Thanks everybody you answered my question. Other than the issue of manually locking the trailer brakes sitting still, I like everything else about the IBC. Not crazy about having to pay to put in a new controller but I would rather do that than put in an aftermarket unit.

Thanks for the help!

John

 

The only reason I cared about being able to lock the brakes when stopped was so I could slide my 5th wheel hitch. I've since figured out how to do it without trailer brakes.

 

Thanks for the information..

 

I wish I could find it. I searched here, but the TSB listing is kind of a mess on this site.

For those with the early '05, it seems that replacing the module would correct the issue. The module is extremely easy to change, it just pulls out of the dash. I think FTE parts guy can probably get you a new one for around $300. That's obviously more than a Prodigy, but well worth it IMO to keep your truck original.

 

This thread discusses the module part number, price, and where to purchase:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...tbc-fault.html

 

bpounds

Thanks-just what I needed. Contacting Ed now.

John

 

I have an early '05 with the Integrated Trailer Brake Controller as well, and had the same issue. The selling dealership refused to do anything about it. I found another dealership that basicly gave me their cost on a new, updated controller and I popped it in right there in their parking lot in less than 5 minutes. Now the ITBC works as it should, even at low speeds, cost me a little over $100. I wouldn't pay to have it installed, very simple.

 

Thanks for the confirmation that it is simply plug and play. It's good to hear it from someone who has actually done it.

 

I have an 06 F250 with the factory brake controller in the dash.
Is this what you guys are calling the IBC?

I'm wondering if there is a way to calibrate the gain control.
At "10" it is applying the trailer brakes but the truck seems to be doing alot more of the stopping than the trailer. I would like to increase the gain some more.
I'm pulling a 8,000# 5th wheel and a 2,000# pontoon boat combination.

In my last pickup I had an aftermarket brake controller mounted under the dash and it seemed to apply more trailer brakes than the unit in my Ford.

 

Yes, the factory trailer brake controller is what we are discussing.

One thing you need to keep in mind is that the iTBC was never designed for tow multiple trailers. This isn't done very often.

You may be able to improve performance by cleaning all of the electrical connections (including the trailer frame grounds) but in the end you might have to go with an aftermarket controller to get the brake performance you want.

 

I don't always pull the second trailer and it doesn't have brakes anyway.

I've experienced the poor braking effectiveness hauling just the 5th wheel.
It's not that the IBC doesn't work, not that at all. It actually works fine if I manually apply the trailer brakes.
I'm looking to increase the "responsiveness' of the IBC. That is to say, the IBC should start applying the trailer brakes before the truck brakes.
As it is the truck starts stopping before the trailer. In my professional opinion, that is backwards.
As a professional truck driver I feel I do have a professional opinion here.

 

I understand what you're saying. In simple terms, you would like a gain setting of 15, but the unit only goes up to 10. Is there a way to increase the gain upper limit? I don't know.

 

ovaltrucker:

As info. It is only a rheostat switch so to speak. 1 is maybe one volt and all the way up. I am no electrician, but remember, they are electric brakes.

Here is my point. AT 10 you are putting out all that is available,whatever that number may be.

You can take your truck to a FORD garage. They have a plug that will fit and you can measure the voltage you are putting out.

My bet is that you need some brake lining on your trailer.

This is my third super duty with the TBC, and I still have a spare controller from my 2001. I have talked to a lot of guys and we all swear by our brake system.

Let us know how you make out.

 

Thanks for the responses gentlemen.

rmosso1, My 5th wheel is brand new. So I can eliminate the bad brakes issue and I've had the same experience with my older camper that was heavier.

I'll probably mess with it a little myself to see if I can improve the performance.
Worst case scenario, I'll wreck it and end up with an aftermarket brake controller anyway.

It does work, just not proportionally with the truck brake pedal, in my opinion.

 

Being brand new is probably your problem... Just like your big rigs these brakes need adjusting after they have been used a few miles and the linings have finally set to the drums.. Some set in more than others.. That would be a good place to check..JMO......