Forum Discussion

Winged_One's avatar
Winged_One
Explorer
Apr 23, 2016

2013 Ford F350 trailer braking issue

First of all - this is NOT A TRAILER BRAKE issue. Thanks.

When I switched from my '08 F350 to my '13 F350, I noticed instantly that I had less braking response from the same trailer. I had a setting of 6.5 on the '08 and have it set to 10 on the '13 with less braking.

Testing was made at 15mph and at 40mph. Both tests noted less braking response.

I read recently that '15's F350's have a "low", "med", and "high" settings under driver assist, in addition to the 0-10 on the controller. Unfortunately, my '13 does not appear to. Or does it?

Any work around for older models like mine?
Tow Vehicles
  • Lynnmor's avatar
    Lynnmor
    Explorer
    Apr 24, 2016
    In his first sentence he said it is not a trailer brake issue. Those of us that have the Ford IBC know that they are capable. He needs to decide which system is broken.
  • nohurry's avatar
    nohurry
    Explorer
    Apr 24, 2016
    Gdetrailer wrote:
    nohurry wrote:
    My '15 does indeed have low, med, and high settings. I previously owned a '13 F250 with the gas motor, and had the same issue, which is probably why they changed it. I have heard that the dealer can increase it, and that is your only (Factory), option. Worth a try. Good luck.


    I have a 2013 F250, it DOES NOT HAVE "low, med, high" settings..

    It also DOES NOT HAVE ANY ISSUE WITH "WEAK BRAKES".

    Now to be kind of "fair" I will also mention that I HAVE UPGRADED the wiring on my trailers from factory 14Ga to dual pairs of 10 Ga wire, BEFORE I bought the 2013.

    I have no problem with not enough brakes and that is with using a 4.5 setting on the IBC.


    Before you start blaming the IBC I would recommend that you UPGRADE the wimpy factory trailer wiring which is either 14Ga or possibly 12Ga which is allowing TOO much voltage loss by the time it gets to the brakes.


    Good point, and definitely worth trying first.
  • Gdetrailer's avatar
    Gdetrailer
    Explorer III
    Apr 24, 2016
    nohurry wrote:
    My '15 does indeed have low, med, and high settings. I previously owned a '13 F250 with the gas motor, and had the same issue, which is probably why they changed it. I have heard that the dealer can increase it, and that is your only (Factory), option. Worth a try. Good luck.


    I have a 2013 F250, it DOES NOT HAVE "low, med, high" settings..

    It also DOES NOT HAVE ANY ISSUE WITH "WEAK BRAKES".

    Now to be kind of "fair" I will also mention that I HAVE UPGRADED the wiring on my trailers from factory 14Ga to dual pairs of 10 Ga wire, BEFORE I bought the 2013.

    I have no problem with not enough brakes and that is with using a 4.5 setting on the IBC.

    Before you start blaming the IBC I would recommend that you UPGRADE the wimpy factory trailer wiring which is either 14Ga or possibly 12Ga which is allowing TOO much voltage loss by the time it gets to the brakes.
  • nohurry's avatar
    nohurry
    Explorer
    Apr 23, 2016
    Ok, my limited knowledge/research tells me that you may have to buy the new (2015+), TBC unit, install it, and then have a dealer that has an IDC savvy tech re-program. This should give you the low/med/high settings which should increase the voltage to the trailer brakes. I only know it works on trucks that did NOT come with factory controler, and were retro fitted. Not sure on trucks that have the older version already in, but it makes sense to me that it should work. Good luck.
  • spud1957's avatar
    spud1957
    Explorer
    Apr 23, 2016
    nohurry wrote:
    I have heard that the dealer can increase it, and that is your only (Factory), option. Worth a try. Good luck.


    Never heard of it. Has never been posted on www.ford-trucks.com either.

    Interested in what the dealer has to say.
  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    Apr 23, 2016
    The manual for my 13 does not mention optional settings. It only states to start at 6.0 setting, test with slide bar at lower speed. On mine, set at 6.0, it will slide the tires at 25-30 mph. I backed off to 5.0, and brakes work great. If wanted, I can stop truck and trailer using just the slide bar.

    Jerry
  • lightfoot's avatar
    lightfoot
    Explorer III
    Apr 23, 2016
    Let us know the outcome at the dealer. My '12 could use the update as I am at a setting on 9-10 to get good response. I also just had the trailer breaks adjusted and that helped.
  • Winged_One's avatar
    Winged_One
    Explorer
    Apr 23, 2016
    nohurry wrote:
    My '15 does indeed have low, med, and high settings. I previously owned a '13 F250 with the gas motor, and had the same issue, which is probably why they changed it. I have heard that the dealer can increase it, and that is your only (Factory), option. Worth a try. Good luck.


    I will give them a call. Thanks!
  • nohurry's avatar
    nohurry
    Explorer
    Apr 23, 2016
    My '15 does indeed have low, med, and high settings. I previously owned a '13 F250 with the gas motor, and had the same issue, which is probably why they changed it. I have heard that the dealer can increase it, and that is your only (Factory), option. Worth a try. Good luck.

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