Trailer brake controller doesn't wk @ 0 MPH
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Trailer brake controller doesn't wk @ 0 MPH
The built-in trailer brake controller only puts out about 2.7 Vdc with the manual slider engaged when stopped. Apparently this is the way it is supposed to operate. That is not enough to lock the trailer brakes in order to slide a 5th wheel slider back & forth in the bed. Has anyone addressed this issue?
'05 F250 6.0
'05 F250 6.0
Last edited by joeturner; May 16, 2005 at 04:00 PM.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,241
Likes: 3
From: Other side of the sunrise
I would do as crash 687 suggested and use chock blocks on all sides of your trailor tires when attaching the 5er. My opinion on the Ford trailor brake controller is that it is a great set up, compared to my lasts after market controller.
I thought I had a problem with my controller yesterday as the light did not come on after plugging in the trailor. Well, those clowns at work turned my dash lights down. After I realized that I could not see the speedo while going down the road, I figured out the problem. Lesson learned, lock doors at work!
You might also try tripping the emergency trailor brake lock (cable at safety chains). You might be able to use that if chocks are not secure enough for you. It seems that chocks would be the simplest though.
I thought I had a problem with my controller yesterday as the light did not come on after plugging in the trailor. Well, those clowns at work turned my dash lights down. After I realized that I could not see the speedo while going down the road, I figured out the problem. Lesson learned, lock doors at work!
You might also try tripping the emergency trailor brake lock (cable at safety chains). You might be able to use that if chocks are not secure enough for you. It seems that chocks would be the simplest though.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Yes chocks will work, but my concern is not when hooking up the 5er, but when having to back up my short bed truck during a tight maneuver. The hitch in the bed has a slider which has to be slid back so the trailer won't hit the cab during a tight turn. With a conventional brake controller I would just have to move a lever on the hitch, set the brake on the trailer with the brake controller & move the truck forward until the hitch locked, then I could start rolling. Having to use chocks will make that process even more of a pain.
Trending Topics
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 2,203
Likes: 0
From: Carlsbad, California
You could back up really really fast 
Seriously, I think that the wheel chocks are probably the best approach.
Seriously, I think that the wheel chocks are probably the best approach.
Originally Posted by joeturner
That is not enough to lock the trailer brakes in order to slide a 5th wheel slider back & forth in the bed.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,241
Likes: 3
From: Other side of the sunrise
I have been considering buying a 5er to replace my travel trailor and I have a short bed too. Have you seen the easyglide hitches? (I think that is what they are called). They move automatically when you are manuvering, using cams built into the hitch. Seems like it might be the answer. You wouldn't need to do anything to set the hitch for manuvering and it would also be alot safer in an emergency stop where a jackknife might occur.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 186
Likes: 1
From: New Mexico
The automatic slider are nice. But you pay for that as well.
joeturner, did you try to adjust the controller all the way up? This is how I do a pull test when hitching. It wont lock the trailer tires but it does allow the rear springs to really compress and not allow the truck to move with quite a bit of throttle applied to ensure that the hitch is latched. I haven't tried to slide my Reese 16K slider with it as I haven't seen a need to use it. Bought it for piece of mind when I was towing with my 6-3/4 bed F150. Now towing with 6-3/4 bed F-250 and still have yet to use it. One other thing, check the adjustment of the trailer brakes. Like I said, I haven't tried to move the slider on mine but I can't inmagine it not movin the way my trailer brakes grab.
joeturner, did you try to adjust the controller all the way up? This is how I do a pull test when hitching. It wont lock the trailer tires but it does allow the rear springs to really compress and not allow the truck to move with quite a bit of throttle applied to ensure that the hitch is latched. I haven't tried to slide my Reese 16K slider with it as I haven't seen a need to use it. Bought it for piece of mind when I was towing with my 6-3/4 bed F150. Now towing with 6-3/4 bed F-250 and still have yet to use it. One other thing, check the adjustment of the trailer brakes. Like I said, I haven't tried to move the slider on mine but I can't inmagine it not movin the way my trailer brakes grab.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,321
Likes: 2
From: MI
find brake wire in cab(cut) and attach it to the center of a double throw switch. connect the wire comming from the controller to one of the terminals and fused 12v to the other. you should be able to find a on/momentary switch so as to not be able to leave 12v applied to the brakes. another idea
Senior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
From: The Great White North
Originally Posted by joeturner
The built-in trailer brake controller only puts out about 2.7 Vdc with the manual slider engaged when stopped. Apparently this is the way it is supposed to operate. That is not enough to lock the trailer brakes in order to slide a 5th wheel slider back & forth in the bed. Has anyone addressed this issue?
'05 F250 6.0
'05 F250 6.0
Last edited by sanpanchosue; May 17, 2005 at 04:03 PM.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 364
Likes: 0
From: Redding, CA
Originally Posted by Steina
Make REAL sure the trailer electrical connector isn't plugged into the tow vehicle before you do this; if it is, you can kiss your brake controller good-bye!
Thanks,
Mike