Trailer brakes

[Zechariah]

A very simple (idiot?) question: I am retrofitting my TV with a hitch, wiring, etc. I will also have to add a trailer breaking system, for which my TV is not currently wired.

So questions?
1. who installs the braking system? Ford dealer? RV store?
2. How complicated is the installation?
3. $?
4. Where do I order system?

[Pitch1]

You could go to ford ,but that would probably be your most expensive option. Most modern pickups already have the wiring,it just needs to be connected. It is cheaper to make one wiring harness to fit all applications than to make custom harnesses.
My brake controller was installed by our RV dealer,but any trailers sales or competent mechanic could do it.

[Ranger431]

As said above, any RV shop can do it, and probably for less than the dealer.

I installed mine, really it's only connecting about 4 wires and drilling a couple of holes to mount it. If you do it yourself, just make sure that you have enough space to mount it level (if your controller requires it) before you drill, and make sure you don't put it somewhere where you'll hit it when you get in or out.

Not a hard install to do yourself, and I am only moderately good with car work. The great thing is it's easy to test and make sure you did right, assuming you don't live on top of a mountain .

[mcfarmall]

Take it to your local truck accessory place. Our local guy sells and installs all kinds of hitches, bedliners, tonneau covers, and so on.

[Iraqvet05]

What year truck is it? Check the articles on etrailer.com...this link may help http://www.etrailer.com/faq-fbc.aspx

If you are not comfortable with wiring and splicing, look for an RV dealer or utility trailer dealer and ask if they install brake controllers.
Brake controllers can be purchased at etrailer.com, Amazon and a host of other suppliers. One of the more popular controllers is the Prodigy series by Tekonsha...they run anywhere from $100 and up

[tinlizzie23]

On my 2003 Ford P/U, there was already a connector under the dash, and Ford provided me with a short harness ( around $15 if I recall) which plugged into that connector, and then plugged directly into my brake controller. Took about 15 minutes to remove the lower dash cover, plug everything in, drill two mount holes in the cover, mount the controller, and re-install the lower cover.

[Power247]

If there is a U-Haul hitch installer near you it is worth the call. I had them install a hitch on DWs Durango for less than I could order it for. They offered to do the wiring for an additional $70.

[tlhdoc]

My 2004 Explorer came with the vehicle wired and the wire harness to connect to my Prodigy. I ordered a Ford/Prodigy wire harness and it was as simple as mounting my controller and plugging the cable in to the TV and the controller. If the vehicle doesn't have a plug and needs to be wired I would have a professional do it.