Hi folks. I forgot who I used to post as here since it's been a long time so I signed up with my sports board nic.

I have the basic tow package with trailer receiver and the electrical outlet that I assume is in working condition. I have this already on. Which class is the receiver hitch anyway?

http://search.cartserver.com/search/...F-150&GO=GO%21

Then I was looking at this:

http://www.jcwhitney.com/webapp/wcs/...atalogId=10101

I need to move back to California in two months (good thing gas prices are high...) and wasn't sure the best way to go about it. I'm planning on renting the biggest U-Haul trailer they have (dual axle 12' I get is as good as they come) and wanted any help on how to go about this.

I though the adjustable hitch seemed like a good idea but really don't know what I should do.

Thanks!

 

do you have the 7 pin outlet in the back? if not there is no way you can get the u haul. the u haul needs a charge wire for the braking system it uses a electrical hydraulic setup.

 

It has 6 outside one in the middle when I looked in there. Is that what you mean?

 

I checked last night and couldn't see the writing on the cap. Yes it's set up for a trailer and describes what all 7 pins do. So now it's just a matter of getting input on ball mounts. Thanks for even telling me to look at the wiring. That could have made for a bad day.

 

One more thing that you might think about. Do you have a trailer brake controller? Just because you have the wiring doesn't mean that Uhaul will rent to you. If you don't have a brake controller, the trailer brakes will not work. Which is a great way to burn-up your truck's brakes quick. You can pick one up for $30 and up. I just bought one for $90, and I love it. I am leaving tomarrow for Reno to pick-up a 65 Mustang to bring home in North Idaho. I am using a tandem axle trailer, and wouldn't think about towing anything that big without trailer brakes. They will definately save your a@@ in the long run. Also, Ford has a nice setup where you can just buy a wiring harness that will plug-in, and 2 solendoids for the trailer brake system, real easy install.

 

Brake controller? Ahhh, I just looked in the center console between the seats and remembered Ford includes the adapter and fuses. Does Ford sell the brake controller at a dealership?

Did you look at my first link up there with the adjustable height mount? What do you think?

http://www.jcwhitney.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product?storeId=10101&Pr=p_Product.CATENTRY_ID%3A2 004338&TID=8014524&productId=2004338&catalogId=101 01

I am working 2 jobs and have so little time for anything until I can get out of here. My buddy back in CA lives up in the mountains and said he had to put some brake thing on to take a trailer to AZ to pick up a nice 68 Camaro.

 

Okay, now that I made a complete fool of myself I see that I don't know the difference between an already installed brake control harness AND the ending "adapter." They give you and extra harness with adapter as an extra.

So, what I did was order a "Valley Odyssey™ Inertia Activated Electric Trailer Brake Controller" with the inline 30 amp circuit breaker.

No wonder I had almost no responses as I made this harder than it really is.

Then I read that my Tornado air cyclone deal may be costing me gas mileage. I drafted behind big rigs coming across country and was getting 22 to 23 mpg.

Normally I get maybe 16/18 mpg city/hwy.

I plan on keeping this truck for 20 years or more and try my best to keep it superbly maintained.

 

I work for U-Haul... YOU DON"T NEED A BRAKE CONTROLLER FOR A U-HAUL TRAILER.

that is a myth. U-Haul trailers have brakes built into them if they're over 2000 lbs empty.

All you need for the biggest trailer is a hitch with a capacity of at least 3500 lbs, and either a 1 7/8" ball, or a 2" ball. 2" ball is preferred.

Brake controllers are only for vehicles that are equipped with them...

With your 7 way round, you will need to buy the adapter to switch it from 7 way round down to the "4-flat" system that U-Haul uses... and there may be one more part that is required, it's called "U3112" and it allows you to connect to the prong type trailers with your 4-flat system.

 

I have the 4 flat adapter that came with my truck that I can install. So will it mess things up if I have the electronic controller in addition? Sorry it took so long since I haven't been online. I have a 2 inch ball and am waiting for the ball mount.

 

If the U-Haul trailers have brakes built into them that do not require a brake controller and 7 pin (or at least 6 pin) plug, then they must be surge brakes. I am used to pulling horse trailers, so I may be guilty of overkill for your needs, but I would not consider surge brakes as adequate for a heavy trailer over long distance.

Please talk to someone who is knowledgeable in this area who is not trying to sell you something.

PS: The output from the brake controller goes to one of the other wires which is not present on the 4 pin connector. Therefore it will have no effect if you use that connection.

 

You are correct sir. I looked at the 4 flat adapter and there is no "electric brakes" pin. I called the U-Haul maintenance guys and they told me the 6x12 twin axle trailers have surge brakes and I don't need a controller.

So I just mailed $140 worth of electronic gear back to the manufacturer 20 minutes ago. Thanks for all of the input everyone!

 

Well, I'm glad you saved the money.

However, do be careful with just surge brakes. I guess people get away with them, but it's not the best set-up for a heavy trailer.

 

I agree. I would prefer to have that top of the line controller since I'll be travelling from New Jersey through Kentucky and down to the I-40 back home to Central CA. I won't have more than 1500lbs of cargo.

I'll tell you what, I've learned quite a bit reading this website. This 2000 F-150 SuperCab is the best vehicle I've ever owned and I will never sell it. It's like family to me.

 

Surge brakes are on the U-Haul trailers so that you don't HAVE to buy expensive brake controllers to tow the big u-haul trailers... besides, you can only put 2000 lbs (1 ton) in the trailer because the 6'x12' trailer weighs 1700 lbs empty (avg) and we only allow cars that weigh 4000 lbs or higher to tow the trailer.

The surge brakes on U-Haul trailers, when working properly do ASSIST in braking, but all stopping is reliant on GREAT brakes in your vehicle... without brakes in your vehicle, the surge brake is useless.

A brake controller is good for HEAVY trailers (over 6000 lbs) because it weighs more than your vehicle, and prevents the trailer from shoving your vehicle into the middle of the intersection you're trying to stop for.

If you're a good driver, you can stop in enough distance that neither the surge brake or the brake controller are needed. They just need to be there in case you're trying to stop in a short distance (ex: everyone's at a dead stop on the freeway for pickle pickers.... been there, done that with a 26 foot U-Haul with a 6x12 attached... survived without damage)

 

I hear what you're saying, and I appreciate that you support the people who pay you. As a practical matter, U-Haul would rent a lot fewer trailers if everyone needed a controller.

The facts are, however, that a surge brake is reactive and can only assist the tow vehicle's brakes at some point after they are applied. You cannot brake the trailer separately or at a different rate. Releasing the brakes while still decelerating is not possible. It's a judgment call as to when they are "good enough", but they are never as good as having a brake controller. That's why I said, "Be careful".

PS: Glad you like your 2000 Supercab. I feel the same about my 2001 Supercab, but the new ones seem even better.