Wondering if I need an external Trailer brake on a 2008 Ford E450

[cbialeckisr]

Hello all, Just purchased a 2008 Freelander on a Ford E450 chassis. So the question is: did Ford incorporate a trailer brake into their design or do I need to purchase and install an external one?

[genecurp]

My 2008 E450 Four Winds does NOT have a trailer brake controller built into the dash. That is the gizmo that thru wires tells the trailer when to apply its electric brakes.

If you intend to pull a trailer or towed car behind your motor home you will almost certainly need supplemental brakes rather than relying of the truck brakes to be over engineered enough the stop the additonal rolling stock.

The weight limit below which you need no additonal brakes legally in most states is very low (2000 pounds? I do not know exactly). I use an Even Brake by Roadmaster to engage the car's brakes to assist stopping the combined rig of 2 vehicles.

Hope this helps.
Gene

[IC2]

On the Fords there should be a dash sensitivity adjuster(lit LCD) and a 4/7 pin connector under the rear bumper as well as a trailer hitch, either a Class 3 or 4. Of course the coach manufacturer could have had a delete on his order to just to save a few bucks.