500grhollowpoint

So 09-fx4, been towing a 7k lb travel trailer. I have a crappy trailer brake, upgrading this year. Looking at the integrated ford one. Are they good or are some of the high end aftermarket ones better?

KR Kodi

iTrader: (1)

I really like my factory controller!!!

In 2013 with the instrument display, the truck app is a really nice feature - but you may not have that in your '09. It also adjusts trailer braking at different speeds.

All the reviews of the OE TBC I've read are very positive, and I believe it's basically plug-n-play.

If you do have the truck app or want the variable speed trailer braking, you may need to have it programmed into your truck by your dealer.

Bob

500grhollowpoint

Well I just phoned the dealership and they want $380 for the controller ( not installed! )and then $225 for the flash so would have to be pretty good for me to buy it I'll pick up the one on eBay and see if I can get the flash cheaper at the other dealer

KR Kodi

iTrader: (1)

Yikes!!

I just looked on eBay and saw many new OEM ones available from parts distributors as well as Ford dealerships for about $150 to $160.

There are many threads about installing them, and apparently it's a very easy DIY install.

I can't believe that it should cost more than a half hour labor to do the flash.

Here's a thread where in the last post he says it took the dealer 10 minutes for the flash!!

https://www.f150forum.com/f2/brake-controller-189508


Good luck!!

smokeywren

The Ford ITBC was optional in the '09 FX4, so it will be available in the dealer parts department.

You can also save a few bucks if you order it from a Ford discount parts department, such as Taska Ford Parts:
http://tascaparts.com/partlocator/in...catalogid=3792

I love the ITBC in my 2012 F-150. Compared to other TBCs I've had over the years, it's great. I know the OEM unit will fit in your 2009 F-150, but I don't know if the wiring is plug and play. Someone else will have to reply as to exactly how to install it in your pickup. Mine came already installed by the assembly plant.

500grhollowpoint

I'm not worried about putting it in myself I wonder if the hour and a half they quoted me was for flash and install

Norotso

Pick one of these and go....
http://www.tekonsha.com/content/prod...id=1435&part=0

500grhollowpoint

That one seems like it would be good if you had a couple different vehicles. I was looking for one that worked in the factory hole in the dash and looked oem

acadianbob

I would respectfully disagree. We had one of these on our last F150 and the Ford IBC on our new truck is much more responsive; especially on light brake applications. The Tekonsha relies on inertia. The Ford controller works off of master cylinder pressure. I find that it will apply the trailer brakes for me on light braking where the Tekonsha would not.

KR Kodi

iTrader: (1)

The Tekonsha is recognized as one of the best aftermarket brake controllers available.

However, it just can't be integrated to work with the truck's systems like the factory integrated TBC is.

The Ford OE ITBC does things an aftermarket controller can't do. I believe that unless you have the factory ITBC you can't get the trailer displays on the instrument cluster.

Here's a picture of one of the items on the hook-up checklist on the left, and the info for a trailer on the right - I believe you can store info for several different trailers. You can see that the mileage you have towed each trailer is displayed, which is good to know for tire and wheel bearing maintenance:




Here's an excerpt from the 2013 Owners Manual that just has a couple of the features the ITBC will do for you that an aftermarket controller can't:

So....as good as the Tekonsha might be, the factory ITBC is an outstanding controller the way it is integrated with the truck.

Just MHO, YMMV!

Bob