Ranger Mods

Hi,

need some advice - have had a quote to install a RedArc Tow Pro Elite v3, but have been told that a specific wiring loom from Redarc is required to overcome the vehicles 'semi auto parking'.

Has anyone else had this experience...?

Cheers.

When I bought my Towpro from the redarc rep at the Melbourne caravan show I had to order the specific Ranger wiring harness which cost as much as the basic unit. Was a very seamless install though and it works well. My only complaint is that the Red/Blue LED's under the cap of the control are all but invisible when the control is installed where Redarc suggest.

This is actually very interesting. Checking the various Redarc installation manuals, including the one for the Ranger/Everest wiring kit, it seem the trigger signal is wired back (via a signal conditioning module) to the brake light pin on the trailer socket. If this is the case, then you'll need the kit, even if only for the signal conditioning module.

However, unless Ford has changed things (again), there is a specific brake signal trigger wire behind the driver's foot kick panel. This is where Ford has told us to connect for an electric brake controller, I believe for the PX3. I would check to see if yours has this. Apparently it's clearly marked. If so, I'd try that before forking out another $295.00.

Different model Rangers have different requirements, so it pays to check. The PX2 connects to a specific pin on the brake pedal, whereas I believe PX1 could connect to the tail lights(?).

Before I installed the Tow Pro in my PX3, I read this on the Red Arc website, https://www.redarc.com.au/is-the-tow-pr ... y-vehicles so rang Redarc. They said it must have the "conditioning module" to ensure the autonomous braking works correctly etc. They also said you could get the OEM from Ford, but at a premium price.

Ah, ok so it's dependent on whether the car has AEB, in which case the conditioning module is required. That now makes sense.

I've spoken to Redarc regarding this.

They suggest that you use the kit no matter which model you have (of course that way they make more money).
The conditioning module is to "hide" the brake controller from the car, as it's picking up the signal from the trailer plug the car can sometimes think that there's a trailer attached and turn on sway control, turn off reverse sensors etc.

On the PX3 there is a Brake Controller wire in the driver's side kick panel, Redarc is highly against this.
They suggest their wiring kit is the correct way to do it.

And if I don't follow this, I will void my Insurance if I have an accident.

I then pointed out that Ford Body Manual for the PX3 says to connect to this particular wire and IMO I would void Ford warranty and also my Insurance in that event if I follow their instructions.
They said only if you have the Genuine Ford Brake Controller which is built by Redarc but apparently comes with another Conditioning Module except this one is to interact between that wire and the Redarc Brake Controller.

In the Ford Body Manual for the PX3, it does make mention of a PWM output on that wire which I asked Redarc to confirm whether their unit is compatible and I'm told NO and to use their wiring kit. I'm lead to believe that this extra Conditioning Module in the Genuine kit is to overcome this issue.

However, I've spoken to multiple auto electrician who have all said they hook up to this wire with no issues and have also spoken to multiple people who have said they hook up to the trailer wire with no issues without this so called "Conditioning Module"

So I managed to get hold of a PX3 Ranger XLT with the Genuine Brake Controller.

Fitted was a Tow Pro Elite behind the Glove Box, no conditioning module could be found except a 5A Fuse between the Unit and the Trailer Brake Wiring (as per Ford Body Manual)

I would suggest to satisfy yourself, go to or ring a Ford dealership and ask them if they sell the brake controller module. If yes ask why is it needed. In fact why do they even sell it!
Point to ponder. Ford do not make a brake controller. They use the Tow Pro. So who would know more about its operation? I know when I purchased my PX3 I asked the dealer to price the brake controller fitted for me. Also asked who fitted it, answer local accessory shop. So would the accessory shop buy the wiring kit or just run a couple of wires to save money? By the way I bought the wiring kit, which is harder to install than just running a wire to the drivers side kick panel. The pick up point is the rear trailer plug.

VDJ79, they sell it because it's a "Genuine" Product, the Parts Counter and Ford make money. And yes you can buy it off them too to fit yourself.
Redarc have been banging onto manufacturer to have their own Brake Controller.
Mercedes X-Class is another one.
The unit behind the dash is a Redarc Tow Pro Elite, the label and all is on it. However the knob doesn't say Redarc. In Fords case it says "Ford".

I'm just amazed that of all companies Redarc isn't following Fords Body Manual Guidelines.
At the same time I've seen this situation before, supplier can't sell aftermarket what they sell direct to manufacturers due to agreements in place. Sometimes this agreement has a time frame restriction.

I was talking about the "conditioning module", not the brake controller. Redarc told me the Ford module is not made by Redarc, it is OEM, hence my suggestion to ask as to why they sell it.

VDJ79, sorry I'm confused.
Are you saying that Redarc told you that Ford made the "conditioning module"?

Told me Redarc make their own module and Ford have there own module, not made by Redarc.

I got the impression that they didn't want to admit that they made it for Ford either.
However, the photos attached is a "Genuine" Ford Brake Controller. Photos taken off a brand new Ranger gotten in November 2019.

I just realised while uploading these photos, the Tow Pro used is an old model Version 2.
Version 3 was released start of 2019.

Interesting that they are still selling the old model when Redarc have superseded it.

The genuine Ford kit is made by a company called Lumen in Melbourne. They also make the dual battery kit, tub lighting, auto mirror folder, and central locking kit. I believe they make stuff for other manufacturers as well.

What a shit wiring job.

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