First Tow
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Joined: Feb 2005
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From: Graham, WA
First Tow
Hi everyone
Last weekend I pulled my 7400# tailer for the first time with my new 2005 V10 F250. The power and the ride were a given. There were a couple of items that really impressed me.
First, using the tow/haul mode. I was using my cruise control to maintain a steady 63 mph. When I had to climb a two mile upgrade the rpm climbed to 3000 and maintained the 63 mph. When I went over the pass and started down the hill the truck held the 63 mph. While going down the hill I tapped the cruise control three times to slow 60 mph. Without ever touching the brakes I gradually slowed to 60 mph. Very impressive.
Second, the tow-command. I've owned a varied of trucks, trailers and brake-controllers. In previous rigs I've had to compromise the brake-controller settings. If I had it set higher for more braking power the trailer would grab when lightly braking. If set lower you could definitly feel the trailer pushing when braking hard. With this intregrated controller ALL braking was smooth and unnoticed under a variety of braking conditions.
Ford is definitely taking it's towing seriously.
Last weekend I pulled my 7400# tailer for the first time with my new 2005 V10 F250. The power and the ride were a given. There were a couple of items that really impressed me.
First, using the tow/haul mode. I was using my cruise control to maintain a steady 63 mph. When I had to climb a two mile upgrade the rpm climbed to 3000 and maintained the 63 mph. When I went over the pass and started down the hill the truck held the 63 mph. While going down the hill I tapped the cruise control three times to slow 60 mph. Without ever touching the brakes I gradually slowed to 60 mph. Very impressive.
Second, the tow-command. I've owned a varied of trucks, trailers and brake-controllers. In previous rigs I've had to compromise the brake-controller settings. If I had it set higher for more braking power the trailer would grab when lightly braking. If set lower you could definitly feel the trailer pushing when braking hard. With this intregrated controller ALL braking was smooth and unnoticed under a variety of braking conditions.
Ford is definitely taking it's towing seriously.
Last edited by rob17; May 1, 2005 at 12:11 PM.
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Rob17, Good post and there is no nicer feeling than when a new vehicle lives up to your expectations. I have the built in brake control but haven't had a chance to use it. I have used after market controllers for over 20 years and they are a PITA to set up. Well I hope your new truck gives you many years of good service. Take care, Wrenchtraveller.
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I'll be making my first tow this evening with my 05 V10/6spd. I cant wait to try out the new ITBC. Im only towing about 6500lbs, and another 1k in the bed, so its really not much weight, but itll be a good test. The motor only has 1000 miles on it, so I dont want to work it too hard. I also just changed the oil this morning, what a painless ordeal. For once Ford really thought about servicablity, because it was a 10min. job to change the oil. I will post up my results of the first tow this evening.
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Texas, Yes the V10 is a pleasure to service, that's for sure. I put a Fumoto valve on mine to make it even easier and the V10 with its drain plug being on the side of the oil pan keeps the valve up out of harms way. Let us know your towing experience and have a great time. Wrench.
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The ITBC is simply amazing. I just got done with a 200 mile trip and the braking is so seamless that you forget a trailer is slowing down behind you. Power to spare pulling away from lights and tollbooths, and it just cruises down the interstate like its unloaded. I cant wait to get some real weight behind it and see how she does, good thing this was a light load with only 1k miles on her. Definitely VERY impressed with the performance.
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Another happy owner of the new built in brake controller. That is good news. It is amazing that it took Ford so long to offer this great option and I am sure Chev and Dodge will be getting one soon. Why not give us the option of a 5th wheel hitch also. Most of us pull trailers or 5th wheels and the factory trailer hitches are a good deal so I am sure they could do a real neat job with a factory 5th wheel hitch.
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Joined: Nov 2004
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From: north west new jersey
i love towing with my 05 super cab. so much easier then my past trucks,even more amazed by the fact the rear seat bottom support has a built in hitch holder. my 2x2 hitch slides right in for storage and no rattle.
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I bought a lock for my hitch and leave it on all the time to act as ricer repellent. I was reading on another forum how many people have avoided damage to their rear bumpers by having their hitches on. I also have the 4 back up sensors and if somebody rubs them off, I am sure they are'nt cheap to buy.
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Joined: Feb 2005
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From: Graham, WA
[QUOTE= Why not give us the option of a 5th wheel hitch also. Most of us pull trailers or 5th wheels and the factory trailer hitches are a good deal so I am sure they could do a real neat job with a factory 5th wheel hitch.[/QUOTE]
I've also wondered why Ford doesn't offer a factory installed 5th wheel hitch. Of course there was a time when 2" receivers were strictly after market.
I've also wondered why Ford doesn't offer a factory installed 5th wheel hitch. Of course there was a time when 2" receivers were strictly after market.
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One thing about the new brake controller, the technology of the new systems like engine management, ABS, air-bag, etc are only now getting to the point where the communications between all the components can be coordinated, and used to control other systems, like the brake controller.
From what I have read here, it's quite a nice thing
From what I have read here, it's quite a nice thing
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Joined: Feb 2005
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From: Graham, WA
Originally Posted by krewat
One thing about the new brake controller, the technology of the new systems like engine management, ABS, air-bag, etc are only now getting to the point where the communications between all the components can be coordinated, and used to control other systems, like the brake controller.
From what I have read here, it's quite a nice thing
From what I have read here, it's quite a nice thing
This new ITBC works on the same principle but also ties into the ABS. If truck tire slippage is detected the ITBC is suppose to reduce the trailer brake current. At least what I understand in suppose to happen, at the very least it is aware of the slipping and changes it's output.
It will use the alarm chimes, and a red trailer indicator, if it detects problems with the trailer braking wiring such as a loose, broken or shorted connection.
It's much more than just a "build in" brake controller.
