Add on trailer brake controller - possible for Lightning?

[mattb]

my XLT is here and it's great. it has the max tow package and no brake controller. looking at the ford parts site i can't figure out which one to buy. any suggestions?

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[Dan_G_Lightning]

Literature is sparse. If anyone knows more, please chime in.

If you follow my thread here, I show part numbers of what came with my Lariat SR (a Ford pigtail to nowhere) and the part number for the kit I'm attempting. Once I receive the kit (still on backorder for 2 weeks), I'll install and see if FORScan intervention is required. I would like to think it's not, since the kit includes a new TCM, but we will see.

 

[mattb]

Literature is sparse. If anyone knows more, please chime in.

If you follow my thread here, I show part numbers of what came with my Lariat SR (a Ford pigtail to nowhere) and the part number for the kit I'm attempting. Once I receive the kit (still on backorder for 2 weeks), I'll install and see if FORScan intervention is required. I would like to think it's not, since the kit includes a new TCM, but we will see.

thanks for the update!

 

[Gabe]

Hi guys, Got my Lightning in october (XTL, LR, Tow pkg). I had discussions with my dealership since for a brake controller. Here is there final (!) awnser:
We looked with ford's engineers and we're sorry, there are no compatible hardware proposed by Ford for your Lightning. We don't have any schedule for a brake controller yet.
You should look on the aftermarket if someone could work on it and make things work.

You understood that it's a traduction from french... but it looks like that.

By then, I bought a Curt Bluetooth controller...

 

[Heliian]

no compatible hardware

Interesting, I wonder what would have to change?

 

[RedLightning86]

My '22 Lariat ER with max tow package has the brake controller built in. And if not, is easy to add; I added it to my '21 PowerBoost, when I was trying out Fords, before ordering a Lightning. Was about $200 parts and labor, works and functions just like the one in my Lightning.

 

[Dan_G_Lightning]

Success!

Enabled the controller on my SR Lariat after just purchasing the switch. To recap, the Lariat came with the TCM under the dash- I only had to order the bias switch itself (part number in my post) and change three registers in ForScan.

Clicky!

 

[Madasahatter1138]

Yeah, I can't imagine the tow package not including a brake controller, but if for some odd reason it doesn't, I've been using the Curt Echo bluetooth brake controller with my BMW X3 for almost a year and I'm pretty happy with it. The device almost looks like a small scope you stick between the 7-pin connecter and the trailer. The companion app is pretty rough around the edges but it works well enough and I didn't have to mount anything inside the car. On top of that, it's really easy to swap between tow vehicles.

The Curt unit drove me crazy the last two years, cant wait to be rid of it..Glitchy app, lots of false "trailer is disconnected" alerts, blowing 40amp fuses..I think mine was first gen..and the main reason I bought tech tow on my XLT being built this month. But for some vehicles it is the only way

 

[CME_75]

Hi Folks,

I’m new to this forum and brand new to being a Lightning owner.

I appreciate everyone’s input as I heavily scoured the f150lightningforum as I was determining what to buy.

Thank you all for your many informative contributions.

Onto the real purpose of my post…

So, yesterday, I brought home a brand new 2023 Lightning XLT, with the Max Tow Package.

There was NO brake controller.

As some of you have learned as well, the brake controller only comes with the factory installed Tow Technology Package.

I made having a brake controller installed a condition of the purchase. My dealer worked with me, called Ford, and researched this thoroughly.

Ford said they have seen issues with the unit sold with the TTP and it would not be recommended for my truck. That was disappointing as the I wanted the sleek in-dash look.​

The dealer then consulted a local reputable 4x4 outfitter that they deal with occasionally. They recommend an old school unit, saying this would work on Lightning’s.​

Long story longer, tomorrow the dealer will be installing a CURT 51126. Has anyone used one of these yet?

If not, I’ll be the guinea pig I guess.

I’ll be sure to report my experiences once my buddy is done borrowing my equipment trailer. Might be a few weeks though until I post anything…

Looking forward to “Riding the Lightning!”

P.S. Happy 4th of July! God Bless America and these United States.

 

[RickKeen]

Ford is being STUPID to not make an integrated Brake Controller part of the Max Tow Package. Even worse, not being able to sell it as a dealer-installed option.

@Ford Motor Company Please listen to your customer feedback.

 

[EVMainer]

For what it's worth, I've been wanting a brake controller on my 2023 Pro since I ordered (I attempted to add the Tow Tech package when I realized I'd need it to get a brake controller, but it didn't make it into the build).

Fast forward a year, scheduled my 10,000 service (tire rotation) and asked about adding a brake controller. Shop says they got the right part ($275) and installation/programming should take about two hours. For around $600 I should have a functional brake controller installed when I pick my truck up in about an hour.

Hopefully it works well and isn't too buggy or anything, I'll report back!

 

[EVMainer]

Controller is installed and works!

 

[pbd05]

Controller is installed and works!

That's great to hear! I kinda figured it would work, no reason it shouldn't.

 

[priceb]

Controller is installed and works!

That is excellent news. I'm glad they finally figured it out. Would you happen to know what part number(s) they ended up using?

 

[Sobmartin]

They took it out,of,the tow,tech package in2024. Stupid since all,the rest of trailer management is there in the Flash

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