'13 TBC?
Thread Starter
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Trailering
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 16
Likes: 1
'13 TBC?
Hello, I've searched the forums and although it sounds like some may have had similar issues I couldn't find a difinitive solution, my apologies if I missed it.
I have a 2013 SRW F350 and feel that the OEM trailer brake controller is lacking. While driving with the gain at "10" I barely feel the brakes working, although I watch the output go to 2 bars on the dash under normal braking. My 2002 SRW F350 w/aftermarket controller will cause the same trailers (8,000-12,000 pound horse/stock trailers and 3,500 car trailers) to lock up at max gain, so I know it's not the trailers. While using the emergency paddle on the 2013's TBC it will hit the brakes hard and show all of the output bars on the dash, even skid on gravel. Going down grades with a heavy load and live cargo it can get a bit hairy to say the least. I'm debating replacing the module, or putting an aftermarket controller in.
Any thoughts or suggestions?
I have a 2013 SRW F350 and feel that the OEM trailer brake controller is lacking. While driving with the gain at "10" I barely feel the brakes working, although I watch the output go to 2 bars on the dash under normal braking. My 2002 SRW F350 w/aftermarket controller will cause the same trailers (8,000-12,000 pound horse/stock trailers and 3,500 car trailers) to lock up at max gain, so I know it's not the trailers. While using the emergency paddle on the 2013's TBC it will hit the brakes hard and show all of the output bars on the dash, even skid on gravel. Going down grades with a heavy load and live cargo it can get a bit hairy to say the least. I'm debating replacing the module, or putting an aftermarket controller in.
Any thoughts or suggestions?
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
Likes: 491
From: Bristol, TN.
The output of the TBC will depend on how much heft you are putting on the truck brake pedal. I have a 2012 F350 and have no problem towing about the same weight (10,000 pound) fifth wheel.
I think the most common complaint with the TBC's was the lack of a way to boost how aggressively the controller engaged the trailer brakes as opposed to the total amount of power available. I believe adjustability was added as the TBC continued to evolve. Someone with a new model truck may be able to comment on that.
Steve
I think the most common complaint with the TBC's was the lack of a way to boost how aggressively the controller engaged the trailer brakes as opposed to the total amount of power available. I believe adjustability was added as the TBC continued to evolve. Someone with a new model truck may be able to comment on that.
Steve
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,379
Likes: 1,862
From: Frederick, MD
The newer models do have more adjustability. Low, med and high.
You could check your trailer brakes and see if they are correctly adjusted, although it sounds as if they are.
For what it is worth, I have mine set on 9 for the gain and if I really need to apply the binders, it does in fact slow it all down nicely.
Mine is a 2013 as well. I am towing 16K these days.
You could check your trailer brakes and see if they are correctly adjusted, although it sounds as if they are.
For what it is worth, I have mine set on 9 for the gain and if I really need to apply the binders, it does in fact slow it all down nicely.
Mine is a 2013 as well. I am towing 16K these days.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 65,938
Likes: 1,432
From: Millersville, MD
If you FEEL the Ford TBC working, it ain 't working correctly !! Laugh if you will, but that's exactly how it works so well. If you skid the tires it such is NOT working correctly. Another thing you may not know about the Ford TCB is that it mimics the anti-skid (anti-lock) function of the truck. The TCB is electronically connected to the trucks brake system.
(Yes, you CAN make the trailers tires skid on gravel with the hand control.)
(Yes, you CAN make the trailers tires skid on gravel with the hand control.)
Thread Starter
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Trailering
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 16
Likes: 1
If you FEEL the Ford TBC working, it ain 't working correctly !! Laugh if you will, but that's exactly how it works so well. If you skid the tires it such is NOT working correctly. Another thing you may not know about the Ford TCB is that it mimics the anti-skid (anti-lock) function of the truck. The TCB is electronically connected to the trucks brake system.
(Yes, you CAN make the trailers tires skid on gravel with the hand control.)
(Yes, you CAN make the trailers tires skid on gravel with the hand control.)
I've had opportunity in the past to drive with a loaded trailer and no trailer brakes (usually just around the place) and can feel the difference between getting pushed and having stopping power from the trailer. Currently, I'm getting some assistance from the trailer but still feel like the trailer is pushing me WAY more than it should. I guess I prefer the feeling of the trailer brakes slowing the trailer... Especially over feeling like the trailer will push me into a skid, particularly in wet or slick conditions. If it's working correctly I guess I'll just deal.
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 68
Likes: 6
From: Sherwood, OR
Just found this thread searching for some wisdom. I have my integrated TBC set all the way to10 trying to dial in a new 9,000# trailer. From what I read here I guess the stopping from 30mph with the hand control just shy of locking the brakes doesn't work? So, how do you properly set the gain? I can stop but not in a shot enough distance IMHO. I am used to the P3 controller where I would lock the wheels and back off until they wouldn't lock up then I would only adjust the boost depending on highway or city driving. Advice welcome!
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Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Frederick, MD
first, how do you know that the trailer brakes are even working?
Set the gain on 5 and go for a ride. Up to about 50 mph and see how it stops.
Set the gain on 5 and go for a ride. Up to about 50 mph and see how it stops.
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Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2015
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From: Wyoming
Have you adjusted the low/medium/high setting?
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 68
Likes: 6
From: Sherwood, OR
Thanks, I guess RTFM for me to find out where to adjust low/medium/high settings.
The brakes do stop the trailer and truck but they don't grab it to a stop. I would have thought at max gain setting it should. This is a 2015 Classic 30' Airstream that had the brakes adjusted and electric actuators tested as part of the pre-delivery, but I think I will jack up one side tomorrow to verify. Thanks.
The brakes do stop the trailer and truck but they don't grab it to a stop. I would have thought at max gain setting it should. This is a 2015 Classic 30' Airstream that had the brakes adjusted and electric actuators tested as part of the pre-delivery, but I think I will jack up one side tomorrow to verify. Thanks.
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 68
Likes: 6
From: Sherwood, OR
Thanks, I will check it when I can hookup the 7-way, maybe tomorrow. Had planned to verify the TT brake adjustment today but the boss had other plans. I will post when I have some results. Won't be able to do a road test until next camping trip next week as it is a bear to get her back into her parking place.
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 68
Likes: 6
From: Sherwood, OR
Thanks, I will check it when I can hookup the 7-way, maybe tomorrow. Had planned to verify the TT brake adjustment today but the boss had other plans. I will post when I have some results. Won't be able to do a road test until next camping trip next week as it is a bear to get her back into her parking place.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
Likes: 491
From: Bristol, TN.
i found the setting for trailer brake effort and set it to high and gain to 10. Applying manual lever at 30mph does not lock the trailer wheels but does slow down the truck and trailer to a stop within sixty feet. On open highway I can't tell how much trailer brake is being applied when I brake hard at 50mph but it doesn't feel like the trailer is pushing me. At 10 gain it should feel like it is dragging me to a stop. I will take the truck to the dealer after this trip, but bet they will say it's working as designed. Anyone get a different answer from a dealer or outside shop?
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 68
Likes: 6
From: Sherwood, OR
Thanks,
Steve