wires for trailer brake controller '24 Ranger?

[AugPal]

I'm late to this thread.

Back in 2019 I bought a Chevy Traverse and bought a wireless trailer brake controller for $500. I can't remember the brand, but it was pricey.

In 2021 I bought a Jeep Grand Cherokee and a person in a RV forum told me about the Echo wireless controller. They have them at etrailer.
https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Br...0.html?hhyear=2024&hhmake=Ford&hhmodel=Ranger

I'm surprised etrailer hasn't mentioned this device. It's only $200. You control it from your phone. It works like a charm. I plan on using it on my Ranger

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[TractorFixer]

I'm late to this thread.

Back in 2019 I bought a Chevy Traverse and bought a wireless trailer brake controller for $500. I can't remember the brand, but it was pricey.

In 2021 I bought a Jeep Grand Cherokee and a person in a RV forum told me about the Echo wireless controller. They have them at etrailer.
https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Br...0.html?hhyear=2024&hhmake=Ford&hhmodel=Ranger

I'm surprised etrailer hasn't mentioned this device. It's only $200. You control it from your phone. It works like a charm. I plan on using it on my Ranger

That's a decent option. I considered it but ultimately wanted a physical control at-hand to activate the trailer brakes quickly in case of sway or emergency.

 

[craigc]

-The wood block I used was approx 2.5"x3.25"x.75". I used two 1/4" by 1-1/4" carriage bolts (countersunk) for mounting (if I was doing it again, I'd look for elevator bolts). Suggest mounting as far forward as possible to maintain clearance for the lower steering column trim when it's in a fully inward and lowered position.

Nice! Thanks for sharing this. The wood block you used is much more elegant than the zip ties I used. I haven't yet mounted the dial - something just makes me hesitate before drilling into any part of the truck....

 

[Jason B]

Major thanks to all the contributors to this thread and the write-up. I also installed the Redarc kit from eTrailer.
Sharing a few tips/details I learned along the way:
-When you remove the dash bezel, the pliable material that covers the top of steering column comes off with it (snaps to the steering column).
-The trailer connector can be hard to see as it may be tucked behind the main harness.
-It's tricky to find a good location for the Redarc box as it needs to be rigidly mounted. I concur the location and method chino101 mentioned as pretty much ideal.
-The wood block I used was approx 2.5"x3.25"x.75". I used two 1/4" by 1-1/4" carriage bolts (countersunk) for mounting (if I was doing it again, I'd look for elevator bolts). Suggest mounting as far forward as possible to maintain clearance for the lower steering column trim when it's in a fully inward and lowered position.
-I found it helpful to use the bezel for the Redarc knob as a locating template for drilling the large and small holes.

Overall, it appears to work and I plan to test it with a trailer this weekend. Really like the clean, simple and functional look once installed.

Nicely done.
So, to summarize, this method works only for vehicles that have the tow package?
I didn't get the tow package and assume I won't have that connector, as e-trailer says I need this
wire harness to add a 7-pin connector.

 

[AugPal]

That's a decent option. I considered it but ultimately wanted a physical control at-hand to activate the trailer brakes quickly in case of sway or emergency.

Understood

I have no desire to tear my instrument panel apart. I just thought I would pop that option in here.

The only thing that ticks me off towing a trailer is people honking at me in the right hand lane for going too slow. My maximum speed towing a travel trailer is 63mph. I see people going 70-75mph towing a trailer. I hope they check their trailer tires since many are rated for 65mph max.

 

[TractorFixer]

Nicely done.
So, to summarize, this method works only for vehicles that have the tow package?
I didn't get the tow package and assume I won't have that connector, as e-trailer says I need this
wire harness to add a 7-pin connector.

Thats a good question, would be interesting to know if trucks w/o the towing package have the connector.

 

[TractorFixer]

Nice! Thanks for sharing this. The wood block you used is much more elegant than the zip ties I used. I haven't yet mounted the dial - something just makes me hesitate before drilling into any part of the truck....

I was equally hesitant about drilling a hole in my new truck...but figured it's at least the hole is in a small part that could be easily replaced. Other than that, everything can be removed without a trace if needed

 

[Jason B]

Thats a good question, would be interesting to know if trucks w/o the towing package have the connector.

I'll investigate further, weather permitting.
Before disassembling the dash, I'll check the wiring at the rear to see if it has accommodations for the 7-pin. If it doesn't, as I expect it doesn't, then I'll have to go with the harness from e-trailer.

 

[Fr8Dawg77]

I found this connector behind the left kickpanel on my ‘24 XLT (FX4 package). I am in the same situation about installing a trailer brake controller.

 

[RangerDangerStranger]

I found this connector behind the left kickpanel on my ‘24 XLT (FX4 package). I am in the same situation about installing a trailer brake controller.

As you can tell, there is a cover over the actual connector. Push down in the tab near the wires and remove it, then the remaining connector should fit into the plug on the custom harness.

 

[Jason B]

I found this connector behind the left kickpanel on my ‘24 XLT (FX4 package). I am in the same situation about installing a trailer brake controller.

Did your truck come with the basic tow package with the receiver and 7-pin?

Edit: That's a good photo of what to look for. I assume that if I have a connector near the bumper with wires those colors, I should be able to add a 7-pin and TBC. (FYI, I didn't get any tow package, silly me.)

 

[DesertSand]

I'm hoping to just buy a factory trailer brake and bezel. Plug it in and get Ford to turn it on "if" they need to.

 

[Hootbro]

I'm hoping to just buy a factory trailer brake and bezel. Plug it in and get Ford to turn it on "if" they need to.

Unless you bought the advance tow package to begin with, I do not think the wiring is there to support it on lesser tow package equipped vehicles.

 

[DesertSand]

Unless you bought the advance tow package to begin with, I do not think the wiring is there to support it on lesser tow package equipped vehicles.

My 2014 f150 had to just be "turned on" Im guessing it should be just as easy. Just like adding factory cruise to the xl Mavericks when they came out in 2022

 

[Fr8Dawg77]

As you can tell, there is a cover over the actual connector. Push down in the tab near the wires and remove it, then the remaining connector should fit into the plug on the custom harness.

Looks like then just 4 wires, then to the 4 -pin connector (factory installed) under the rear bumper? What installing an aftermarket Trailer Br

Did your truck come with the basic tow package with the receiver and 7-pin?

Edit: That's a good photo of what to look for. I assume that if I have a connector near the bumper with wires those colors, I should be able to add a 7-pin and TBC. (FYI, I didn't get any tow package, silly me.)

Per the invoice and a follow up with Ford Customer Service, no trailering package installed on my 2024 XLT. However, I had the service department at the local Ford dealership look up the build of my vehicle on the OASIS system ,and was told it has “Towing Package 1A” from the factory. However, just the 4pin connector (lights only), no hitch receiver.

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