Tow Command connection issues
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Trailering
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Tow Command connection issues
Hello! I have a 2008 F250 crewcab, 5.4, 2wd, 3.73, with Tow Command. I basically love the TC, seems much better than the aftermarket brake controllers I've had in the past... BUT...
Every so often since I've owned it (bought it new), especially after going over a bump it seems, the Tow Command will beep and say "Trailer Disconnected". A minute or so later everything returns to normal. This happens with two different trailers, so I think it is the truck and not the trailers. I have checked over everything, and it all seems okay - connections, good wires, etc.
I just haven't bothered much about it, because I always forget about it until it happens again. On a camping forum, another guy had the same problem and his dealer "re-wired" the truck connection and he says everything is fine now. I have asked for more info, haven't got it yet.
Anyone else run into this? What did you do?
Thanks!
Every so often since I've owned it (bought it new), especially after going over a bump it seems, the Tow Command will beep and say "Trailer Disconnected". A minute or so later everything returns to normal. This happens with two different trailers, so I think it is the truck and not the trailers. I have checked over everything, and it all seems okay - connections, good wires, etc.
I just haven't bothered much about it, because I always forget about it until it happens again. On a camping forum, another guy had the same problem and his dealer "re-wired" the truck connection and he says everything is fine now. I have asked for more info, haven't got it yet.
Anyone else run into this? What did you do?
Thanks!
More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 713
Likes: 5
From: Minneapolis, MN
The tow command is a finicky system, and too high of resistance and it will tell you you have a problem, whereas the aftermarket controllers just keep supplying voltage. I've had issues with mine due to corrosion in the plug. The last time I ended up replacing the whole plug to get the TBC to like the trailer again.
New User
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
I had the same problem with my truck. It ended up being the connector on the trailer. When it was plugged into the truck it felt tight but the flat spade terminals on the truck were not being held tight in the trailer plug. When i went over bumps i would lose the connection. All I did to fix it was take a needlnose and sqeeze the trailers female terminals together to make them tighter on the trucks spade terminal.Haven't had a problem since.
Thread Starter
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Trailering
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
I had the same problem with my truck. It ended up being the connector on the trailer. When it was plugged into the truck it felt tight but the flat spade terminals on the truck were not being held tight in the trailer plug. When i went over bumps i would lose the connection. All I did to fix it was take a needlnose and sqeeze the trailers female terminals together to make them tighter on the trucks spade terminal.Haven't had a problem since.
If just one or two connectors are loose, would that cause the TC to say disconnection?
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More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 713
Likes: 5
From: Minneapolis, MN
Could be... I've noticed both taillights flash on my truck when plugging the trailer in, so I know the truck's computer is checking at least the taillights, brake, and ground connections, maybe the parking lights, but I doubt it's checking the reverse or charge connections.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
From: S.E. Kansas
When this happens are you pulling a trailer with brakes or using the small flat plug? If you're using the flat 4 pin connector then the trailer is probably grounding through the hitch and looses connection when you hit a bump. Most 4 pin connectors have a short ground wire, but few people actually ground it to the trailer frame.
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