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Brake controller on Ford Expedition |
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JeepPod 
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Joined: 17 Sep 2009 Location: Lafayette, LA Status: Offline Points: 108 |
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 Topic: Brake controller on Ford ExpeditionPosted: 11 Oct 2009 at 1:20pm |
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Does anyone out there have any experience pulling with a Ford Expedition?
I am thinking of buyimg a used 2001 Expedition, Triton V-8 to replace my jeep as a tow vehicle for my 172 and was wondering if I need a break controller.
Just wondering if it is necessary with a heavier vehicle.
Thanks! Lisa
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2008 Jeep Wrangler JK
2001 Ford Expedition-Tow Vehicle 2010 Model 172 R-Pod |
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retired Roxy
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Joined: 26 Aug 2009 Location: SoCA, Status: Offline Points: 119 |
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Posted: 11 Oct 2009 at 1:26pm |
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They are required in CA no matter what size vehicle!
Roxy |
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JeepPod
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Joined: 17 Sep 2009 Location: Lafayette, LA Status: Offline Points: 108 |
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Posted: 11 Oct 2009 at 2:04pm |
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Thanks, Roxy!
I think I am just going to go ahead and get it, just to be safe!
Will be traveling from state to state anyway, hopefully.
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2008 Jeep Wrangler JK
2001 Ford Expedition-Tow Vehicle 2010 Model 172 R-Pod |
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Outbound
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Joined: 25 Jul 2009 Location: Oshawa, ON Status: Offline Points: 750 |
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Posted: 11 Oct 2009 at 2:15pm |
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Good choice! If nothing else, a break controller really helps to keep your trailer stabilized during emergency braking. I wouldn't be without one on any trailer that weighs much more than 1000 pounds.
Besides, a Prodigy can be found on eBay for less than $100. eTrailer.com sells Prodigy + harness for less than $115 - and with an Expedition (with factory tow package), you just have to plug the Ford harness into the truck's wiring harness, attach the controller to the dash and you're done - 30 minutes of very easy work. |
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Craig :: 2008 Mazda Tribute :: 2009 r-pod 171, The Johnnie Ray
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Sandpiper
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Joined: 19 Aug 2009 Location: IL Status: Offline Points: 763 |
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Posted: 11 Oct 2009 at 3:16pm |
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I purchased the Prodigy and Ford harness from Southwest Wheel Company for $116.95 and free shipping the middle of September. They have a web site https://www.southwestwheel.com/store/showproduct.aspx?ProductID=61&SEName=tekonsha-prodigy-brake-controller
and service was rather quick. Very easy installation. Two screws, slip the harness thru back of holder, plug into controller, plug other end into ford plug under dash and the job was done. Less than 15 minutes including reading the instructions. |
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Sandpiper
Mrs.'Piper Ford 150-[Mini Lite 2104S] |
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PodPatrol
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Joined: 24 Sep 2009 Status: Offline Points: 22287 |
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Posted: 11 Oct 2009 at 5:58pm |
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We (me & Pie_Pod) have ordered a 177 due this month.
Our Tow Vehicle is a '06 Honda Ridgeline.
I have had the tow package (hitch/harness) added by Dealer.
Ive also ordered a P3 controller that hooks right up to my (now) existing electric
harness w/ the help of a specially made adapter harness for the P3 to the Ridgeline.
The weight of the r-Pod is well within the Ridgelines specs. (with 1500lbs to spare).
** being as a loaded 177 r-pod will be around 3500lbs **
Ok, consider passengers (2 or 3) and gear in the back of the Ridgeline, so throw
another 500lbs to that 3500 figure and we get 4000lbs. Stil alot of headroom for the
Honda. (rated at 5000lbs towing)
I would never go through all the expense and time reading all about the Brake Controller
unless I felt it was very necessary !!! As prior posts have stated "a Brake Controller should seriously be considered when towing over 1000lbs".
Good Advice !!! Be Safe !!!
HAPPY PODing !!!
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JeepPod
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Joined: 17 Sep 2009 Location: Lafayette, LA Status: Offline Points: 108 |
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Posted: 12 Oct 2009 at 2:24am |
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Thanks everyone for the advice!
Best to play it safe!
Happy PODing everyone!!
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2008 Jeep Wrangler JK
2001 Ford Expedition-Tow Vehicle 2010 Model 172 R-Pod |
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pepperpod
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Joined: 01 Oct 2009 Location: Central KY Status: Offline Points: 1420 |
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Posted: 15 Oct 2009 at 4:29am |
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I am wondering the same thing. We have an F 150 extended cab that we will pull with. On the way home yesterday from a trip to Lake Erie, we stopped at Couch's. The salesman there told us we would not need to get brakes. He said our truck was so much heavier than the Pod 172 that we are looking at.
ANY THOUGHTS???
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Pepper,Coach,and Henry (a very brave little Maltese)
R Pod 172 The rewards of the journey far outweigh the risk of leaving the harbor...unknown |
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Sandpiper
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Joined: 19 Aug 2009 Location: IL Status: Offline Points: 763 |
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Posted: 15 Oct 2009 at 4:55am |
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We had a 26 ft sailboat that we pulled behind our F150. The trailer did not have brakes because it didn't weight enough to require them. BUT I wished several times that I had had at least surge brakes and thought often of installing them. The reason I wanted brakes was that on occasion while going down some of the steep hills and gravel roads here in PA and NY and slowing down, the trailer would try to push the tow vehicle. Not a real serious situation but enough to make me uncomfortable. The second reason was in heavy traffic were I couldn't leave a lot of room between me and the vehicle in front of me, I often worried that if I had to stop in a hurry the boat and trailer would jackknife. Here in PA if the trailer has a GVWR of 3000 lbs or more brakes are required so that ends the discussion for me. Even if they were not required I would still have them. They also save wear and tear on your tow vehicle brakes. My vote is to have them.
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Sandpiper
Mrs.'Piper Ford 150-[Mini Lite 2104S] |
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Gomjabber
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Joined: 05 Aug 2009 Location: Sussex, Wi Status: Offline Points: 51 |
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Posted: 15 Oct 2009 at 5:35am |
Yep, I think it's 2000 here but I am not sure. So it's not based on the tow vehicle but the trailer weight in the states that have laws and I would bet many do have these laws. |
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Sandpiper wrote: