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Old 07-14-2015, 01:58 PM   #1
daveinfl
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Default Installing Brake Controller

I just upgraded my tow vehicle. I upgraded in tow capacity and downgraded in year.

Although my 2011 Mercury Mariner towed our 2619 without a problem 90 percent of the time, it strained on non interstate hills and mountain roads. It also didn't have the pickup I wanted to merge with traffic. So I did a fair amount of research and settled on purchasing a 2006 Ford Explorer with the tow package. The 2006 was a major change for Ford. They made the vehicle larger and changed the manufacturer for the frame. They also added some new stability features and it was nominated SUV of the year. I found several of them available and selected one that looked like it had come right off the new car showroom floor. It was driven less than 10,000 miles per year, clearly garaged, and had a pristine interior with absolutely perfect leather. It had a really good CARFAX with shop records as well. So I am pleased with my choice. Oh ... it has a 3.73 gear ratio and a tow capacity of 5200 pounds.

The only thing that it didn't have for my needs was the brake controller. I contacted e-trailer and ordered a Primus Iq Proportional controller with the Ford 2006 harness adapters. The installation sounds very straight forward. I have not received the controller yet, but I am just wondering if anyone knows of any obstacles I may encounter?

I also had a very expensive weight distribution hitch for my Mariner. It made a huge difference because the vehicle was small. I was told I probably would not need it for the Explorer. What do all of you think? Will it add any anti sway stability? Would I be silly for continuing to use it? Thank you everyone in advance for your comments.

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Old 07-14-2015, 02:35 PM   #2
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Dave,

Congrats on your "new" TV. Sounds like a great buy. I can't comment on the brake controller install, but my best advise on the WDH is to hook your TM to it and see how level your rig looks. I'm assuming that your hitch is the Class III/IV one, which would give it a 500 lb tongue weight capacity. If by chance it's the Class II hitch, you have a 350 lb capacity. I don't know what a 2619 ACTUAL tongue weight is (it's certainly more than what's listed at the TM specs sheet), but you should have enough tongue weight capacity that you don't have to worry about the WDH if you're happy with the level.

Some WDH's do have integrated sway control. If yours does not, it is definitely a matter of opinion as to whether a WDH adds any additional sway control. You will get arguments both ways in this forum.

I bet you can't wait to take your first trip with the new rig!

Dave
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Old 07-14-2015, 05:10 PM   #3
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Thanks Davlin. Tongue weight is 500 lbs. I did my research. Should receive the controller tomorrow. Will let everyone know how the install goes. Thanks again.
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Old 07-14-2015, 05:10 PM   #4
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Does it have a Bargman connector (7 pin round) at the hitch. If so I would expect the brake controller wiring to be tucked under the dash. If so it is plug and go (my GC was).

Does anyone know where the plug is on an '06 Exploder ?
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Old 07-14-2015, 05:20 PM   #5
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Yes Padgett. Everything is factory installed. I'm hoping it will go easy. I will let everyone know. Thanks.

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Old 07-14-2015, 05:42 PM   #6
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I have my controller mounted under the dash so is easily reached and I can see the display through the steering wheel when going straight ahead.
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Old 08-25-2015, 07:42 PM   #7
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We have been having a serious power drain in our f150 small v8, we would wake up to a dead battery.

We had a diagnostic for the electrical system ran today, the culprit is my prodigy brake contoller. Seem it keeps cycling power even when there is nothing attached.

Going to have to mount the controller so I can unplug when not towing. I have heard of using industrial strength velcro to mount unde dash. This allows the same controller to be used for multiple vehicles.

This was dealer installed after we got the truck and have had problems with the battery draining all along.

Tomorrow we get a new battery for the truck and super duper velcro so I can easily get to the plug in the prodigy.
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Old 10-13-2015, 05:51 PM   #8
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Default Hopkins Flex Mount Brake Control installed

Quote:
Originally Posted by daveinfl View Post
Yes Padgett. Everything is factory installed. I'm hoping it will go easy. I will let everyone know. Thanks.

daveinfl
Dave:
Were you able to get the brake controller installed? How did it work out for you? I have a similar TV to your, with the only difference being yours has a V6. I saw many nice V6's, but since I have a 3023 and have read MANY posts suggesting dry weight ratings are fiction, I decided I needed the extra towing capacity of the V8.

As you mentioned, the 4th Generation Explorers were a big step up, so I set my sights on finding a 2006-10 Ford Explorer with V8/6-speed trans combination with 4X4 and the factory tow package, rated at 7130 lbs (-500 lbs for Rear Air option, for a true rating of 6630). It took me awhile to find one in good condition, but I am extremely happy with the Eddie Bauer model I found. We have gone on 2 trips to date, and it has done the job: very smooth highway ride, good power for merging and hills when needed, plus I'm getting around 13 mpg (down from 15 mpg) which I'm thrilled with.

I looked at a number of different controllers and decided on the Hopkins InSight Flex Mount Brake Control. It allowed me to install the manual brake control right under the dash in easy reach, and the small display module in the left hand corner of the windshield. The main black box installed under the dash out of the way.
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Old 10-14-2015, 06:43 PM   #9
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br2_wdc,

Nice look vehicle. 2008 was a good year. By then they had worked out some of the other little issues the Explorers had. The big thing was the radiator leaking and the thermostat housing cracking on the 2006. Both of those things are in real good shape on my car.

My brake controller is working really well. I have had no problems with it at all. I have taken it on a couple 300 mile trips and one 2400 mile trip so far. It really works as advertised. In makes the car and Trailmanor almost brake as one unit. I'm happy with it.

I have added to my TV a guage to keep track of the transmission and cooling system temperature. I have set them to alert well before they over heat. But overall I am very happy with my vehicle. Good luck with yours.

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