I never have to touch the gain with my F150, and didn't on my old 05 suburban w/tekonsha system. I tow a 21' 5.5-6k, TT. Actually, this is the first I've ever heard of someone continually messing with gain.

 

I never have to touch the gain with my F150, and didn't on my old 05 suburban w/tekonsha prodigy ii system. I tow a 21' 5.5-6k, TT. Actually, this is the first I've ever heard of someone continually messing with gain. I think they are compensated with an inertia switch.

 

The integrated controller is on ebay for $55 free shipping.

The forscan dongle is on Amazon for like $15-20. Forgot.

The software has a free trial. (All you need).

You need a laptop.

I always take photos of the screen before and after when making adjustments. You may want to adjust some other stuff such as how long your ACC points stay hot after turning off, how long lights stay on with ACC on, how long headlights stay on upon turning it off (if you leave the switch on), etc.

Probably the quickest most headache free way if you have the factory 7 pin connector at your bumper. More than likely its an easy 20-30 minute job. Just follow videos on youtube about installing.


To answer your original question yes you can install aftermarket instead.

 

I just added a trailer brake controller last year to my '15 F150. I bought what I thought was a factory controller but it was not. I installed it but the lighting on the dash when I was applying the brakes while towing didn't light up. Turns out it was the controller. I bought an OEM Ford controller and installed that one. Works great now. I still need to have it programmed at the dealer but it is working correctly. I just don't have the menu for adjusting the power to it (high, medium, low). But I do have the gain adjustment and everything lights up as it should on the dash. The factory controller works like the brakes on your truck. The more pressure you apply, the harder the brakes grab even though they're electric. I was used to old school tech. Either all on or all off and no in between. I recommend installing an OEM factory controller. I'm going to the dealer before this towing season starts to have mine programmed.

 

I have used a couple of the knock off ones off ebay. Look factory.

Didnt have any issues.

You should adjust gain between different loads, common sense would tell you the truck doesn’t know or care what you are hauling #

 

I’m going to go with the oem. I’m sick of dealing with the one I have. Definitely won’t be going with the knock off oem look on eBay. I’ve read many posts about them having issues.

 

You have way too nice of a trailer to mess around. You will be very happy with factory set-up.

 

Thank you. I agree. Not worth any risk or hassle of something that doesn’t cost a whole lot.

 

If you properly set up trailer brake gain on dry ground, they will lock up when roads are wet. I do a dry and wet setup for travel trailers, and a check each time with the other trailers if I'm not driving locally as the weight of the trailer can vary greatly.