Why no trailer brake controller?

[The Lone Ranger]

I just use the CURT ECHO inline controller that plugs into the 7 pin and then trailer plugs into that - programs to your phone. CURT sold to Lippert ................... you can find them new on Ebay for $150-$190 ..... or less if you are patient. Currently not using on a Ranger as still waiting for it to be built - am using on a 2022 Nissan Frontier without issue.

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[Bagman51]

I just use the CURT ECHO inline controller that plugs into the 7 pin and then trailer plugs into that - programs to your phone. CURT sold this to someone else, but should be easy to find ................... you can find them new on Ebay for $150-$190 ..... or less if you are patient.

Does this Curt controller have any effect on the Ranger trailer light detection or any other error messages? How does the phone bluetooth work with the Ranger, Apple CarPlay and Curt at the same time?

 

[Jason B]

You can still tow 7,500 lbs. without a TBC, just get a trailer with surge brakes.
And in some cases, in order to tow that much, you will need a weight distribution hitch, or should Ford provide those also in the standard package?

 

[The Lone Ranger]

Does this Curt controller have any effect on the Ranger trailer light detection or any other error messages? How does the phone bluetooth work with the Ranger, Apple CarPlay and Curt at the same time?

Can't answer that - am using on my 2022 Nissan Frontier without issue - have Ranger on order. Call CURT and ask for a technician - they have been very helpful in the

Does this Curt controller have any effect on the Ranger trailer light detection or any other error messages? How does the phone bluetooth work with the Ranger, Apple CarPlay and Curt at the same time?

Not sure - I am using on a 2022 Nissan Frontier while waiting for my Ranger. Lippert bought out CURT - I would call and ask for a technician - they have been very helpful in the past and were so again when resetting the app to Lippert.

 

[grifchad]

I started looking at equipping my 2024 XLT/FX4 for towing and honestly became pretty frustrated at the lack of prep hardware it had for adding a brake controller. Fords spendy unit seems to be out of stock everywhere and from what I was reading a standard install may not work.
In case you haven't run across it yet, check out the Redarc TowPro brake controller paired with the new Redarc EPDK-001 ($42) adapter. It seems to take the place of the Ford-branded controller. I'm waiting for this to arrive but the description said it should keep all the safety features active as well(not that I care because I look where I'm going when I drive and not at my phone). My main reason for going this route was my own personal preference to have the controller hardwired.
I would have skipped the EPDK adapter/diode but the helpful guy at Redarc said the vehicle can throw codes without it. The main scenario being when the trailer brakes are activated by the trailer brake push button. The center brake light power wire is energized without the vehicles brakes being applied and apparently the vehicle flags that.
My truck came with no tow options/equipment other than the 4 pin trailer plug on the bumper. Also, instead of having the 4 taped wires in the drivers foot well, I have the plug with no power at any of the pins. It probably goes without saying but there isn't an adapter harness for a 7 pin connector that plugs in to the wiring at the back of the truck either, besides a universal 4to 7 pin adapter.
I added the frame-mounted hitch and the 7 pin/4pin port that mounts in the rear bumper factory location with a little cutting of the plastic. I'll remove the factory 4 wire trailer connector on the rear bumper and splice the wires into the bumper mounted unit. I just like it better that way.
I'm also going to skip playing with the factory trailer plug in the drivers footwell since there isn't power anyways. 12V+, ground, brake signal input, brake output-easy as that!
Ford should have done a better job with this but man I do like the truck. Hopefully the new transmission is an improvement too. Either way, this is the route I'm taking so for those of you that are frustrated, check out that Redarc adapter.

 

[Jason B]

I started looking at equipping my 2024 XLT/FX4 for towing and honestly became pretty frustrated at the lack of prep hardware it had for adding a brake controller. Fords spendy unit seems to be out of stock everywhere and from what I was reading a standard install may not work.
In case you haven't run across it yet, check out the Redarc TowPro brake controller paired with the new Redarc EPDK-001 ($42) adapter. It seems to take the place of the Ford-branded controller. I'm waiting for this to arrive but the description said it should keep all the safety features active as well(not that I care because I look where I'm going when I drive and not at my phone). My main reason for going this route was my own personal preference to have the controller hardwired.
I would have skipped the EPDK adapter/diode but the helpful guy at Redarc said the vehicle can throw codes without it. The main scenario being when the trailer brakes are activated by the trailer brake push button. The center brake light power wire is energized without the vehicles brakes being applied and apparently the vehicle flags that.
My truck came with no tow options/equipment other than the 4 pin trailer plug on the bumper. Also, instead of having the 4 taped wires in the drivers foot well, I have the plug with no power at any of the pins. It probably goes without saying but there isn't an adapter harness for a 7 pin connector that plugs in to the wiring at the back of the truck either, besides a universal 4to 7 pin adapter.
I added the frame-mounted hitch and the 7 pin/4pin port that mounts in the rear bumper factory location with a little cutting of the plastic. I'll remove the factory 4 wire trailer connector on the rear bumper and splice the wires into the bumper mounted unit. I just like it better that way.
I'm also going to skip playing with the factory trailer plug in the drivers footwell since there isn't power anyways. 12V+, ground, brake signal input, brake output-easy as that!
Ford should have done a better job with this but man I do like the truck. Hopefully the new transmission is an improvement too. Either way, this is the route I'm taking so for those of you that are frustrated, check out that Redarc adapter.

If it's anything like the 5G, there is no power at the plug UNTIL a trailer is connected to the 7-pin. That's a function of the Trailer Control Module, which is not the same as the Trailer Brake Controller. TCM, handles power and lighting to trailer. TBC controls trailer brakes.

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