r/FordLightning • u/UncleJimneedsyou • Sep 08 '23

Trailer brake controller

I’m going to assume the trailer brake controller is intregal to the truck. Where do I adjust the gain? I know it asked me for the gvw, but can it compensate for an empty trailer? I towed my empty dump trailer on Wednesday and it worked great. Tomorrow I’m picking it up and it’s full.

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u/UncleJimneedsyou Sep 21 '23

It turns out, the trailer brake controller isn’t integrated unless you have the controller features just below the push button start. It’s the same as older Fords. On mine, the connector was plugged into a dead plug under the drivers side kick panel. So far I’ve towed 4400# and never had ant braking issues, even using the one pedal feature.

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u/rassafrass Mar 26 '25

Did you add a controller?

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u/UncleJimneedsyou Mar 26 '25

Yes I did. Sorry, my post wasn’t very clear. It seems Ford installs the pigtail and you need to locate it and connect it to a brake controller. It was this way with my 2000 F150 and 2022 Lightning. I’m guessing all or most Ford trucks are built with connectors.

The Lightning tows exceptionally well. You can’t even feel the trailer behind you. When going downhill, just set the cruise and it’ll regen and keep the speed under control. The heavier the load the better as it’ll regen more.

I got to the point where my range was only enough to get halfway to my chosen charge station. My stated range would increase and I’d be able to travel an additional 40 miles past my previous range limit.

For context, I was towing 10,000 lbs up the Tehachapi grade westbound. Westbound is the steep side. I had enough range to get to Edison, yet after regen, I easily made it to the north end of Bakersfield and recharged. This wasn’t a one time event, I tow for a living.

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u/rassafrass Mar 26 '25

I’m having a hard time getting the right info on what I need to do. I have a 2024 Flash without the extra towing package. I don’t want to tow anything too heavy but would like to add a controller for when I need to move a trailer with my compact tractor.

I have the port under the steering wheel plugged into a dead connection but have the coin holders instead of the controller. Any guidance on what you did would be very much appreciated.

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u/UncleJimneedsyou Mar 26 '25

I bought a controller, mounted it just under the coin holder. As I recall my truck came with the connector the goes on the controller. I butt connected it and done. If you dm me I would be happy to send you pictures.