Ford tow relay

[DaveSewell]

I have a friend who recently purchased a new F150 to haul his trailer to and fro. Talked to him this evening and he mentioned picking up his trailer from storage. I asked if he had installed the tow relay yet? He was unaware of any relay and I was not informed enough to tell him anything about it? A few posts in the past I have read in regards to some relay req'd. Tried to find out more on the search engine but came up empty. Someone please bring me up to speed on the relay and I will pass the info onto him. Thank you.

[rmcrowe]

We bought a new F150 in 2018 - I did not have to install a relay on that model. I do remember hearing something about this in earlier models but perhaps not needed anymore.

[Second Chance]

The dealership or the For Truck Enthusiasts forum are excellent sources for this information.

Rob

[trailrydr]

My 2013 F150 SCREW had it already installed when purchased new. I believe if they have one of the 2 tow packages and the factory brake controller installed, it was probably installed at the factory. But it can be easily checked in the (in my case - under hood) fuse compartment using the manual.

[Rabbit]

My 2016 F150 had the relay in the glove box, and a fused battery charge line. My 2019 had no relay and the charge line is not fused. My only point is the new F150s may not be set up the way the old ones were.

Also, the 2019 charge line will not recharge a dead battery or operate the trailer accessories if the battery is too low.

[Jerryr]

Can’t say for sure with the F150 but with Super Duty around 2019 you no longer need the relay unless you are using and aftermarket trailer brake controller.

With Ford OEM brake controller, to activate you must be plugged in, all truck doors closed and step on the brake. It will activate the 12v supply to charge trailer battery and activate brakes. If you open driver door you loose power to trailer until you close the door again.

[Rabbit]

Apparently the charge circuit on Ford trucks is now integrated into the computer, rather than a hard wired circuit controlled by a relay and fuse.

[Ynot4me2]

My 2010 F150 had that relay in a separate zip lock in the glove. My 2019 did not.

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