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Topic ClosedNew Tow Vehicle
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jato View Drop Down
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Joined: 23 Feb 2012
Location: Kewadin, MI
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Posts: 3331 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: New Tow Vehicle
    Posted: 01 Mar 2016 at 5:57pm
Our 2013 Explorer came equipped with a Tekonsha Primus IQ totally proportional brake controller.  Didn't get any info about it when we got the Explorer but did some searching on the 'net' and all the reviews look good.  Looking forward to trying it out, BUT will have to wait for the 14" of solid snow to melt before we can even get to it as it is in the back 20 parked inside the horse barn.
God's pod
'11 model 177
'17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost
Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake
"...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free."
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Craneman View Drop Down
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Joined: 12 May 2013
Location: Tokeland,wa
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Posts: 387 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Mar 2016 at 9:05pm
We were considering a explorer with a tow package and the salesman said when they have the factory tow package it had a electric brake controller built in.  .....?????????Like our F150
         Moe
Jo and Gary, 2010-174,2011 F150

Jo and Gary
2010 174
2011 Ford 150



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jato View Drop Down
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Posts: 3331 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Mar 2016 at 9:10pm
That is interesting.  I know when we got our '08 Explorer it had to have a brake controller added to it, and that came with the tow package.  Just last week we traded up to a '13 Explorer and I was not aware of any built in brake controller, just that someone added the one to it that I mentioned in the above post.  Maybe that is something that is on the newer vehicles.  We don't buy new vehicles.  I let someone else take the hit on depreciation and get the bugs worked out.  Works for us and save us a lot of $$$$$.
God's pod
'11 model 177
'17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost
Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake
"...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free."
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Shelpod View Drop Down
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Joined: 14 Sep 2015
Location: Arizona
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Posts: 74 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Mar 2016 at 10:16am
I think the salesman "misspoke".  If you get an explorer with the tow package, the 7 and 4 wire plugs are both included along with a class III hitch and a oil cooler for the transmission.  There should also be a plug and play port under the dash somewhere to plug a controller into.  They seem to have moved the port around depending on year of the Explorer.  The manual says the same thing, that you need to add your own brake controller.  Good hunting for a TV.
Pod: 2013 178
TV: 2014 Explorer Limited with tow package
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furpod View Drop Down
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Joined: 25 Jul 2011
Location: Central KY
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Posts: 6128 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Mar 2016 at 11:20am
Originally posted by Shelpod

I think the salesman "misspoke".  If you get an explorer with the tow package, the 7 and 4 wire plugs are both included along with a class III hitch and a oil cooler for the transmission.  There should also be a plug and play port under the dash somewhere to plug a controller into.  They seem to have moved the port around depending on year of the Explorer.  The manual says the same thing, that you need to add your own brake controller.  Good hunting for a TV.


The newest Explorer may come factory with a built in controller, the F150 and Expedition do, I know for a fact. I also know for a fact, the Expedition still has the plug/port for an aftermarket controller, and you can choose in the menu to use it OR the factory controller. I have had no issue with the factory controller vs the IQ we had mounted in the old Ex..
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Joined: 14 Sep 2015
Location: Arizona
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Posts: 74 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Mar 2016 at 1:41pm
That would be nice but the Integrated TBC (Trailer Brake Controller) option is not available for the Explorer even in the Sport and Platinum which come standard with the towing package.  All other models have the towing package as an option but the TBC is not available.  
Pod: 2013 178
TV: 2014 Explorer Limited with tow package
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Irish Tom View Drop Down
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Posts: 24 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Mar 2016 at 1:46pm
I too have a 2014 Explorer Limited AWD with tow package.
Have a 2015 178 Rpod.
Use a P2 brake controller with anti-sway bar.
Works just fine.
My only issue with the 178 is that it is so light.
Not much tongue weight.
Cannot haul water because a full fresh water tank makes the tongue weight even worse.
Would like to know if a WDH set up would help.

Irish Tom
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jstrenn View Drop Down
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Posts: 71 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Mar 2016 at 5:22pm
Originally posted by Irish Tom

I too have a 2014 Explorer Limited AWD with tow package.
Have a 2015 178 Rpod.
Use a P2 brake controller with anti-sway bar.
Works just fine.
My only issue with the 178 is that it is so light.
Not much tongue weight.
Cannot haul water because a full fresh water tank makes the tongue weight even worse.
Would like to know if a WDH set up would help.

Irish Tom


I have a 2015 RP178 and use a WDH with sway bar.  Last summer we filled the fresh water tank and towed 3 different times around 150 miles each time with no issues at highway speeds of 60mph.  

 I really thought it may handle differently the way the fresh water tank is so far back, but didn't seem to make a difference.  I did try to keep most of my stuff that we bring along in the front storage area though.  That may have helped some.  But didn't have any swaying issues or anything.  Is that because of the WDH?  I don't know for sure....    I also have a dual batteries in the battery tray, that may make a little difference too.
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jato View Drop Down
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Joined: 23 Feb 2012
Location: Kewadin, MI
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Posts: 3331 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Mar 2016 at 5:27pm
We have towed our 177 out west 3 times, down south and a lot of places in between, usually with a full or nearly full tank and only have an anti-sway bar with our (ex) 08 Explorer, no issues encountered.
God's pod
'11 model 177
'17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost
Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake
"...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free."
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techntrek View Drop Down
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Joined: 29 Jul 2009
Location: MD
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Posts: 9062 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Mar 2016 at 8:29pm
A WDH will shift weight to the axles so it won't help with a light tongue.  One thing you can do is move the spare tire to the tongue, and add a 2nd battery if it will be useful to you.  
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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