Traileer Brake controller
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Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Fairbanks, AK
fomocofan- Great summary & I agree 100%. However, I can understand where owners with the older version would have issue with this after all...basically at low speeds not being able to apply trailer brakes by any means. Yikes.
Last edited by 2DLAKE; May 16, 2006 at 04:42 PM.
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Joined: May 2006
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Exactly.
The reason I would prefer the newer version is so I could test the hitch lock on the fifth wheel by locking the trailer brakes manually. The old version will not do this. I'd also like to have some manual braking capability when starting out on a steep downhill grade while still under 15 mph. The old version basically applies no braking in this situation. Makes you a bit uncomfortable towing a 15,000 lb fifth wheel that wants to roll.
The reason I would prefer the newer version is so I could test the hitch lock on the fifth wheel by locking the trailer brakes manually. The old version will not do this. I'd also like to have some manual braking capability when starting out on a steep downhill grade while still under 15 mph. The old version basically applies no braking in this situation. Makes you a bit uncomfortable towing a 15,000 lb fifth wheel that wants to roll.
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Originally Posted by 2DLAKE
fomocofan- Great summary & I agree 100%. However, I can understand where owners with the older version would have issue with this after all...basically at low speeds not being able to apply trailer brakes by any means. Yikes.
I have had both versions and I haul extremely heavy loads...I prefer the newer style w/o a doubt...for the same reasons as you and RCE pointed out.
Last edited by fomocofan; May 16, 2006 at 04:55 PM.
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Posting Guru
Joined: May 2006
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From: MACON, GA
Reference: Trailer brake controller problems.
I have received from reliable sources the following information:
Effective date: 10/19/2005 Bulletin # 18892, workshop manual, 206-10.
At a gain setting of 10, 1 to 3 volts will pass to electrical trailer brakes.
Command controllers for trailer brakes built subsequent to 03/05 pass 1 to 10 volts, at any speed, from both the pedal and slide controller. The change does not result in a recall or upgrade for vehicles prior to that date. Thus, my vehicle, will not have brakes under 15 mph, as I have clearly stated many times when accutating the sliding brake controller. This is not a quotation, but my opinion and intrepretation of information I have received from reliable sources
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Joined: May 2006
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From: MACON, GA
My final comment. If I am in the City of Greensburg, PA 15601 and I am coming down any one of several hills, with my trailer loaded, I want the ability to stop my trailer first. It does not do that now, with pre 03/05 brake controllers. They can sweeten anyway they all want. In the town I refer to, without trailer brakes, the trailer will put you in a fish tail. Pure and simple. Then, I am going to DOT tomorrow, and gettting a courtesy safety inspection and see all about that notice FORD gave the DOT that their controller does not work at slow speed. Good night....
