'08 F-450 Trailer Brake Controller
#1
'08 F-450 Trailer Brake Controller
I am looking at purchasing the F-450 to pull a 5th wheel RV. I recently discovered that the '08 F-450 controller is not compatible with any RVs that have disc brakes. In order to make it work, an after-market contoller will have to be installed bypassing the computer. Anyone else heard of this?
#3
It is true, sort of. This is direct from the 2008 Ford Super Duty manual:
The Ford TBC 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. It is the
responsibility of the customer to ensure that the trailer brakes are
adjusted appropriately, functioning normally and all electric
connections are properly made.
It doesn't say it won't work with disc brakes, it just says it isn't verified to be compatible with the disc brakes.
The Ford TBC 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. It is the
responsibility of the customer to ensure that the trailer brakes are
adjusted appropriately, functioning normally and all electric
connections are properly made.
It doesn't say it won't work with disc brakes, it just says it isn't verified to be compatible with the disc brakes.
Last edited by redford; 10-17-2007 at 05:37 PM.
#6
Originally Posted by redford
It is true, sort of. This is direct from the 2008 Ford Super Duty manual:
The Ford TBC 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. It is the
responsibility of the customer to ensure that the trailer brakes are
adjusted appropriately, functioning normally and all electric
connections are properly made.
It doesn't say it won't work with disc brakes, it just says it isn't verified to be compatible with the disc brakes.
The Ford TBC 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. It is the
responsibility of the customer to ensure that the trailer brakes are
adjusted appropriately, functioning normally and all electric
connections are properly made.
It doesn't say it won't work with disc brakes, it just says it isn't verified to be compatible with the disc brakes.
There are a few companies that make electric-over-hydraulic brakes that also make an adapter that will allow the FMC TBC to properly comunicate back and forth with electric-over-hydraulic brakes, but this is only available for 05-07 SD with the factory TBC. The 08 SD TBC has new software because of the changes to the ABS and Traction Control systems on the 08 SD so as of yet no aftermarket company is making and adapter that will let the 08 SD TBC commuicate properly with electric-over-hydrualic brakes.
www.tekonsha.com/p3.html
The FMC TBC is a very sophisticated brake controller that communicates with the PCM & ABS systems to provided proper braking control to the trailer. No stand alone A/M system comes close to this level of integration and operation. It is a superior system when used within its design parameters.
Last edited by blackhat620; 10-17-2007 at 06:12 PM.
#7
Here is a list of brake controllers that work with Carlisle electric-over-hydraulic brakes.
http://www.carlislebrake.com/pdfs/Co...%209-12-07.pdf
Note on the 05-07 SD with TBC an adapter from Carlisle is needed.
http://www.carlislebrake.com/product...roller_fix.php
Dexter electric-over-hydraulic are different so the above list is not interchangeable.
http://www.carlislebrake.com/pdfs/Co...%209-12-07.pdf
Note on the 05-07 SD with TBC an adapter from Carlisle is needed.
http://www.carlislebrake.com/product...roller_fix.php
Dexter electric-over-hydraulic are different so the above list is not interchangeable.
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#8
F-450 trailer brake controller
Thanks for the input on the TBC. I got the same LINE from the Ford dealer. It is a customer problem not Ford's. However, the RV in question is made by Doubletree with electric over hydraulic brakes. They tell me that until the '08 model Ford's TBC was compatible. Ford says no. Looks like I will be getting an A/M controller, if I want the F-450. Doubletree tells me they have a list of A/M controllers that will work. Still waiting.
Last edited by almo247; 10-22-2007 at 09:47 AM. Reason: additional info
#9
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#11
Here's a Faux Paux that is in the Ford Super Duty Sales Brochure. In my books that came with my 450, it states that the brake controller works ONLY on trailers with 4 wheels with brakes. In the brochure, they show a 5th wheel RV with "6" wheels, and they are circled and highlighted as a "feature" of the brake unit in the Tow command on the truck. Talk about miss communication !!!!
#12
Originally Posted by BluegrassMan
Here's a Faux Paux that is in the Ford Super Duty Sales Brochure. In my books that came with my 450, it states that the brake controller works ONLY on trailers with 4 wheels with brakes. In the brochure, they show a 5th wheel RV with "6" wheels, and they are circled and highlighted as a "feature" of the brake unit in the Tow command on the truck. Talk about miss communication !!!!
"Integrated trailer brake controller (if equipped)
Your vehicle may be equipped with a fully integrated electronic Trailer
Brake Controller (TBC). When used properly, the TBC helps ensure
smooth and effective trailer braking by powering the trailer’s electric
brakes with a proportional output based on the towing vehicle’s brake
pressure.
The Ford TBC 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. It is the
responsibility of the customer to ensure that the trailer brakes are
adjusted appropriately, functioning normally and all electric
connections are properly made."
Page 223 or 244 (depends on printing 1st, 2nd or 3rd) of the manual.
http://www.motorcraftservice.com/pub.../08f23og3e.pdf
Last edited by blackhat620; 10-24-2007 at 01:33 AM.
#13
Originally Posted by almo247
I am looking at purchasing the F-450 to pull a 5th wheel RV. I recently discovered that the '08 F-450 controller is not compatible with any RVs that have disc brakes. In order to make it work, an after-market contoller will have to be installed bypassing the computer. Anyone else heard of this?
I put brakes on a single axle trailer for around $225 and that included everything, drums, brake assembly, bearings and etc.
Just an alternative if getting your current contoller to work is too much of a PITA.
Also I have the P3 and its an awsome brake controller.
#14
#15
A good friend of mine just bought a 08 F350 with TBC. He pulls an 08 36' YellowFin center console that sits on a trailer with electric over hydrualic disc brake (triple axle). He has a P3 controller from his previous GMC truck that we were waiting on a ford wiring harness to come in so that we could install it in the F350. We were told the factory TBC would not work with this trailer. Then the itch came to go fishing this past weekend. We thought we would just take it easy and tow without brakes this one time. (since we didn't have the P3 harness yet). So we hooked up and hit the road. When we got to the first red light, we both just about went through the windshield ( the TBC was on 10). I don't know if ford did something to make the newer trucks work with ele/hyd or this new trailer is designed to work with the factory TBC's, but it obviously works in our situation. Mike