Where's the 2026 Trailer Brake Control Plug?

[KevinH-TX]

I have a "26 with basic tow package and am also looking to install a Redarc TBC. There are no wires or connector in the bundles under the dash. The missing connector used to include 4 wires:
1 - 12V constant
2 - ground
3 - brake signal
4 - brake control (the blue wire)
On my 7pin socket the Blue trailer brake controller wire terminates at the next connection going forward, so it isn't even run to the cabin. It looks like the brake signal wire up front is only installed if you get the advanced tow package. Power and ground are easy to run. The problem I've read about is that the brake signal needs to come from somewhere besides the brake pedal for reasons I'm not clear on. Supposedly, there can be feedback from the redarc signal that can get back to and maybe cause damage to modules in this computer we are calling a truck. There are two places most often cited for getting the signal if you don't use the wire at the brake pedal; one is the third brake light over the back of the cab and the other is the signal going to the 7pin socket. Even when using these sources it's recommended to install a filter. Redarc makes a special harness for this issue that includes a diode to filter out back feed. It runs two wires from the 7pin socket to the cab, a red brake signal to TBC and a blue return to control the trailer brake from the TBC and includes the diode filter. The part # is TPWKit012. The problem is that Redarc doesn't sell it in the states. So my question is to Scotty B and others that have had a shop run wires, How did the shop wire the brake signal, and have you had any issues? Is feedback an issue? Redarc thought so and built a harness that is exclusively meant for the Australian Ranger. I talked to their support group and they verified it's an issue in Australia but couldn't say it's an issue in the states. I can get nothing from my dealer. To be safe I'm thinking of having an Aussie order the harness and then ship it to me but would like to hear about what others have done.

Vic, which RedArc TBC are you referring to, with respect to the potential feedback issue? I was just about to order the wireless "Link" model from them...... but this feedback about feedback has me "putting on the brakes" on the purchase.

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[VicL]

Vic, which RedArc TBC are you referring to, with respect to the potential feedback issue? I was just about to order the wireless "Link" model from them...... but this feedback about feedback has me "putting on the brakes" on the purchase.

Kevin, call me old fashion but I'm trying to go with the wired Redarc Liberty TBC. I don't know much about the wireless controller. Could be a no brainer and I may go that way IF the wired solution fails, but I have qualms with depending on a wireless connection. Is it blue tooth with an app or is it a dedicated radio sender/receiver?

 

[Scotty B.]

Hi Scotty B,
Re the redarc TBC you had a shop install, do you know where they ran your brake signal wire from?

It wasn't a Redarc, it was a Curt Triflex. But they ran a wire back to the 7 pin connector near the rear bumper. And FYI...The controller works great.

 

[Scotty B.]

I have a "26 with basic tow package and am also looking to install a Redarc TBC. There are no wires or connector in the bundles under the dash. The missing connector used to include 4 wires:
1 - 12V constant
2 - ground
3 - brake signal
4 - brake control (the blue wire)
On my 7pin socket the Blue trailer brake controller wire terminates at the next connection going forward, so it isn't even run to the cabin. It looks like the brake signal wire up front is only installed if you get the advanced tow package. Power and ground are easy to run. The problem I've read about is that the brake signal needs to come from somewhere besides the brake pedal for reasons I'm not clear on. Supposedly, there can be feedback from the redarc signal that can get back to and maybe cause damage to modules in this computer we are calling a truck. There are two places most often cited for getting the signal if you don't use the wire at the brake pedal; one is the third brake light over the back of the cab and the other is the signal going to the 7pin socket. Even when using these sources it's recommended to install a filter. Redarc makes a special harness for this issue that includes a diode to filter out back feed. It runs two wires from the 7pin socket to the cab, a red brake signal to TBC and a blue return to control the trailer brake from the TBC and includes the diode filter. The part # is TPWKit012. The problem is that Redarc doesn't sell it in the states. So my question is to Scotty B and others that have had a shop run wires, How did the shop wire the brake signal, and have you had any issues? Is feedback an issue? Redarc thought so and built a harness that is exclusively meant for the Australian Ranger. I talked to their support group and they verified it's an issue in Australia but couldn't say it's an issue in the states. I can get nothing from my dealer. To be safe I'm thinking of having an Aussie order the harness and then ship it to me but would like to hear about what others have done.

Here's a picture of the fuse panel under the knee bolster. Notice what the yellow arrow is pointing at (not the connector by my finger). I think they said it was double fused on one terminal (maybe a 5amp and a 10amp?} I hope this helps.

 

[VicL]

Here's a picture of the fuse panel under the knee bolster. Notice what the yellow arrow is pointing at (not the connector by my finger). I think they said it was double fused on one terminal (maybe a 5amp and a 10amp?} I hope this helps.

I just finished the trailer brake controller install on my 26' ranger with basic tow package. I learned a lot and this is the summary. There is no pre wired harness under the dash nor are there dead headed wires wrapped in the wire bundles that you can use. You need four wires:
Power, ground, brake on/off signal and the signal sent from the TBM back to the 7pin connector for your trailer brakes.
I had to run a 30amp fused feed from the battery into the cabin. You can use a ground spot under the side panel by your feet to source the ground. There is a blue wire from the 7pin that goes somewhere into the cab. I couldn't find it and it was at most 16 gauge anyway and Redarc recommends minimum 14 so I ran a new wire into the cab for the brake control signal. The brake on/off signal was the problem and I thank ScottyB for his picture of its source on his truck. It comes from the Body Control Module at port 30 on the fuse board. It has a 5amp fuse and you can use a fuse tap to access it easily. Test your circuit to be sure by checking that the voltage at port 30 goes to 12vdc when you press the brake pedal. I used the Redarc Liberty controller and the universal connector which plugs into the TBC and has four open wires you need to connect to the four wires you've run. I also added the redarc diode to filter the signal and I think stop any voltage from feeding back into the brake technology Ford has installed on the Ranger. This wasn't an easy job as it's tricky getting the power wire through the firewall and I ended up drilling a hole and installing a single wire grommet to get the blue trailer brake signal wire into the cab. Running that wire and loom under the truck takes some effort as well. All parts ended up at around $250 VS $750 at a shop in CA. It's doable, Good Luck

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