Forum Discussion

nohurry's avatar
nohurry
Explorer
Aug 09, 2014

Ford integrated brake controller question

After a little over a year I still love our truck. It has proved out what I thought when I bought it, that it is a perfect match for our TT. My question is; can the dealer adjust the signal/strength, or what ever you call it of the trailer brake controller? It brakes fine as far as I can tell, but I have it adjusted up as far as it will go. My understanding is that you want to adjust up till you can skid the trailer tires using the manual slide, then back off but I can't get them to skid. Trailer brakes are self adjusting, and the TT was in this spring for bearing pack/brake inspection, so I figured I can rule the trailer out. Or can I? Can the dealer adjust it? Or better yet, is there a way that I can? Can't find any thing in the owners manual. Like I said, it seems to work fine, and I don't feel unsafe at all, so should I even worry about it? Thanks,
Tow Vehicles
  • nohurry's avatar
    nohurry
    Explorer
    Aug 09, 2014
    Thanks for the replies everyone. I'll be hooking up this Friday, so I think I'll try to maybe mash the brakes going slow in reverse to see if the TT brakes adjust a little. If not I'll go from there.
  • Bedlam's avatar
    Bedlam
    Moderator
    Aug 09, 2014
    My 2005 integrated controller has worked fine since it was new. Originally, I pulled a 11,000+ lb toy hauler and now typically pull around 7000 lbs with 4000 lbs loaded on the truck.

    I do have adjust brake bias on the controller based on how much I tow and whether I carry my truck camper. With the camper, I brake harder with the truck so the bias has to be set less to the trailer. The enclosed trailer may be loaded 5000-8000 lbs based on what we load which requires up to a 2.0 difference in bias control.

    I know some people have had issues with undersized trailer brake wires and connection corrosion issues at splices that reduce braking voltage. If you have the opportunity to tow the trailer with a different truck or tow another trailer with brakes, it will give you an indication whether you should look at truck or trailer for stronger braking.
  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    Aug 09, 2014
    My brakes just start to lock up, using manual controller, with the integrated setting on 5. Mine is a 13 250.

    I am thinking with the self adjusting brakes on the trailer, that they need to be adjusted manually, the first time, on a new trailer.

    Jerry
  • Dave_H_M's avatar
    Dave_H_M
    Explorer II
    Aug 09, 2014
    I never have to have the controller above 6 in my 2012 F250 for the 11.5K fifth wheel.
  • ljr's avatar
    ljr
    Nomad
    Aug 09, 2014
    I had the same problem with the integrated controller in my 2006 F-250. I ended up having it removed and installing an aftermarket controller after I burned up a set of brakes on the truck. If you do that you'll need to have a dealer do a computer "flash" to tell it the Ford controller is gone.

    The integrated controller in my '13 F-450 works great.
  • Lynnmor's avatar
    Lynnmor
    Explorer
    Aug 09, 2014
    Adjust the gain till the trailer isn't dragging or pushing the truck. It should brake just the same, at speeds above 20 mph, whether towing or not. In other words the trailer should be "invisible" as far as braking is concerned. No, a dealer will not take the time to dial it in.
  • BB_TX's avatar
    BB_TX
    Nomad
    Aug 09, 2014
    Brake condition/adjustment is certainly crucial. I had my controller up to 9.5 and still not getting great braking. Adjusted my brakes (manual adjustment) and had to drop the controller back to 8.0.
    But if you manually actuate the controller and get a strong braking action from the trailer brakes I think you are ok even it does not lock the brakes on pavement.
  • WyoTraveler's avatar
    WyoTraveler
    Explorer
    Aug 09, 2014
    Maybe it isn't the Ford braking but the trailer brakes. My setting of 4 will skid almost any trailer. My previous TT, my previous horse and stock trailer and my dump trailer. If I recall you can go to 6 or 7 setting. I suspect there may be a problem with the wiring to the trailer or the trailer brakes themselves.

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