Adding brake controller

[Gidyupgo]

Hi folks. Lots of knowledge and experience with you guys, So, guess I will consult the experts here. I must be missing something, so apologies n advance. When I wanted to add cruise control to my 2010 base model F150, I learned through the Ford forum to buy the OEM cruise control steering wheel cluster through eBay, pop out the blanks to find the preinstalled harness, plug it in, snap it in and pay a dealer $50 to "tell" the truck it now has cruise control. Looked like it came with it installed.
We just ordered our Sunseeker 3010 and want to follow the same procedure as above once we get it, but with an OEM brake controller. $99 on eBay and pay a dealer to tell the on board computer it now has a brake controller. Is there any reason this wouldn't work? I prefer things to look factory unless it just isn't possible. Thoughts?

Thanks! I'll hang up and listen.

[RamblerGuy]

I can't comment on reprogramming the chassis computer. If you are lucky you may not have to reprogram it. You may have to install a relay and fuse in one or both fuse panels. Check your owner's manual when you get your Sunseeker. You can download it from Ford.

I think there was a thread in the FROG forum about installing a factory controller in an E450. Do a search for it. I'm using my smart phone and can't do that without losing this post.

[Joshua Cavitt]

If you pull out the coin slot above the radio you're going to see a plug and play wiring harness that you can use. Whether you use that harness or not you wont need to flash the computer system.

[Gidyupgo]

Thanks for the help.

[shooter2]

I was told by Ford that if the F450 Chassis was not ordered from the factory with the intragal brake controler it can not be retrofitted. The after market brake controller interface plug behind the coin cubby is for after market controllers. I used the cubby and cut a section out of the back of it to allow my prodegy controller to be mounted in the cubby and plugged in to the OEM interface plug. Works fine and I still have half the cubby to use.

OEM NEW Trailer Brake Controller
100% Genuine Ford Motor Company parts

- Original equipment on 2011-2013 Ford Econoline vans built after 08/18/2008 only. This part is NOT compatible with F-Series Trucks

- This part CANNOT be installed on a vehicle not originally equipped with a brake controller - This part is only intended to be a replacement for a defective OEM module. We have tested this, Regardless if your van is equipped with the factory towing package the controller cannot be added unless installed at the factory.

[Gidyupgo]

Thanks shooter2. A couple of people over at the Ford truck forum have different information. It does involve a couple of more steps than just plugging in the OEM controller though. I will probably have to give it a try.

[Niel]

I did as Shooter2 said and it works great. No reprogramming.

[Gidyupgo]

Great! Congrats.

[Joshua Cavitt]

Our chassis' are ordered with the harness included, not the brake controller. Someone can add an aftermarket brake controller if they feel the need to.

[Gidyupgo]

Thanks Josh. I got lazy and had the dealer put it on before delivery of our 2017 SS 3010. My "before first trip "to do" list" had gotten quite lengthy so I subbed this out. Its for an electric brake dolly so should be fine.

[Forester Fred]

Josh, did the Chevy 4500's 2014 model on a 2015 Forester, come through with the harness included? I'm looking to tow with mine and would like to tie into the existing wiring harness if possible.

Thanks