Hi all. I recently purchased my first F-150. I have a 2021 STX 2.7L V6. I do not have the factory installed trailer brake controller. The wife and I are considering buying a small travel trailer and I would like to get a trailer brake controller added. Other than aesthetics, is there any reason to have the dealership install the Ford model that integrates into the dash or should I save a little money and have an aftermarket installed? I know absolutely nothing about trailer brake controllers, so, any help would be appreciated.

 

I'd get the integrated brake controller. I use a Tekonsha Prodigy controller (from my previous truck) and it works fine, but it does not benefit from possible integration between truck and controller that you get with Ford's model. If I were to start from scratch, I'd certainly get the integrated controller.

 

I like my integrated one for various reasons, but my former YukonXL with a Prodigy worked just fine.

 

I would stay away from the clones of the Ford controllers, lots of issues reported. Ford would be my 1st choice, Prodigy 2nd

 

I’ve used the Curt wireless / Bluetooth brake controller and had zero issues with it. Has the benefit of being able to transfer from different tow vehicles and trailers. Set up is very simple and it very cost effective too.

 

Absolutely get the OEM ford one. Its far better integrated into the truck than an aftermarket one would be. It knows exactly how far you are pushing the brake pedal and does not rely on G-sensors to interpret how hard you are braking. The oem one is far smoother and far more refined than any aftermarket brake controller I have used(Prodigy P3 and Redarc Tow-Pro Elite.)

If you decide to go aftermarket, I do like my Redarc Tow Pro Elite a lot better than my Prodigy P3. I ran my Prodigy in a Jeep Liberty and my Redarc is in my Lexus GX460. The Redarc just seems to work better all around and the control box is installed under the dash, out of the way. The only visible part is a small gain **** that you can install pretty much anywhere. Everything else is hidden and can be mounted in any orientation you want, unlike the Prodigy that was just hanging off the dash and always seemed to be in the way.

 

After buying my 2015 F150 a few years ago I bought the Ford OEM brake controller for many of the reasons stated above. I would do the same thing all over again.

 

We rented a travel trailer a few months ago for a family vacation because we wanted to see if the travel trailer life was for us. Not having a controller, the rental company provided a curt inline bluetooth controller. We had a very bad experience with that controller. Nearly burned my brakes up coming down Wolf Creek Pass in Colorado. 0/10 do not recommend. lol

 

Thanks for all the replies. Good info here. I'll keep watching the thread, but, I'll probably end up having the Ford controller installed.

 

Thats too bad. I’ve been very impressed with mine and have recommended it to others. I agree with the thread, however, that the best option is the factory integrated controller. I insisted upon having it for my 21 build despite already owning the Curt wireless controller.