OEM built in brake controller...

liveyourlife · 02-28-2016, 02:40 AM

Anyone like to comment on their OEM built in brake controller? What are your thoughts vs. aftermarket Tekonsha products. Did you find any differences in performance? I have used the Tekonsha P2 in the past and found it to be an excellent controller, easy to use, always worked flawlessly. Now with a new TV (new for us) the controller is built in from the manufacturer. Haven't towed using it yet, waiting for the white stuff on the ground to disappear!

TAZ23 · 02-28-2016, 05:24 AM

Having had both types in the past I personally wouldn't by a tow vehicle without the factory OEM brake controller.

CaptnJohn · 02-28-2016, 06:13 AM

Over the past 40 years used several controllers. Always Tekonsha until Ford OEM. Most salespersons are not aware there are 3 settings and a range in each setting. Trucks come at the default LOW setting about half range. That is too low for most TTs ~~ probably even lite models. 5ers all need to be in medium or high. Mine is set for medium #7.

msp2jxr · 02-28-2016, 06:20 AM

I have the Ford OEM and personally will not go back to a add on controller. In my mind the extra cost of the OEM unit has been far superior in braking. Even my wife had noticed the braking smoothness of the OEM.

Garyl53 · 02-28-2016, 06:22 AM

Hmm... I have a 2011 F250 with factory TBC. I don't recall seeing this low, med, high setting, only the level (0 - 10) setting. Is that only on newer models or did I miss it?

CaptnJohn · 02-28-2016, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Garyl53

Hmm... I have a 2011 F250 with factory TBC. I don't recall seeing this low, med, high setting, only the level (0 - 10) setting. Is that only on newer models or did I miss it?

I'm not sure on the 2011 but I have 2015 and 2016 and both have the low, medium, high settings and 0 - 10 settings.

From the cluster select 'information' and scroll down and select brake controller.

Pull Toy · 02-28-2016, 07:23 AM

I've always had various Tekonsha units clear back to the 70's when the controller actually had to tap in to your hydraulic master cylinder. I have Ford OEM in my current rig set to 6.5, and wouldn't trade it for the world. That, and the TOW HAUL transmission setting are an unbeatable combo!

I wouldn't even consider a new rig without the integrated "Tow Package" regardless of which manufacturer I was considering. The package has everything you need to pull except for the hitch itself.

zuley · 02-28-2016, 07:33 AM

I used a P2 for years as well. Ordered the tow pack with my new Ram which came with an integrated controller. Have had no issues whatsoever. It's nice in that the brake slide switch is more easier accessible than the P2 was under the dash when needed.

Tbos · 02-28-2016, 07:50 AM

I have used the GM OEM brake controller in 2 different trucks and trailers and never had an issue. When I bought the trucks that was a required option for me.

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CWSWine · 02-28-2016, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptnJohn

I'm not sure on the 2011 but I have 2015 and 2016 and both have the low, medium, high settings and 0 - 10 settings.

From the cluster select 'information' and scroll down and select brake controller.

On my truck the low medium high settings are on the DIC (Driver Information Center) under settings/ driver assist. Mine defaulted to light and I couldn't lock up the brakes even on setting 10. I moved it high and could lockup the brakes on setting 7 to 8.

Just as note on my truck you can turn off "Trailer Sway" in the DIC and it was set to off when I picked up the truck.

I'm not sure which models or brand trucks this is on by I can say its on 2015/2016 Ford F350 for sure.

GaryWT · 02-28-2016, 08:37 AM

We had a draw tite model on our previous truck and it was great, loved it. The factory one on our truck started off slow but after some adjustments and time it works great.

**sourdough** · 02-28-2016, 01:02 PM

I've used the Tekonsha products and my current truck has the built in controller. I like the factory controller considerably better.

nellie1289 · 02-28-2016, 02:00 PM

for my ram, it is so nice having it intergrated. the 3 settings, the automatic displays, priceless. You would be insane not to get it.

ImTravis · 02-28-2016, 03:29 PM

I would've loved to have the integrated brake controller, but fortunately it doesn't have it, so I've ordered a direclink brake controller, to get as close to OEM as possible. It plugs into the OBD 2 port and gets data from the trucks internal network. I'll find out if it's better than my P3 this spring, if it ever gets here.

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mfifield01 · 02-29-2016, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nellie1289

for my ram, it is so nice having it intergrated. the 3 settings, the automatic displays, priceless. You would be insane not to get it.

Completely agree. The Ram integrated is awesome. It has Light and Heavy electric. For my trailer I use Light (setting is usually at 7).

BirchyBoy · 02-29-2016, 09:13 AM

What's the general cutoff year for choosing OEM vs. add-on for Ford. FYI - I'm having an inspection done on a '05 F350 today which has the OEM brake controller. Is that better or worse than my Tekonsha P3?

Nagrompj · 02-29-2016, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BirchyBoy

What's the general cutoff year for choosing OEM vs. add-on for Ford. FYI - I'm having an inspection done on a '05 F350 today which has the OEM brake controller. Is that better or worse than my Tekonsha P3?

Forget the Tekonsha P3 was ever made. Go for OEM controller. I have a 08 F250 with the OEM controller and love it. Same controller as the 05.

**JRTJH** · 02-29-2016, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BirchyBoy

What's the general cutoff year for choosing OEM vs. add-on for Ford. FYI - I'm having an inspection done on a '05 F350 today which has the OEM brake controller. Is that better or worse than my Tekonsha P3?

Since the truck you're considering has the OEM controller already installed, I'd suggest you at least try it before even considering anything else. If you had to make a decision to pay extra to install it, then I'd be concerned, but since it's already installed, you'd probably be remiss if you didn't at least try it to be sure before spending extra money on something you may not need.

nellie1289 · 02-29-2016, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mfifield01

Completely agree. The Ram integrated is awesome. It has Light and Heavy electric. For my trailer I use Light (setting is usually at 7).

I use mine on heavy electric for my 11000 fiver. Ram says the cutoff is about 10,000 for switching from light to heavy. I found the light wasn't quite enough for my big boy trailer.

BirchyBoy · 02-29-2016, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JRTJH

Since the truck you're considering has the OEM controller already installed, I'd suggest you at least try it before even considering anything else. If you had to make a decision to pay extra to install it, then I'd be concerned, but since it's already installed, you'd probably be remiss if you didn't at least try it to be sure before spending extra money on something you may not need.

Thanks. I already have the P3, so no extra cost. I'll sell it if the OEM works OK.

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