I have a 2008 Ranger and am getting a trailer. 1400lbs. I would like trailer brakes, but the owner's guide states " the Ranger electrical system is not equipped to accommodate electric trailer brakes.". I'm confused because I have read that people have them. In explanation would be helpful.

 

Welcome to the forum

It was never wired for trailer brakes even with "trailer package" option, that's what the Owner Manual means

At only 1,400lbs I would think the trailer would have a tongue brake setup, not electric, but if it has electric brakes then you do need to wire for it

But you can add electric trailer brakes in the cab
You need to buy a trailer brake kit, it will have instructions on wiring, and size/gauge of wire and fuse you will need

Basically you need Fused 12volt power for the controller in the cab
Then 1 wire run from the cab controller to the rear of the vehicle, blue is the standard color wire for trailer brakes, but users choice

If the trailer has electric brakes then it should also have a connector with that extra wire
You need to change your current trailer light connector to that kind, rewire in the new connector that matches trailer

Here is a Ford color code for trailer wiring: https://www.therangerstation.com/tec...railer-lights/

You can add Reverse lights, a 12volt wire what ever you need at this time

2008 will use a 2-wire system, just FYI
Brake and turn use the same filament in the tail light, so just 2 wires, left and right

So 2008 Ranger trailer light connector will only have 4 wires
Park Lights
Ground
Left turn/brake
Right turn/brake

Some trailers(and some vehicles) use a 3-wire system, they have separate turn signal bulbs, left turn, right turn, brake, 3 wires
Pretty much all newer setups are 2 wire

 

Check out the Curt 'echo' brake controller. I run that for my trailers with electric brakes and can use it on my wife's 4runner as well.

 

Some trucks come prewired for trailer brakes, all they have to do is buy the controller and plug it in.

Unfortunately Rangers don't come that way, They are not difficult to install, the better ones come with excellent and easy to follow instructions.

 

Thank you for your quick reply. I was confused and you have answered my question.

 

Thank you so much. Great information and appreciated.

 

I will do so. Thanks

 

Thanks so much. I look forward to starting this project.

 

When i made my flatbed I put a 7way/4way trailer receptacle on. Just had to run 12v power to the 7way (w/circuit breaker) in order to make the echo brake controller work. It's Bluetooth to your phone and if it loses connection it uses the last setting so it still functions. Adjustable sensitivity and brake output power. Plug and play to any vehicle that has a 7way.
I went this route to avoid having to wire the ranger and my wife's 4runner for trailer brakes and only had to buy one brake controller.