I did some searching on this but couldn't find an answer to my question, sorry if it's been posted before though!

I'm installing a Curt Venturer Trailer Brake Controller on my 2.7L 2015 F150 Lariat this week. Do I still need to take the truck to Ford to get the trailer brake "turned on"? Nothing i could find in instruction from Curt say that you have to activate the trailer brake feature, and their install videos indicate it's just plug-and-go; but it seems odd that you wouldn't have to turn on this feature since it's plugging into the same harness as the OEM controller would.

Thanks for any info!

 

No, because it's not integrated with the F-150's braking system like the OEM controller is. Why did you go with that one vs. OEM?

 

Okay, thanks for the info! I could get it quickly and it's a fairly inexpensive option (less than $50 overall). We just got a 15' camper trailer that doesn't weigh a whole lot and we're going camping this week, so I'll have the Curt controller installed before we go. If i end up not liking it, or wanting the integrated brake feature of OEM, I won't be out much money and I'll just pick up the Ford Controller.

 

You will want the Ford controller, it really is that good. It adds ABS to the trailer for slick conditions, and uses the trailer's brakes to improve trailer sway control. Be ready to return the Curt after the trip.

 

Take that Curt back. As always, you get what you pay for and timing-based controllers are nowhere near as good as proportional controllers and especially these factory controllers that tie into the ABS setup.

 

Thanks everyone for the input! Got the Curt and harness off Amazon, so it'll be an easy return after our trip. I'll be sure to pick up an oem and have it activated by our next trip.

 

Returning the Curt Venturer today and already ordered the OEM controller. Family member works for an automotive service shop and he said they're able to activate the brake controller, so hopefully I will have that done for free as well!