TT Brake Service

Lynnmor wrote:
This is the exact quote from the manual written by a lawyer:

Only use the manual control lever for proper adjustment of the gain during trailer setup. Misuse, such as application during trailer sway, could cause instability of trailer or tow vehicle.

Umm, if you are swaying, aren't you already experiencing instability?

The next sentence says you are not to tow during adverse weather, so maybe it is best to just stay home.

While the manual does not specifically state, I suspect it has a lot to do with how interconnected the Stability control, Roll control system, Trailer sway control, Side wind stabilization control, brake system and IBC system and even the power train (engine and transmission) are highly integrated together.

Manual activation of the trailer brake has the potential to interrupt or alter the operation of the other systems which may or may not be a good idea or ideal.

From the manual..
"Page 227

STABILITY CONTROL PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION

The system automatically turns on each
time you switch the ignition on.
If the stability control or traction control
system detects a fault, the following may
occur:

The stability and traction control light
illuminates steadily.

The stability control and traction
control systems do not enhance your
vehicle's ability to maintain traction of
the wheels.
If the stability control or traction control
system activates, the following may occur:

The stability and traction control light
flashes.

Your vehicle slows down.

Reduced engine power.

A vibration in the brake pedal.

The brake pedal is stiffer than usual.

If the driving condition is severe and
your foot is not on the brake pedal, the
pedal may move as the system applies
higher brake force.
The stability control system has several
features built into it to help you maintain
control of your vehicle.
Electronic Stability Control
The system helps to prevent your vehicle
skidding or laterally sliding by individually
applying the brakes to one or more wheels
and, if necessary, reducing engine power.
Roll Stability Control
The system helps to prevent rollovers by
detecting your vehicle's roll motion, and
individually applying the brakes to one or
more wheels.

Page 228

Side-Wind Stabilization
The system applies the brakes on one side
of your vehicle to reduce the effect of a
sudden side-wind gust on your vehicle's
path. When the system turns on, the
stability and traction control light flashes,
and a message may appear in the
information display. You may notice a
slight deceleration and may still need to
make a steering correction to maintain the
intended vehicle path. The system does
not turn on for a continuous side-wind or
during turns.

Page 291

TRAILER SWAY CONTROL
WARNING:
Turning off trailer sway
control increases the risk of loss of vehicle
control, serious injury or death. Ford does
not recommend disabling this feature
except in situations where speed reduction
may be detrimental (such as hill climbing),
the driver has significant trailer towing
experience, and can control trailer sway
and maintain safe operation.
Note:
This feature does not prevent trailer
sway, but reduces it once it begins.
Note:
This feature cannot stop all trailers
from swaying.
Note:
In some cases, if vehicle speed is too
high, the system may activate multiple
times, gradually reducing vehicle speed.
This feature applies your vehicle brakes at
individual wheels and, if necessary, reduces
engine power. If the trailer begins to sway,
the stability control light flashes and the
message
TRAILER SWAY REDUCE
SPEED
appears in the information display.
The first thing to do is slow your vehicle
down, then pull safely to the side of the
road and check for proper tongue load and
trailer load distribution.

Page 308

The controller interacts with the brake
control system and powertrain control
system of your vehicle to provide the
best performance on different road
conditions.

"


As far as towing in "adverse weather" goes, none of the truck safety systems provides "antilock" control for the TRAILER BRAKES Per Page 308..


Page 308


"Avoid towing in adverse weather
conditions. The trailer brake controller
does not provide anti-lock control of
the trailer wheels. Trailer wheels can
lock up on slippery surfaces, resulting
in reduced stability of trailer and tow
vehicle."

While the truck may maintain wheel traction via antilock brakes system, the trailer is all on it's own and if those wheels loose grip, well the results won't be pretty..