So, I have a 2017 XL without the towing package. I added a Class 3 hitch receiver and a Curt T harness for a seven way that I mounted ever so beautifully on the bumper. Everything functions as it should, and I checked the wiring all the way up under the hood. There is even a 30 Amp in the brake controller fuse slot already. Is there any reason I shouldnt be able to install a Ford OEM TBC? I have read you can only install them in trucks with the Tow Package or the Max Tow Package.

 

Where did you read that? Welcome to the F150forum.

If there's already a fuse in it's correct location, and if there's a plug waiting for your Ford ITBC when you remove the dash panel to install the trailer brake control module, all you'll then need to do/have done is enable both the TBC and the gain with either a trip to the dealer or with FORScan.

Your only caveat is that though you've installed the Class III and the necessary wiring for electric trailer brakes, you have *not* increased your truck's towing capacity. That will remain the same: 5000 lbs max trailer weight and 500 lbs max tongue weight.

Good luck!

 

Thanks for the quick reply! Hitch says 900 tongue weight and 6000 towing, up to 10000 with a WDH. I think the reason they were saying you needs the towing or max towing was for the wiring. The Curt kit was a great solution if anyone was looking for an easy way to add a 7 way to their truck. I mounted it where the factory plug goes and it looks awesome. 2.7L isnt gonna pull anything much more than 6 anyway. Might tow a small RV over the summer with the family. Just bothers me not to have all the options I could have available with the equipment I have. Wife thinks I'm nuts 🤣

 

You sure it’s not a class IV hitch?

 

Never been super sure about anything, but yeah. Pretty sure

 

The hitch rating and truck capacity are not the same. The hitch may handle a lot more weight than your truck can, you have to look at the yellow sticker inside the door. A WD hitch will help and add some trailer weight capacity. There are other considerations for tow weight such as cooling capacity, rear end ratio, and suspension. There are other threads here with the Ford Tow table.

 

Yeah, with the gears I have, I think it's just shy of 8k, and it doesn't have the auxiliary trans cooler. I wouldn't tow any more than what the class 3 can handle anyway.

 

Again, Rory... your truck is limited to 5000 lbs trailer, 500 lbs tongue, since it has no factory tow package. Doesn't matter what the hitch says. Your truck is the determing factor. What's your GVWR? and what's your Payload Capacity? (and if you want to know what your truck's as-delivered curb weight is/was, simply subtract the latter from the former).

And again, good luck to you.

 

You the man, Apples. You fellers be good out there