The trailer plug, as configured from the factory, controls only the trailer lights. A brake controller is needed to control the electric trailer brakes.

An alternative would be to have surge brakes on the trailer and you would not need a brake controller.

 

Most of the full size have needed a brake controller with trailers with electric brakes. It actually provides an adjustment for the amount of “engagement” as well as a manual override to “boost” engagement. Considering what ever you are “towing” if it comes with electric brakes, it’s worth more than the $40 to $400 you are spending on your controller.

 

ALL trucks require a brake controller to control electric or electric over hydraulic brakes, doesn’t matter of it’s a Ridgeline or F350. Many newer trucks have factory installed brake controllers but it’s optional or part of a package. It’s not a factory option on the Ridgeline but all which have the 5000 lb rating are prewired so it’s easy to install.

Check out etrailer.com, lots of good information and real people on the other end of the phone to answer your questions. I’d be skeptical of a dealer service rep or the guy/gal at the UHaul counter having accurate info but if you have a trailer dealer in your town they can help you.

 

ALL trucks require a brake controller to control electric or electric over hydraulic brakes, doesn’t matter of it’s a Ridgeline or F350. Many newer trucks have factory installed brake controllers but it’s optional or part of a package. It’s not a factory option on the Ridgeline but all which have the 5000 lb rating are prewired so it’s easy to install.

Check out etrailer.com, lots of good information and real people on the other end of the phone to answer your questions. I’d be skeptical of a dealer service rep or the guy/gal at the UHaul counter having accurate info but if you have a trailer dealer in your town they can help you.

https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Brake-Controller/Redarc/RED24FR.html

Why isn’t it integrated? Most people never tow.

It is a super simple DIY to hook one up, as has been mentioned.

Thank you all for your additional messages. I actually ended up getting the Redarc brake controller that @DTHughes linked to after seeing another post mention it. I didn't realize a brake controller was needed at first, but this forum and etrailers helped me a lot! For those curious, here is a picture of the install, I tried to make it blend in as much as possible and I was happy with the finished product. (I promise the dial is not as off-centered as it appears to be in the photo!)

 

https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Brake-Controller/Redarc/RED24FR.html

 

Why isn’t it integrated? Most people never tow.

It is a super simple DIY to hook one up, as has been mentioned.

 

Nice integration!

 

If you have the RTL-E, or BE, the 110v switch goes in that spot. So to add a TBC, you'll either need find an alternative location for that switch or a TBC box mounted somewhere, or a remote set up like https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Brake-Controller/Curt/C51180.html

 

I know this is an ancient thread, but I'm getting ready to order a brake controller for my Ridgeline and I'd like to install this Redarc model. Questions: do you just pop off that a cover, drill it for the dial, mount the controller (and run the wire), or do you have to pull anything major apart (like the whole panel down there)? Basically, is it as simple as just popping off that blank cover? And I'm assuming you just mounted the controller (red box) under the dash somewhere? Thanks!

 

Yeah, those blank covers pop right out. I installed a Redarc TBC in my G1 Ridgeline, so slightly different but very similar. I ended up ordering the “universal” adapter from Redarc and then used a small hole-saw to drill out the blank I had removed from the dash. The universal adapter then pressed into the hole:

 

Sorry-- I found another post with an in-depth review and installation instructions for this unit. And I can't figure out how to delete my post above. Sorry!

 

Ok, very nice. Thanks for that information!!