Concerns about brake controller
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Trailering
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 17
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Concerns about brake controller
Up front I'll admit having zero experience towing anything heavier than 2000# before buying this camper. I need experienced advice.
I have a 2012 F150 5.0 SCrew with towing package and factory integrated brake controller. I've followed the instructions for setting the gain on the controller with my travel trailer (27', 5700# empty). I only get adequate braking with the controller maxed out at "10". At "10" I do not get any lock up of the trailer tires on pavement using the slide. I'm concerned that when I have the trailer loaded at or near full capacity (7700# gross) my braking will be insufficient.
I have had the brakes inspected and adjusted at an RV repair facility to eliminate that as a potential problem.
Am I being overly concerned? If not, what should be my next step in troubleshooting this. Based upon reading the experiences of others I was hoping the sweet spot would be at about 6.0 - 7.0 on the gain.
I have a 2012 F150 5.0 SCrew with towing package and factory integrated brake controller. I've followed the instructions for setting the gain on the controller with my travel trailer (27', 5700# empty). I only get adequate braking with the controller maxed out at "10". At "10" I do not get any lock up of the trailer tires on pavement using the slide. I'm concerned that when I have the trailer loaded at or near full capacity (7700# gross) my braking will be insufficient.
I have had the brakes inspected and adjusted at an RV repair facility to eliminate that as a potential problem.
Am I being overly concerned? If not, what should be my next step in troubleshooting this. Based upon reading the experiences of others I was hoping the sweet spot would be at about 6.0 - 7.0 on the gain.
Super Moderator
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 24,308
Likes: 42
From: SW Virginia
You may want to have the output on the TBC checked. In many of the early TBCs in the Super Duty line, there was a problem with low voltage which affected the performance and resulted in the trailer brakes not receiving enough current to fully actuate. Although the problem was resolved, you could possibly have a faulty TBC in your truck that isn't passing enough current.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,384
Likes: 1,867
From: Frederick, MD
First, understand that the TBC and the trailer when hooked up become part of the ABS system. Therefore unlikely you will ever lock them up.
check your voltage at each tire. Should be 3 volts. 3x4=12.
Quick check. Have someone step on the brakes with the TBC hooked up and listen at each tire for the buzz..no buzz no brakes.
Lift each tire up and adjust the brakes is the next logical step.
check your voltage at each tire. Should be 3 volts. 3x4=12.
Quick check. Have someone step on the brakes with the TBC hooked up and listen at each tire for the buzz..no buzz no brakes.
Lift each tire up and adjust the brakes is the next logical step.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 306
Likes: 2
From: Southwest Desert, AZ
Something to be aware of:
Intergrated trailer brake controller does not engage trailer brakes below 3-5 mph.
Might have to run along side.
I take mine out to a dirt road, drive by my buddies and apply the brakes on the trailer only. No harm no foul no tire wear.
My $0.02 worth.
Intergrated trailer brake controller does not engage trailer brakes below 3-5 mph.
Might have to run along side.
I take mine out to a dirt road, drive by my buddies and apply the brakes on the trailer only. No harm no foul no tire wear.
My $0.02 worth.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,384
Likes: 1,867
From: Frederick, MD
Something to be aware of:
Intergrated trailer brake controller does not engage trailer brakes below 3-5 mph.
Might have to run along side.
I take mine out to a dirt road, drive by my buddies and apply the brakes on the trailer only. No harm no foul no tire wear.
My $0.02 worth.
Intergrated trailer brake controller does not engage trailer brakes below 3-5 mph.
Might have to run along side.
I take mine out to a dirt road, drive by my buddies and apply the brakes on the trailer only. No harm no foul no tire wear.
My $0.02 worth.
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 67
Likes: 3
From: Ontario Canada
Don't you mean amps? The applied voltage is 12 volts with each magnet drawing approx 3 amps.
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Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,384
Likes: 1,867
From: Frederick, MD
Good catch. Yes amps
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Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2012
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I have the same issue on my 2008. I have it adjusted all the way up to 10 and no lock up, Sometimes it feels like there is hardly any braking. But if I use the manual slide thingy I can really tell they are grabbing. If the the controller is bad is there a fix for it? Or replace it with a different one? like a prodigy...
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 65,938
Likes: 1,432
From: Millersville, MD
I have the same issue on my 2008. I have it adjusted all the way up to 10 and no lock up, Sometimes it feels like there is hardly any braking. But if I use the manual slide thingy I can really tell they are grabbing. If the the controller is bad is there a fix for it? Or replace it with a different one? like a prodigy...
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 65,938
Likes: 1,432
From: Millersville, MD
I don't know WHAT year they made that change, but whatever, they still will not lock up with the brake pedal because of the anti-lock brakes. The change you are speaking of does make a difference using the hand controlled (squeeze *****) function.
In my '05, that doesn't even work. I had to use the "pull emergency break-away" cable trick. That surely does lock 'em up!
I do now seem to recall someone saying that Ford made the fix in the 2006 trucks....maybe in the 2nd half production run tho..... Your 2007 SHOULD have it working tho.
In my '05, that doesn't even work. I had to use the "pull emergency break-away" cable trick. That surely does lock 'em up!
I do now seem to recall someone saying that Ford made the fix in the 2006 trucks....maybe in the 2nd half production run tho..... Your 2007 SHOULD have it working tho.
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,472
Likes: 2
From: Southern Cal
Thanks guys. I know there's some confusion around this issue and appreciate the info.