Do i have trailer brakes?
12-14-2018, 07:17 PM
#21
Senior Member
I have a stupid question, at least I'm sure someone will think it is stupid. My 2018 has the tow package with the TBC in the dash. My experience with these things is minimal having installed one in my Nissan Xterra and towed a 3000 lb camp trailer with it. When I wanted the trailer brakes to work I'd activate the controller by pinching the controls together. That one had similar controls to the one in my F150. Does the controller automatically apply trailer brakes when the brake pedal in the truck is pushed and the two levers just apply more brake power to the trailer when pinched together?
Thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.
12-14-2018, 07:33 PM
#22
Senior Member
I have a stupid question, at least I'm sure someone will think it is stupid. My 2018 has the tow package with the TBC in the dash. My experience with these things is minimal having installed one in my Nissan Xterra and towed a 3000 lb camp trailer with it. When I wanted the trailer brakes to work I'd activate the controller by pinching the controls together. That one had similar controls to the one in my F150. Does the controller automatically apply trailer brakes when the brake pedal in the truck is pushed and the two levers just apply more brake power to the trailer when pinched together?
Thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.
12-14-2018, 08:16 PM
#23
Senior Member
When I wanted the trailer brakes to work I'd activate the controller by pinching the controls together. That one had similar controls to the one in my F150. Does the controller automatically apply trailer brakes when the brake pedal in the truck is pushed and the two levers just apply more brake power to the trailer when pinched together?
Thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.
The levers are for setting the electric brake gain. After loading up, you get up to about 20-25 mph, then press the levers without pressing the brake pedal. If the brakes engage but do not lock up, you increase the gain until they do lock up, then back off the gain a bit.
This is the only time you press the levers. No, they will not apply more brake on top of what the controller applies while braking ,except the lever does applies full voltage, while using the brake pedal applies varying voltage determined by how much you depress the pedal. Do not press the levers except when you are adjusting gain.
Last edited by Flamingtaco; 12-14-2018 at 08:20 PM.
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HBS (12-14-2018)
12-14-2018, 08:40 PM
#24
Senior Member
LOL, no questions are stupid, but what you did is hilarious!
The levers are for setting the electric brake gain. After loading up, you get up to about 20-25 mph, then press the levers without pressing the brake pedal. If the brakes engage but do not lock up, you increase the gain until they do lock up, then back off the gain a bit.
This is the only time you press the levers. No, they will not apply more brake on top of what the controller applies while braking ,except the lever does applies full voltage, while using the brake pedal applies varying voltage determined by how much you depress the pedal. Do not press the levers except when you are adjusting gain.
The levers are for setting the electric brake gain. After loading up, you get up to about 20-25 mph, then press the levers without pressing the brake pedal. If the brakes engage but do not lock up, you increase the gain until they do lock up, then back off the gain a bit.
This is the only time you press the levers. No, they will not apply more brake on top of what the controller applies while braking ,except the lever does applies full voltage, while using the brake pedal applies varying voltage determined by how much you depress the pedal. Do not press the levers except when you are adjusting gain.
THANKS!!
12-15-2018, 12:53 AM
#25
This is the only time you press the levers. No, they will not apply more brake on top of what the controller applies while braking ,except the lever does applies full voltage, while using the brake pedal applies varying voltage determined by how much you depress the pedal. Do not press the levers except when you are adjusting gain.
The following users liked this post:
HBS (12-15-2018)
12-15-2018, 08:57 AM
#26
This is the only time you press the levers. No, they will not apply more brake on top of what the controller applies while braking ,except the lever does applies full voltage, while using the brake pedal applies varying voltage determined by how much you depress the pedal. Do not press the levers except when you are adjusting gain.
Watch the Lucille Ball/Desi Arnaz movie, "The Long Long Trailer." They have a funny scene where the dealer is teaching Desi how to brake the trailer using one. (Hint: In those days, the brake controllers weren't smart like they are today.)
12-15-2018, 10:06 AM
#28
Senior Member
12-16-2018, 10:11 PM
#30
Senior Member
Most states require trailer brakes over 3000 lbs, period. Not cool or a good idea to do without.
And you are only missing the controller. It is a relatively inexpensive add-on, either Ford or aftermarket. If you need it, you should add it. Looking at around $200 bucks if you buy the part yourself, install it, and pay a dealer to turn it on - all factory ford parts.
Of the soap box...
And you are only missing the controller. It is a relatively inexpensive add-on, either Ford or aftermarket. If you need it, you should add it. Looking at around $200 bucks if you buy the part yourself, install it, and pay a dealer to turn it on - all factory ford parts.
Of the soap box...