Trailer Brake Hook up

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Apr 7, 2014 | 02:20 PM

vahunter23

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Joined: Feb 2008

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Trailer Brake Hook up

I have recently bought a heavy equipment trailer that has a pinion hitch. I have a 08 F250 and and 03 F350. The trailer brake works with the 03 F350 with an aftermarket controller but not the F250 with the OEM controller. I have seen in the past that the OEM controllers don't pick up if there is not good contact on the ball. Is that still true? That is the only thing that I can come up with.

Apr 7, 2014 | 03:15 PM

jmhatchett

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Joined: Dec 2012

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What type of brakes are on the trailer?? If it is a very heavy trailer it will be more than likely hydraulic. your OEM controller is for electric trailer brakes. an aftermarket controller is probably needed to allow the truck to manage a hydraulic brake system.

Unless im wrong which is possible I just remember having to do this to a Chevy Silverado work truck that towed both style trailer brakes.

Apr 7, 2014 | 04:13 PM

Pit Crew

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Joined: Mar 2014

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From: north east Ohio

Seems to me I had to put in a relay under the hood the first time I hooked to a trailer with electric brakes. This was a 03 f 350

Apr 7, 2014 | 05:49 PM

senix

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Joined: Aug 2008

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From: Frederick, MD

It is possible that the relays are not working or even in the proper place.

Have you hooked the 08 up to any other trailers?

Have you checked for power at the rear of the truck?

Apr 7, 2014 | 06:27 PM

Trophy_23

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Joined: Feb 2011

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From: Beautiful BC

With my truck it won't work with our boat trailer it has electric over hydraulic. Need to add some sort of special feedback module to the trailer from what I remember. Straight electric will work.