Dealer says, "can't add brake controller" to trailer tow package

[h1k3rb]

Took my new 2025 Ranger 4x4 with $535 "trailer tow package" option to the dealer this morning to have the factory brake controller kit added, which was agreed upon at the time of purchase. After waiting around 2 hours the service manager called to tell me the tech working on it needed to order another part that would take a couple days to arrive.

While I was waiting for them to pull my truck around, to bring it back another day, they got another tech to look at it to make sure there was nothing else they were missing. After quite a long wait I was told they can't put the factory unit they had ordered in my truck and that they would give me back $300 so I could get an aftermarket one put in. What???

Called the RV dealer (who has a good service department) to tell him I would need them to install one. He said they can do it as long as it has the right plugs, etc for what would basically be plug and play, otherwise they won't touch it due to liability concerns. ???

At this point I'm not sure I understand how a new truck sold with a Towing Package is not capable of having a brake controller installed. I'm thinking there has to be some kind of connection for it somewhere but maybe that only comes with the 'Advanced' Towing Package that already has the brake controller installed.

Anyone here put an aftermarket brake controller on a newer Ranger with just the standard "tow package"?

Sponsored

 

[goober71]

Yes, there is a very good post on here about installing a TBC on a 24+ ranger with the factory tow package. I did it and the instructions were flawless. Make sure you buy the TBC and harness recommended in there.

wires for trailer brake controller '24 Ranger?

G

 

[h1k3rb]

Yes, there is a very good post on here about installing a TBC on a 24+ ranger with the factory tow package. I did it and the instructions were flawless. Make sure you buy the TBC and harness recommended in there.

wires for trailer brake controller '24 Ranger?

G

That's great to hear. Thanks!

 

[DutchRanger]

I have the same tow package and installed a redarc break controller. It works great! Saved a few 100bux vs oem

 

[h1k3rb]

@DutchRanger - Currently reading through the 21 pages of the thread linked above and Redarc seems to be mentioned the most. Do you know the model number of the one you used and did you need an adapter?

 

[ShadowDragon24]

I purchased the 72hr access to the ford service info. so I have the wiring diagram per my vin for the trm. and I have to see if the pins are in the trm plug, I hauled my dash apart a few weeks ago looking for the plug behind the dash where the tbc goes. no plug, maybe theres blunt cut wires there. idk. the wiring location diagram shows it should be there.

I have a hopkins tbc plugged in. but Im waiting for a 2021 to go into the local parts u pick so I can grab the tbc and plig and run my own wires if the trm plug has the blanks. in forscan I have tbc options

 

[mos]

I don’t get it . On my 2024 the trailer tow package included an oem tralier brake controller !

 

[h1k3rb]

@DutchRanger - checked on Amazon and they don't carry a Redarc brake controller for the Ranger. Checked Redarc's site and they don't have one either. They list one for the Bronco, is that the one you used?

 

[h1k3rb]

I don’t get it . On my 2024 the trailer tow package included an oem tralier brake controller !

Yours must have the Advanced Towing Package then, the Standard one does not include a brake controller.

 

[DutchRanger]

@DutchRanger - checked on Amazon and they don't carry a Redarc brake controller for the Ranger. Checked Redarc's site and they don't have one either. They list one for the Bronco, is that the one you used?

Here is all the info you need

https://www.ranger6g.com/forum/thre...controller-24-ranger.11415/page-8#post-223261

 

[h1k3rb]

Here is all the info you need

https://www.ranger6g.com/forum/thre...controller-24-ranger.11415/page-8#post-223261

Ok, saw that and wondered if that was the one you used. Thanks!

 

[MasterCylinder]

Took my new 2025 Ranger 4x4 with $535 "trailer tow package" option to the dealer this morning to have the factory brake controller kit added, which was agreed upon at the time of purchase. After waiting around 2 hours the service manager called to tell me the tech working on it needed to order another part that would take a couple days to arrive.

While I was waiting for them to pull my truck around, to bring it back another day, they got another tech to look at it to make sure there was nothing else they were missing. After quite a long wait I was told they can't put the factory unit they had ordered in my truck and that they would give me back $300 so I could get an aftermarket one put in. What???

Called the RV dealer (who has a good service department) to tell him I would need them to install one. He said they can do it as long as it has the right plugs, etc for what would basically be plug and play, otherwise they won't touch it due to liability concerns. ???

At this point I'm not sure I understand how a new truck sold with a Towing Package is not capable of having a brake controller installed. I'm thinking there has to be some kind of connection for it somewhere but maybe that only comes with the 'Advanced' Towing Package that already has the brake controller installed.

Anyone here put an aftermarket brake controller on a newer Ranger with just the standard "tow package"?

I put in the Redarc in my 25 fx4, like DutchRanger mentioned, plugs into the grey plug on drivers side, mount the box and control button and roll with it, works great. Oh, found mine on etrailer. One I used was the RED67CR.

 

[Jason B]

I put in the Redarc in my 25 fx4, like DutchRanger mentioned, plugs into the grey plug on drivers side, mount the box and control button and roll with it, works great. Oh, found mine on etrailer. One I used was the RED67CR.

Did your truck have the Standard Tow Package from factory?

 

[dob]

Same here.

I have the same tow package and installed a redarc break controller. It works great! Saved a few 100bux vs oem

 

[MasterCylinder]

Did your truck have the Standard Tow Package from factory?

Yes, hitch, gray plug by left foot drivers side, 7 pin and 4 pin plugs in bumper just zero brake controller.

Sponsored