TBC for XL
 

Hi All, My '11 has the trailer tow package and I'd like to use the kit in the glove box and an aftermarket controller to make it functional. Do I need a dealer to activate this?
Tips and suggestions welcomed.
TIA,
Brad

no you don't need a dealer for that one

No, but I would recommend the OEM brake controller. In my experience, they are more seamless and work better than aftermarket ones that have to guess how much brake to apply.

What jp360cj said. You'll be much happier with a Ford OEM integrated trailer brake controller (ITBC) than with any aftermarket TBC. Aftermarket TBCs do not have to be activated because they are not integrated with the truck's braking system.

And if cost is your worry, the ITBC costs very little more than most decent TBCs. https://parts.autonationfordwhitebearlake.com/oem-parts/ford-trailer-brake-control-vehicles-w-tow-max-bl3z19h332aa/?c=Zz10cmFpbGVyaW5nJnM9aGl0Y2gmYT1mb3JkJm89Zi0xNTA meT0yMDExJnQ9eGwmZT01LTBsLXY4LWZsZXg%3D

If you check that part number on parts.ford.com you'll see it is for F-150s with either the tow pkg or max tow pkg.

But yeah, the Ford ITBC has to be activated. You can DIY with FORScan, or any Ford dealer can do it with his big computer in the sky.

If the Ford TBC partners with the resident sway control, it does seem the better choice. I don't want to lose a handy cubby hole, but there isn't a really good spot for an aftermarket module anyway.
Motivation for the controller is because of my truck's weight. It is nearly the lightest offered in 2011 and I am considering a small(ish) teardrop TT.
Thanks for the help.

Brad

I'm pretty sure it does integrate with the sway control. But the biggest thing (from my understanding) is it a proportional signal from the brake pedal. So the harder you press the brake, the more brake the trailer gets. In my experience, even good aftermarket controllers can be a bit jerky, especially in a stop and go traffic situation, where my integrated OEM controller has been seemless. There are also other features that activate when a trailer with brakes is detected, such as the 3 blink turn signal becomes 5 blinks and reverse sensors are deactivated. I don't if this will happen without the factory controller or not. As Smokey mentioned, you will need a tow package to have the 7 pin plug and required wiring already in place.

FWIW, I suspect the ITBC will operate without activation. The only changes required in Forscan to activate it are to the IPC (gauge cluster) to give you display and menus. So it's likely the it will function, but you won't have anything on your display, so you won't know the gain settings and such. Might not even be able to adjust the gain though, which would be pretty useless. That's my theory anyway, but I've never installed one to test it out, but for the extra $30 to install with Forscan (plus all the other stuff you can do from there) it's a no brainer to activate it.

I figured out the 3 blink turn signal. I had no idea when I read that and just toggled the turn signal stalk...3 blinks! Normally I just hold the stalk until I complete a lane change. Thanks.
I will read the owner's manual again about what will show up WRT towing...my truck does not have a LCD screen.

Brad