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Ford Explorer Community - Maintenance - Modifications - Performance Upgrades - Problem Solving - Off-Road - Street
Explorer Forum Covers the Explorer ST, Explorer Sport, Explorer Sport Trac, Lincoln Aviator, Mercury Mountaineer, Mazda Navajo, Ford Ranger, Mazda Pickups, and the Ford Aerostar
I'm looking for recommendations on a trailer brake controller, I'm not familiar with trailer brakes at all so this is all new to me, seeking some experienced input. I'll be towing a 10' tandem axle enclosed trailer and not a ton of weight in it. The trailer has brakes so I want to use them for safety.
I'll be towing with my 2000 Ex v8; thanks for any input here.
"How to Install: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller on your 2001 Ford Explorer".
Sorry, it will not let me link.
As far as brake controllers, there are many options, I use Tekonsha Prodigy P2, mostly because I have experience with this on another vehicle and I found a new one on ebay for $50.
Thank you, I'm not too concerned about installation I'm pretty comfortable with wiring. I wasn't sure about timed vs proportional and I also remember old school ones that plumed into the master cylinder, seems like that isn't relevant anymore. I'm gong to spend the little extra and get a proportional unit.
I was looking for any input on brands to use or stay away from mainly. I will check that video out though.
Tekonsha is a good brand, and has sort of become the Kleenex of the trailer brake controller world, and the P3 is pretty much universally the best trailer brake controller out there. It has some issues, mainly that it doesn't have a slide controller like other models do but uses button instead (I personally like the slide more) and for some reason no on/off switch.
Another option is the Redarc Elite V3, which is designed for a more integrated install with the main controller hidden and just a dial mounted on the dash. The obvious downside to the Redarc is that you can't easily swap it between vehicles like you can with the Tekonsha P3, but the upside is you can install it so that it isn't in a spot where it gets in the way.
Curt and Reese also make decent trailer brake controllers, though you'll sometimes find rebrands of their controllers (Draw-Tite often rebrands Reese, if I remember correctly) for quite a bit cheaper.
Most of the more expensive units, like the P3 and Redarc, are configurable for proportional or time-delay, and often have the ability to create presets for specific trailers as well as fine tune settings for things like gain and boost.
I don't tow nearly as much as I used to, but if my current truck didn't have an integrated OEM brake controller and I needed to purchase an aftermarket one, I'd really only consider the Tekonsha P3 or the Redarc.
I picked up a Tekonsha 8508220 on prime days figuring if it sucked I'd send it back. Sounds like it was a good choice. I'll work on getting it all wired up now.
Haven't gotten around to wiring this up yet; I've got plenty of other projects / maintenance work to be done and it's been bitter cold. Plus towing the trailer around isn't a priority anytime soon. I'm also going to install a larger tranny cooler.
One more towing question: What about tow mirrors? Any recommendations?
