Trailer brake controllers, sometimes known as TBCs, are standard on many Ford trucks, including the F-150. Its function is to aid trailer-hauling trucks with brakes, so everything goes more smoothly and safely.
The TBC should automatically brake the wheels of the trailers when the truck’s brake is used; thus, the driver of a car using it need not take any particular action.
In this article, find out how to install the trailer brake controllers to your F-150 and how to properly use it.
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Key Takeaways
- Step 1. Remove the negative battery cable
- Step 2. Choose a location for the controller’s mounting
- Step 3. Drill mounting holes
- Step 4. Install the brake controller by fastening it
- Step 5. Connect the brake controller
How To Install Trailer Brake Controller: A Simple Guide
Here are a few steps to the trailer brake controller installment.
Keep reading to find out how you can get yours.
Tip: We have summarized the cost of installation here.
Step 1. Remove The Negative Battery Cable
Unplugging the battery before working on your car’s electrical systems is a good idea. This is also accurate when adding a brake controller. Disconnecting the battery can prevent injuries to people and harm to your car’s electronics.
The negative battery line must be unbolted and moved to the side to be installed for a braking controller.
Step 2. Choose A Location For The Controller’s Mounting
Locate a position where the brake controller may be mounted. The optimum location is often found below and to the side of the steering wheel on most vehicles, especially large trucks, and SUVs.
The controller will be in plain view but out of the way at this location. Moreover, the dash can be positioned above it.
Ensure the brake controller is not positioned adjacent to any RF transmitters or CB radios if you have them. These devices contain delicate electronics.
Step 3. Drill Mounting Holes
Using the mounting bracket as a guide, mark the necessary drilling locations with the brake controller in the correct place. After that, drill a hole for each bolt the bracket comes with.
Make sure you see what you are drilling into!
You don’t want to harm the dashboard’s electronics. Remove the panel you are drilling into if you can to reduce unnecessary hazards.
Step 4. Install The Brake Controller By Fastening It
Reposition the brake controller bracket and attach the supplied fasteners after the holes have been bored. Self-tapping screws are commonly included with brake controllers.
Be careful not to overtighten the screws or strip out the holes as you tighten them.
Next, use the included bolts to secure the brake controller to the bracket.
Step 5. Connect The Brake Controller
Connect the brake controller to the car using a wire harness for that vehicle. The wire harness has two ends that link to the brake controller and the OEM harness beneath the car’s dash, respectively.
The placement of the factory wiring harness in your car may change. To find yours, go to the figure below.
How To Setup The Trailer Brake Controller
Ford trucks will automatically apply the same pressure to the towing vehicle’s brakes as you do to your own vehicle’s brakes.
But you may also change the voltage depending on the weight of the trailer, changing weather, and different types of roads, such as gravel vs. pavement.
The trailer brake controller, frequently located to the wheel’s right, is accessible from the truck’s center console. Here, you may choose how much voltage to send to your TBC while turning this on and off this function.
If you have insufficient power, you risk endangering your capacity to brake when necessary quickly.
Nevertheless, maintaining too high settings might result in increased tire wear or even brake locks.
Go to the productivity screen on your LCD.
You can also check how much power there is in your brake controller. To check that, you can search and choose Truck Apps → push the arrow twice → Trailer Display.
Also, if a trailer is linked to your car, you may get a visual of how much energy your Ford will transfer using the present settings, often known as the “gain setting.”
See your owner’s handbook on how to alter your particular truck’s settings effectively. No matter the type, adjusting the trailer brake controller when traveling in a low-traffic region is advised.
Properly Connect The Trailer To Your F-150
Of course, if the trailer is securely fastened to your truck, the trailer brake controller is functional.
We advise going to the Connectivity Checklist option on your screen to ensure you’ve done it correctly.
From this point on, you are given instructions for various attachment techniques, ensuring you follow all necessary measures, such as adjusting your mirrors and lifting your tongue jack.
Luna Meschiari is a full-blooded car nut who is well known to local garages, as each article is meticulously researched and peppered with the latest piece of information. Guess what car she’s driving right now? A RAV4 2021 Hybrid. But her heart also sleeps for pickups like the F-150. Get to know Luna better on the about us page.
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