RE: ??? Built-In Break Controller ???

[GDSLTS]

 
I just purchased a 2003 Ford Explorer XLT with a Class III/IV towing package, V8 and 4x4. The salesman told me the vehicle wiring has a proportional brake output built-in and does not need a break controller. I m not sure that s accurate. I ve checked the manuals that come with the vehicle and they say nothing about it. Anybody have a similar rig?
 
 The question is: Do I need a brake controller or not?

[Tim5055]

 GDSLTS
If you do have a controller " built in" , it would be the first time I ever heard of it[&:]
 
 You can always go to the [link=https://myford.fordvehicles.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=MyFord/Registration/LogOnPage&BackToLogin=MyFord%2FHome%2FHomePage%26ord%3D15419550]My Ford Owners Site[/link], register and send them an e-mail asking the question.
 
 With your VIN number they can tell you anything about how the vehicle was equipped when it left the factory.
 
 When I asked they were very prompt in responding and letting me know some things about my 1995, so I m sure they would help you with a 2003.

[AustinBoston]

 GDSLTS
I have never heard of any vehicle, any where, at any time that had a brake controller built in.  If yours does, it is the first I have ever heard of.
 
 There is a problem with the basic concept.  Different trailers have different weights, different numbers of axles, different sizes of wheels, and different types of brakes.  All of those things require at least different settings of any brake controller (a signal that will lock the brakes on one trailer won t be strong enough on a trailer of twice the weight).  When it comes to the number of axles, it s not just settings.  A trailer with four axles needs a completely different controller than a trailer with one axle.  There is no way for the manufacturer to know all the variables (and they do vary) beforehand.
 
 If I had such a vehicle, I d try the built-in controller, but I d expect to replace/bypass it with a different one.
 
 Austin

[Turn Key]

 GDSLTS
Hate to say this but I have a hunch that your salesman doesn t have a clue!!!  No vehicle that I know of comes with a built in brake controller.  If it has a towing package, all the wiring will/should be there so that all you have to do is plg-in your controller and set it for your trailer.  As some have said, I  d check with Ford via phone or on-line.  I think you ll find that you will need to purchase a controller.
 BTW: When we purchased our new TV a month ago, I mentioned this very idea to our salesman.  He stated that he saw no way that this could be done due to the number of variables involved.

[aldebnj]

 GDSLTS
My 2000 Expedition has a built in CONNECTOR for the brake controller under the steering wheel.  Packaged with the owner s manual are two pig tails for the connector in case the brake controller did not have the right kind of plug to connect directly in.  My Ford salesman, a friend who tows boats and is knowledgable in this area, explained this to me when we were looking at the Expedition because he knew we were towing with it.  Basically, the installation is supposed to be very easy with all the wiring pre-done just waiting for your brake controller to be plugged in.  Our PU does not have brakes, so I haven t tested this our personally yet.
 
 Good luck and I hope this helps.
 
 Al

[tlhdoc]

 GDSLTS
My 2002 Ford Explorer 4 door, V8, tow package came with the wiring for a brake controller, but not the controller itself.  I purchased a Tekonsha/Ford wire harness and it was plug and play, no wiring connections.  I don t think the salesman knows what he is talking about.