250 to have the Ford controller installed by the dealer, and love it. Looks and works well, and displays on your screen when you hit the brakes.

 

Very minimal drilling to mount the P3. I have it installed in the footwell, very out of site so removing it isn't an issue. I am going to go with the integrated controller after thinking about it.

 

Right. Just two small screws. I had a P3 in my last vehicle. Still stinks though.

 

Actually it does, to a degree. When the truck slides a tire the ABS pump takes over and reduces brake line pressure to a point that gets the wheels turning. Brake line pressure is what the ITBC uses to determine its baseline output, which is then biased by the gain setting . Assuming the factory controller is properly adjusted (just at the threshold of skidding/dry pavement) the reduction in braking effort to the trailer will be pretty linear to that of the truck. Now if the gain is set significantly too high, it won't do you any good. The trailer will still lock up.

 

Just got a quote from my dealer to install the OEM controller....$375

 

I paid about $120 for the controller. Installed it myself. Dealership charged about $100 for the programming.

 

You are being ripped off.

If you do some research, you'll find that the trailer brake controller can be bought from a Ford dealer for $120 or less. Programming can be done for free with FORScan. A dealer would take maybe 15 minutes max, usually less. $375 is simply robbery UNLESS your truck is one of the ones with the incorrect fusebox. Many threads on that.