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Old 10-18-2017, 08:50 AM   #1
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Electric Brake Controllers (Ford Super Duty): Factory Installed vs Aftermarket

Does anyone have any insights on which may be better. I am getting ready to purchase a Ford Super Duty and I am undecided on whether or not to get the factory installed electronic brake controller or just adding an aftermarket unit later.

Has anyone found better performance with one over the other?
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Old 10-18-2017, 08:55 AM   #2
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Yes. Get the factory one. I've had both (Prodigy) and the factory was so better. The Prodigy was great, but didn't compare to the factory controller.
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Old 10-18-2017, 09:00 AM   #3
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So many questions inside your question. What are the features of the Ford installed brake controller? What is the added on option cost? Is the wiring present in the chassis even if you don't order the brake controller? Are there features in the controller you'd prefer to have in an aftermarket one?

In many chassis, the wiring is part of the wiring loom. Adding a controller isn't that hard for someone that can read the instructions and has a few basic tools. Look at the controllers available and compare the cost to the factory option. If you have the facts, you may use them as a negotiating point in the purchase of the RV.
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Old 10-18-2017, 09:37 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by petrel View Post
Has anyone found better performance with one over the other?
The Ford OEM integrated trailer brake controller (ITBC) is the best available. It's integrated with the braking system of the truck, so all the features of the truck's braking system, such as antilock and skid control, work with the trailer brakes. Aftermarket brake controllers ae not integrated, so they don't work as well.

The ITBC has MSRP of $275, so it's going to cost you about $220 if it's factory installed on a new Ford. All decent aftermarket brake controllers cost more than that, so the ITBC is a bargain as well as being the best available.

Another bargain when factory installed on a new SuperDuty is the fifth-wheel/gooseneck prep pkg. It will cost you about a third as much as having it installed by a hitch shop on a new truck. So if you plan to buy a 5er or gooseneck hitch, be sure to order the prep pkg on your new SuperDuty.
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Old 10-18-2017, 09:59 AM   #5
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SmokeyWren, you answered all my questions, hope it did the same for the OP.
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Old 10-18-2017, 10:31 AM   #6
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A factory brake controller is now on my build list. I have no immediate plans for a 5th wheel or gooseneck, but I will add the prep as well. My current F350 is 21 years old, so this one should be my last. I want it to be ready for anything. Thanks to everyone for the insights.
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Old 10-21-2017, 11:38 PM   #7
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The ITBC has MSRP of $275, so it's going to cost you about $220 if it's factory installed on a new Ford. All decent aftermarket brake controllers cost more than that, so the ITBC is a bargain as well as being the best available.
My Prodigy P3 was $127 from eTrailer, and when I researched it, everything I could find seemed to say it was one of, if not the best aftermarket controller available. What did I miss? Is there something better than the P3?
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Old 10-22-2017, 12:20 AM   #8
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My Prodigy P3 was $127 from eTrailer, and when I researched it, everything I could find seemed to say it was one of, if not the best aftermarket controller available. What did I miss? Is there something better than the P3?
If you have a 2005-up Superduty, then the factory integrated brake controller is what you want to use. Not available on previous years.

For those of us with older trucks, the P-3 is about as good as it gets. I love mine in my 2000 F-350 SRW.

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Old 10-22-2017, 08:36 AM   #9
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The factory integrated controller can't give antilock and skid control to the trailer's brakes unless sensors to detect wheel spin would be installed on the trailer axles. Still, I'm sure it's better or at least as good as any aftermarket controller and would fall under the truck warranty and be wired properly.
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Old 10-22-2017, 05:53 PM   #10
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Love my factory controller on 15' 250
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Old 10-22-2017, 06:04 PM   #11
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The factory integrated controller can't give antilock and skid control to the trailer's brakes unless sensors to detect wheel spin would be installed on the trailer axles. Still, I'm sure it's better or at least as good as any aftermarket controller and would fall under the truck warranty and be wired properly.
Basically if the truck wheels are skidding, it assumes the trailer's are as well and reduces trailer braking.

I've had a Prodigy P3 on a previous truck, and now two ITBC's on two F-350's. The ITBCs are amazing, no jolting, no delay, its seamless.
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Old 10-22-2017, 06:24 PM   #12
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Basically if the truck wheels are skidding, it assumes the trailer's are as well and reduces trailer braking.
There are so many variables in what causes a wheel to skid or lock up. The surface area of the tire, loading, diameter, etc. Does the controller go to a pulse mode like anti-lock brakes do?
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Old 10-22-2017, 07:40 PM   #13
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A factory brake controller is now on my build list. I have no immediate plans for a 5th wheel or gooseneck, but I will add the prep as well. My current F350 is 21 years old, so this one should be my last. I want it to be ready for anything. Thanks to everyone for the insights.
If you want it to be ready for anything then you might look at the BIS. Blind Spot Information System. Pretty slick setup with the dohickies that go on the trailer and extend your blind spot warning system. Like you I am on my last (hopefully) truck so I made sure it had all the options I wanted. Didn't know about this system until I saw it on youtube. The new camera system and extended TPMS was on my list. A little spendy but I got them anyway.
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Old 10-23-2017, 11:25 AM   #14
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There are so many variables in what causes a wheel to skid or lock up. The surface area of the tire, loading, diameter, etc. Does the controller go to a pulse mode like anti-lock brakes do?
A quick write up I think had what your looking for. My manual says similar things, but is...in my glove compartment. I have not tested this (fortunately).

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