Installing factory trailer brake system (2024 Tremor XLT)

[BlueSpec1]

The 2 harness connectors C1035A, C1035B use TE Connectivity MCON 2.8mm and 6.3mm female terminals.
These bare terminals don't seem to be stocked.

So the Ford terminals with wire are what to buy looks like.
The Ford terminals would be:
EU2Z-14474-AB = Size 2.80
KU2Z-14474-DA = Size 6.30

C1035A <-> C1 BJB



C1035B <-> C2 BJB



My notes from the diagrams: ( Your's could be different b/c 2.0L)
C1 - C1035A - 50 Pin Female
F91 40A (20A AsFound) -- C1035A p26 <-BU/RD-> C4397A Pin 14--TRM Power--||--(LH Turn/Stop, RR Turn/Stop)
F107 30A -- C1035A p30 <-BU/RD-> C222 <-BN/RD->--<--> C4397B, Pin 11<--TRM Battery Charge--||--C4397B p12<-OR-> C404 p48 <-OR->C401 p6<-->C4099 p5 = TT Charge
F55 20A -- C1035A p38 <-BN-> C222 p38 <-BN-> <--> C404 p44 <--> C401 p3 <--> 7/4 Connector = TT Park/Running Lights
F58 10A -- C1035A p18 <-GY/BN-> C404 p33 <-GY/BN-> C401 p2 <-GY/BN-> C404 p44 <--> TT p7 = TT Reverse Lights

C2 - C1035B - 50 Pin Female
F42 25A -- C1035B p28 <-YL/RD-> C219 p6 <--> C4397B Pin 13 <---TRM--||->C4397B p14<-BU-> C404 p50 <-BU->C401 p1<-->C4099 p3 = TT Electric Brake

Sponsored

 

[Marcabus1234]

Ok so quick update. I got all the parts and pins and things on order and a list together of all the things I need to change in Forscan (compared my truck to same year XLT eco boost with 4k).

Once I get everything in I'll start to put this all together and be sure to take pictures and let everyone know exactly which pins and connectors are required.

Thanks again everyone for being so helpful so far. I believe I found some bare pins that will fit the BJB connector also. I used the info BlueSpec provided and did a ton of googling lol but I think what I ordered will work.

So far I have about $200 in parts and a good aftermarket brake controller is around the same price if not more. So I think if someone else has an Ecoboost with the factory hitch and no brake controller this may be the way to go. Worse case if you didn't have the factory 2k towing package you would likely need to buy the trailer module behind the rear seat and possibly the battery junction box.

I'll be sure to update on progress once all my goodies come in.

 

[FischAutoTechGarten]

No need for a brake controller on a 2000 lb trailer.

https://blog.campingworld.com/learn-to-rv/trailer-braking-system/


Which States Require a Trailer Braking System?


Brakes Required for GVWR of 1,500 Pounds or More

• California
• Idaho
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• Oregon

Trailer Brakes Required for GVWR of 2,000 Pounds or More

• Kansas
• Ohio

 

[Marcabus1234]

Also it's not so much that they are or aren't required. Our trucks are fairly light and I live in NC and drive up into the mountains frequently. So going down steep grades even with a lightish trailer brakes would be helpful.

 

[heady]

How do you get it to show the trailer brake gain on the dash like a factory install, is there a coding in Forscan that needs done, or does it just work somehow? I missed it if you already mentioned how that part works on the factory controller style install.

 

[BlueSpec1]

TBC Gain, guessing it'll be settings in IPC.
F150s have 3 IPC setting to enable besides TRM.
https://www.f150gen14.com/forum/threads/add-trailer-brake-controller-to-2024.24864/post-610065

 

[Marcabus1234]

Yes that's true there are changes that need to be made to multiple modules in Forscan. I can post the codes I'm looking at in a little while I'm not at my computer right now.

Just to be clear I haven't installed everything yet or done the programing in Forscan. This is just speculation so far.

I should have all the parts in a week or so then it will probably take me another week to get time to do all the work. I'm pretty sure this should all work out though from what I have been researching the trailer modules and instrument cluster are all the same between the 2k and 4k towing package. This means aside from adding the hardware we should just be able to program everything in Forscan and it should all work like factory.

 

[LBCRacer]

Perfect timing, I was just thinking of doing this to my 24 hybrid and was going to cross reference my 25 hybrid with the 7 pin connector.

 

[Marcabus1234]

I have compiled a PDF that includes the ForScan edits we will likely need, along with the electrical schematics and associated connector pinouts. Once I receive all the remaining pins and parts in the mail and confirm they are correct, I will update the PDF with the correct part numbers and quantities required. Additionally, I will provide updates on the process and address any coding issues in ForScan. My goal is to have a comprehensive PDF for this conversion in the end.

Additionally, I researched the Ford parts site. The trailer module used is the same part number regardless of whether you select the 4K Tow package or just the 2K Tow package with trailer lights only. Therefore, we can edit some lines in ForScan to instruct the module that it is now the 4K module. As for the Battery Junction Box (BJB/under-hood fuse panel), there are only two part numbers: one for hybrid and one for non-hybrid. I am assuming that is why BlueSpec's BJB does not have the required pins. This is unlikely to be an issue, however, as it is only for sourcing power and backup lights. The power connections could be sourced elsewhere, and the reverse light connection could easily be tapped into the rear tail light harness.

Also, to LBCRacer, the 2025 system and the 2024 system are very different. I would not use the ForScan coding or parts from 2025. You will also likely need to add the Trailer Module behind the rear seat, as I do not believe the hybrids come with it. Additionally, your coding in ForScan will likely differ from mine, particularly for the hybrid versus the EcoBoost. If you do, however, manage to get this to work, please follow up on the thread, and I can update the PDF I am compiling with the Hybrid information as well, so we can have this information in an easily accessible location.

 

[BlueSpec1]

2025 Maverick Owner's Manual
WHAT IS THE INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER
The trailer brake controller assists in smooth and effective trailer braking based on the towing vehicle’s brake pressure.

2019 RV & Trailer Towing Guide
TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER – uses braking input, vehicle speed and ABS logic to balance the performance of the truck brakes and electric trailer brakes.
Fully integrated into the instrument panel and vehicle’s onboard computer.
--
Trailer Brake Controller (TBC)
Ensures smooth and effective trailer braking by powering the trailer’s brakes with an output proportional to the towing vehicle’s brake pressure.
The controller adapts output based on the status of the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS).
When the ABS module senses the towing vehicle’s brakes are approaching lockup, the controller’s trailer braking strategy changes to compensate for traction conditions, reducing the risk of trailer brake lockup.
Provides instant visual and audible warnings in case of accidental trailer disconnect.
Fully integrated into the truck’s brake system.
Manual control lever and +/– (GAIN adjustment) buttons allow the trailer brakes to be manually applied.


2023 Maverick:
Trailer Brake Control Function
The gain buttons set the TBM for specific towing conditions such as trailer load, vehicle load, road conditions and weather.
The gain is normally set to provide maximum trailer braking while maintaining trailer stability.

The manual slider switch on the TBM activates the trailer brakes independently from the vehicle brakes.
The manual slider is used in conjunction with the gain buttons to adjust and set the trailer brakes.
When the manual slider switch is activated with a trailer connected to the vehicle, the trailer stop lamps and the vehicle stop lamps illuminate.

Once the driver sets the desired gain, the TBM monitors the HS-CAN and messages from the PCM, ABS module and BCM as well as the manual slider switch input to determine if trailer braking is necessary. If trailer braking is necessary, the TBM sends a PWM signal to the trailer to activate the trailer brakes.

TBM Wake Up
NOTE: These conditions require that a trailer not be connected to the trailer tow connector.
When the manual lever is set all the way to the left, the message center should display TRAILER DISCONNECTED.
At the same time, with the vehicle stationary, battery voltage should be present at pin 3 of trailer tow connector C4099.
When not braking the TBM sends a voltage pulse to pin 3 of the trailer tow connector to determine if a trailer is connected to the trailer tow connector.

TBM Message Center
The TBM continually monitors the trailer brake system operation and trailer connectivity.
The TBM sends system operation information such as gain setting and relative braking power to the IPC along the HS-CAN3.
If a system fault or a trailer connectivity issue is detected. The GWM sends this message to the IPC along the HS-CAN3.

When the IPC receives a trailer brake message from the GWM , one or more of the following messages is displayed in the message center:
• TRAILER CONNECTED – Displays when the TBM detects a correct trailer wiring connection during the current ignition cycle.
• TRAILER DISCONNECTED – Displays when the TBM detects a trailer connection and then a disconnection, either intentional or unintentional, during the current ignition cycle, the display is accompanied by a single audible chime.
This message also displays if a vehicle or trailer-wiring fault occurs causing the trailer to appear disconnected, or if the manual slider switch is activated without a trailer connected.

• TRAILER BRAKE MODULE FAULT – Displays in response to Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) reported by the TBM , accompanied by a single audible chime. When this message appears, the system may still function, but performance may be degraded.

• WIRING FAULT ON TRAILER – Displays when there is a short circuit on the TBM PWM output signal circuit.
If the message is displayed and accompanied by a single audible chime, without a trailer connected, the concern is in the vehicle wiring.
If the message only displays with a trailer connected, the concern is in the trailer wiring.
• TBC GAIN = XX.X NO TRAILER – Shows the current gain setting for the current ignition cycle and when adjusting the gain.
This message also displays if the manual slider switch or gain buttons are used without a trailer connected.

TBM
NOTE: The TBM and TRM are intergrated into one module.

The TBM is the electronic control unit for the trailer brake system.
The TBM monitors all sensor inputs and all HS-CAN messages relating to trailer braking and directly controls the trailer brakes using a PWM signal.
Vehicle configuration information is sent to a new TBM from the BCM when the ignition is set to ON.

Trailer Brake Switch
The trailer brake switch is a stand alone input to the TBM sending messages over a LIN.

My 2023 2.5L TRM labeled NZ6T-19J294-BA


2025 2.5L XLT TRM on rear wall:
https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/f...ke-control-module-relocate.65198/post-1112972

 

[CrashedMaverick]

Did you end up completing this? How did it work out?

Did the connector for the TRM already have the HS3-CAN wires populated, or did you have to add these and run them back to the gateway module?

 

[Quest]

The controller connector is the same as an F150, WPT 1822

 

[Marcabus1234]

Hey crashed Maverick,

I haven't gotten it done yet. Life has kinda gotten in the way a bit and the parts I ordered went on backorder and they ended up cancelling them through ford. I actually re ordered the parts I needed mainly the trim pannel and the actual switch that goes in the dash from another supplier so I should have them soonish.

As for the CAN wires they are already populated at the TRM module behind the rear seat since that controls the factory trailer light connection and the trailer sway functions.

For the dash mounted switch you will have to run CAN high and low wires between the switch and the TRM module behind the rear seat as well as the illumination wire and power and ground connections. Also you will have to run power wires to the TRM module and the trailer brake wires to the rear of the truck since they don't come pre wired. I believe I have explained most of that in my previous posts though.

Another note on this is that I do have a factory installed trailer module (TRM) since my truck came with a hitch and the 4 wire trailer light connection (just didn't have trailer brakes). If you do not have a factory hitch then you will most likely have no module or wires to support it pre installed in the truck. What I am doing is simply adding the brake functionality to the existing TRM module. Adding everything if you didn't have the factory module could definitely be done however you will need to do a lot more wiring and programming in forscan.

 

[CrashedMaverick]

Thank you for the update.

Does the trailer brake controller switch communicate directly with the TRM? Or could you tap into a can bus at the gateway module?

 

[ejouie]

IDK why ford never added the 4k package to the tremor. It already had the lower gearing and trans cooler. The only thing it's missing is the larger radiator which may not be a huge deal anyway unless you really push the limits with it.

I spoke with the engineering team (both manufacturing and design) at an event, and they said it fell into a gray area of rating. Legally, Ford could have rated it for 4k. It just didn't quite meet the "Built Ford Tough" standard. The FWD 4k ended up the same.

Sponsored