harleyfiremedic

So... I was just in the planning stages of getting the ford controller installed in the cubby in the dash in my 2015 XLT Sport. I was going to go with the Ford one for the looks (fitting nicely in the cubby) and for the info that shows up on the dash.

After reading this and another thread, I am not convinced that would be a good idea. Looking for some real world experience with both the ford controller and the problems as outlined here. Also, if I go with an aftermarket unit, will I get any of the info on the dash? For those who are using the aftermarket units, any issues? Thanks all

Monduj1

Can't speak for everyone, but the same trailer worked just fine with a Tekonsha in my 2004 Expedition.

lyouden

Anything is possible I guess but it seems like others are having the same issue. I am getting my truck checked out again today and have the trailer getting checked again on Monday. My understanding of most TBC's is that they are typically insulated from any issues with the trailer but I am no mechanic and only know it worked fine with my old F150 but not the new one. Have you experienced trailer issues that have created issues for a TBC in the past?

JJM

No but my understanding is the OEM TBC sends out a current that "checks" the system and if it doesn't see the right voltage, it displays an error. That could happen with faulty grounds or loose wiring.

I did experience this with one of my trailers that had been parked for months. It went away after the first trip so I chalked it up to rusty components on the trailer. I've used it 2 more times since then and have not seen the error.

rdhouston

We went yesterday to pick up our brand new 29' TT (our first one). Got to first stoplight, trailer brakes locked and I couldn't figure out what was going on. Pulled the plug and drove back to RV dealer. The tech brought out his tester for truck side which has brake actuators in it. Constant output to trailer brakes. Wife dropped off the truck today, hoping they can fix soon.

Feathermerchant

The TBC is electronic (transistors control braking). Common overload failure mode of a transistor is short (always on) causing full brakes all the time. It should be designed so that fuse blows before transistor fails.
So from the above it looks like a Ford problem.

kevcarr59

I sure as hell hope they've resolved this problem by tomorrow morning, as I just dropped 40K on a '16 F150 SCREW, and have an appointment to have the integral brake controller installed. Is this happening with the '16's also, or is it just a controller issue.

The main reason we just bought the truck was that we had trailer brake problems with the '01 F150. I thought throwing a new truck at it would solve my problems, but at least now if I have a problem, I know where the issues are

This is going to be an interesting trip down to Galveston Beach on the 11th, with this sitting in the back of my mind

rdhouston

I'm headed to Denver from OKC on the 11th and pretty concerned myself.

kevcarr59

I plan on calling a couple of Ford dealers around Pasadena/Houston area just to make sure they have one in stock.

mark waller

My 2016 was built on 2/29/16 and have no issue on the brake controller. Reading through some posts it appears to be more of an issue in 2015 models. Any updates?