Factory Electronic Trailer Brake Controller
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 495
Likes: 6
From: Snohomish, WA
The TowCommand has only been verified to be compatible with trailers having electric-actuated drum brakes (one to four axles) and not hydraulic surge or electric-over-hydraulic types.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,889
Likes: 0
From: MACON, GA
I am sure you are correct, but there have been hundreds of posts in this forum over the last four years. In fact, I had a pre March 2005 build F-350. That controller would stop the trailer, by design, once a speed of 20 mph was reached. I had my TBC changed by the NTSB as I file a formal complaint. The earlyTBC 's put only one volt to the trailer from a dead stop, again by design.
My point is there are exceptions to what I say, but FORD would not tell you it won't work if in fact it does. Many more technical folks on this forum than I, my only point to you is be careful, because FORD has told you it will not work in your application.
My point is there are exceptions to what I say, but FORD would not tell you it won't work if in fact it does. Many more technical folks on this forum than I, my only point to you is be careful, because FORD has told you it will not work in your application.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 495
Likes: 6
From: Snohomish, WA
GOSH, do I have to hit you guys over the head? 
They DO NOT say it won't work, they said that they didn't test them. That means it's up to the user or the company making the actuator to test it. I did not say that all Tow Command equipped vehicles will work with electric over hydraulic actuators. I claim the OEM Tow Command in my '08 Job 1 works with the Dexter unit in my 2008 trailer. I BELIEVE there is another actuator that works as well, but I cannot confirm this.
Mine seems to work best with the gain at 7 for empty and 7.5 for fully loaded. I towed yesterday and I do not feel the trailer at all under braking - it appears to be stopping itself with no load being imparted through the gooseneck.
They DO NOT say it won't work, they said that they didn't test them. That means it's up to the user or the company making the actuator to test it. I did not say that all Tow Command equipped vehicles will work with electric over hydraulic actuators. I claim the OEM Tow Command in my '08 Job 1 works with the Dexter unit in my 2008 trailer. I BELIEVE there is another actuator that works as well, but I cannot confirm this.
Mine seems to work best with the gain at 7 for empty and 7.5 for fully loaded. I towed yesterday and I do not feel the trailer at all under braking - it appears to be stopping itself with no load being imparted through the gooseneck.
Last edited by Stalwart; Oct 17, 2008 at 03:13 PM. Reason: Added content
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,889
Likes: 0
From: MACON, GA
I wanted to buy an electric over hydraulic brake system on the last trailer I purchased. From three sources, I was told it would not work with the FORD TBC.
Just one follow up question, then I'll let it rest, with what is on the record. CAN you hook up to your trailer, slide the TBC to 10 and lock the trailer wheels? When you have an electric brake system on your trailer as I do, you cannot tell the difference between the trailer brakes and the truck brakes, unless you use the manual slide on the TBC at any speed.
I do understand what you are saying, but I don't understand why FORD would qualify useage of the TBC as it could preclude a sale of a new vehicle, and that doesn't make sense.
Just one follow up question, then I'll let it rest, with what is on the record. CAN you hook up to your trailer, slide the TBC to 10 and lock the trailer wheels? When you have an electric brake system on your trailer as I do, you cannot tell the difference between the trailer brakes and the truck brakes, unless you use the manual slide on the TBC at any speed.
I do understand what you are saying, but I don't understand why FORD would qualify useage of the TBC as it could preclude a sale of a new vehicle, and that doesn't make sense.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 495
Likes: 6
From: Snohomish, WA
I have not tried to lock them, the trailer has similar contact area on the tires so if they were locked I doubt I could pull it. I used the manual switch and the trailer stops the trailer, and the truck, VERY quickly. I did not try full effort . . . my trailer is VERY heavy duty and weighs as much as the truck empty.
About the last item you ponder, it's likely CYA. If they say they didn't test them they don't have to pay when it doesn't work. Sorry you are having issues with yours . . .
I will say, I won't have another trailer without disc brakes again, they are AWESOME.
About the last item you ponder, it's likely CYA. If they say they didn't test them they don't have to pay when it doesn't work. Sorry you are having issues with yours . . .
I will say, I won't have another trailer without disc brakes again, they are AWESOME.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,889
Likes: 0
From: MACON, GA
Perhaps you found your answer in that the trailer weighs as much as the truck.
I have no issues and no problems with mine. Heaviest I pull is a T-180 BOB CAT, which is on tracks, with back hoe front, bucket, and grader.
When you say you love disc brakes, you are saying you have electric brakes. My understanding is that drum brakes require the hydraulic system. You sure you have hydraulic brakes?
I have no issues and no problems with mine. Heaviest I pull is a T-180 BOB CAT, which is on tracks, with back hoe front, bucket, and grader.
When you say you love disc brakes, you are saying you have electric brakes. My understanding is that drum brakes require the hydraulic system. You sure you have hydraulic brakes?
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
Ford 250 Tow command and integrated brake controller
Having just recently bought a new F-250 (08) I was curious about the compatibility issue with the brake controller and electric over hydraulic brakes. I pull a 30ft Airstream with the ActivBrake hydraulic unit (after market) and disc brakes and was worried that the controller would not work with the system. I had read on other boards where this has been an issue so today I tested the system before leaving on a winter road trip. I was extremely pleased with the controller's performance. It seemed to operate smoothly and without errors or malfunctions. I have the gain set at 7.5 for now. If it needs to be changed on the road I can do it easily but for now every worry I had seems to have vanished.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,889
Likes: 0
From: MACON, GA
Wow:
A first time user and an old problem solved, to confirm a prior users info. To me, that is as good as the news that HUGO CHAVEZ and his 2 million barrels of oil a day, ran out of money, and the world put the skiboobs on the RBS, aka, Royal Bank of Scottland, and all that money is froze up like ice cream. Gotta love America. We lie cheat and steal, but GOD, still blesses us with TRUTH!
P. S.
Your comments as follows are pure bunk, because if you have a FORD TBC, y'all ain't never gonna do what you say: "If it needs to be changed on the road I can do it easily but for now every worry I had seems to have vanished."
Do me a favor and try to take out a TBC without the FORD BOOK. When FORD pays one (1) hour flat rate, ...I rest my case.
A first time user and an old problem solved, to confirm a prior users info. To me, that is as good as the news that HUGO CHAVEZ and his 2 million barrels of oil a day, ran out of money, and the world put the skiboobs on the RBS, aka, Royal Bank of Scottland, and all that money is froze up like ice cream. Gotta love America. We lie cheat and steal, but GOD, still blesses us with TRUTH!
P. S.
Your comments as follows are pure bunk, because if you have a FORD TBC, y'all ain't never gonna do what you say: "If it needs to be changed on the road I can do it easily but for now every worry I had seems to have vanished."
Do me a favor and try to take out a TBC without the FORD BOOK. When FORD pays one (1) hour flat rate, ...I rest my case.
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 495
Likes: 6
From: Snohomish, WA
When you say you love disc brakes, you are saying you have electric brakes. My understanding is that drum brakes require the hydraulic system. You sure you have hydraulic brakes?
Truck and trailer weigh in at just over 18,000 lb. empty. The all steel deck, the power dovetail, torque tube, the 22 lb./ft. I beam frame and extra bracing make for one heavy trailer.
Last edited by Stalwart; Oct 17, 2008 at 06:19 PM. Reason: Added crap
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,889
Likes: 0
From: MACON, GA
Another WOW tonight. That is a full load. Ever pull in a weigh station? Did they let you go? I would bet you have at least 20 ton on the trailer, not counting the other thing. Anyone ever say the 6.4 is not a good engine should look at your photograph. I saw one earlier this week with a deuce and a half, if that is what you call it. Not up on my tank numbers, but that looks awful big.
I am jealous. A guy could have a lot of fun with his own tank.
I am jealous. A guy could have a lot of fun with his own tank.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 495
Likes: 6
From: Snohomish, WA
Actually the Scorpion tank is quite light, it's a British reconnaissance vehicle so speed and moving quietly was a major consideration. It is about 8.5 tons (US) so even with the ATV we were at only 35,500 lb. all loaded up. We collect military vehicles so the F450 is my daily driver as well as the toy hauler. If you liked the deuce and a half, you love my 5 ton 8x8 Ford, it dwarfs the deuce, and was purpose built for the Pershing I missile system.
If you want to know more about the Scorpion there is a good YouTube video here: YouTube - Scorpion Reconnaissance Tank All quite correct except the top speed, I've seen over 60 mph in mine and there was some left.
I agree the 6.4 is a solid pulling BEAST!
If you want to know more about the Scorpion there is a good YouTube video here: YouTube - Scorpion Reconnaissance Tank All quite correct except the top speed, I've seen over 60 mph in mine and there was some left.
I agree the 6.4 is a solid pulling BEAST!
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,889
Likes: 0
From: MACON, GA
Great video. Thanks for sharing. In the unlikely event that the stock market would come back to a DOW 12,500 where would a person in the southeast USA shop for a similar piece? The weight is unbelievable as you could bring in a "break down" with a piece of construction equipment.
Noting that you are from the north west, and reference to Micro Shaft, can I presume you retired from Bill's company?
Any pricing would be appreciated.
Not to go off topic. WHAT A TRUCK! Since it is a job # 1, what is your rear ends ratio 4 11 or do you have one of the heavy duty set ups. I have the 4.11's in my truck, job # 2 and would love to have the 3 7 3's.
Noting that you are from the north west, and reference to Micro Shaft, can I presume you retired from Bill's company?
Any pricing would be appreciated.
Not to go off topic. WHAT A TRUCK! Since it is a job # 1, what is your rear ends ratio 4 11 or do you have one of the heavy duty set ups. I have the 4.11's in my truck, job # 2 and would love to have the 3 7 3's.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 495
Likes: 6
From: Snohomish, WA
I have the 4.88's and I can't say if I'd really want the 4.30's. If I could have an overdrive for the 95% when I'm empty I'd like that but with my sometimes extreme gross weight I'd be picking up pieces of a GV unit spread all over the road. 
I'm surrounded by MS employees and have seen what their "money for nothing" attitude has done around here, not good.
A good Scorpion will set you back at least $40k and one like mine which has been completely rebuilt from new parts will push $100k IF you can find one. Mine was the subject of a 6 page magazine article and they stated it was most likely the finest example in the world.
I'm surrounded by MS employees and have seen what their "money for nothing" attitude has done around here, not good.
A good Scorpion will set you back at least $40k and one like mine which has been completely rebuilt from new parts will push $100k IF you can find one. Mine was the subject of a 6 page magazine article and they stated it was most likely the finest example in the world.
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
I will agree with TinyOne: the brake contoller is designed to not apply its full power until you are moving 15mph or faster (althought mine seems to kick in between 8-10) I found a tsb somewhere on this and printed it out to keep in the glovebox. I can't remember what site it was from and it's too snowy/windy for me to go out to look right now. I keep the printout to show the DOT guys at stops when they test your brakes. I have 3 (05,06,07) and they all work the same way.
If you are moving at higher than 15 and you can't lock the brakes up then you have a problem with your controller or trailer. It varies by which trailer I am towing but all my trailers lock up at 7 or higher.
This controller is by far the best type I've ever used.
If you are moving at higher than 15 and you can't lock the brakes up then you have a problem with your controller or trailer. It varies by which trailer I am towing but all my trailers lock up at 7 or higher.
This controller is by far the best type I've ever used.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
From: SE Wash
Having just recently bought a new F-250 (08) I was curious about the compatibility issue with the brake controller and electric over hydraulic brakes. I pull a 30ft Airstream with the ActivBrake hydraulic unit (after market) and disc brakes and was worried that the controller would not work with the system. I had read on other boards where this has been an issue so today I tested the system before leaving on a winter road trip. I was extremely pleased with the controller's performance. It seemed to operate smoothly and without errors or malfunctions. I have the gain set at 7.5 for now. If it needs to be changed on the road I can do it easily but for now every worry I had seems to have vanished.
Your F250 and Airstream sounds like a perfect match. I bet you're a happy camper. (ok, that was lame... sorry).
Fill in your location. You'll be surprised at how many folks are in your area, wherever you are. They'll be after to you to join a local chapter.
And don't be put off by the response to your first post. He clearly didn't bother to read before taking a swipe. I too can easily change the TBC gain setting on the road.
Visit the Introductions section in the General area. Oh, and post up some pics of your rig. This is an informative and friendly board. Also, a pretty good party at times
