I have a 2012 F150 with max tow package. I pulled a tent trailer recently and was expecting to see the trailer connected message. This trailer however is not wired for brakes as it has independent hydraulic surge brakes. I am assuming the truck will only detect the trailer if the trailer has brakes that are interfaced with the truck brake controller?

 

Excerpt from my manual, page 278.
Trailer connected: This message is displayed when a correct trailer wiring connection (a trailer with electric trailer brakes) has been sensed during a given ignition cycle.

 

Yup and if it says Trailer Disconnected even when I'm plugged in, I know I didn't fully seat the plug.

 

Perfect, thanks!
Noticed you are pulling a fifth wheeler. Really torn between a 5er and a TT to be purchased next year. And we have looked at many! Finding so many bedrooms very small in the 5er's plus the low head room (in the 5er weight class for the truck).

 

We got ours for the larger master bedroom and the ceiling is about 6.5' so they are out there. We looked at Jayco and Cougar. The important thing is to configure your truck first with at least Max Tow and probably HD Payload to give you more flexibility in choices. I am at the payload limit of mine, but it handles and pulls comfortably. If I were to travel a lot, I would look for the HD payload which wasn't available until 2012.

 

Okay, thanks. I'll check out that model. We do have the HD payload option also. Max payload is 2,493, so we have a little room to play with.

 

You have lots of options then...5er tows much nicer than a TT...but it's your choice.

 

Hi All,
Just joined this site and I'm looking for opinions and advise. I have a '12 Platinum ecoboost with a 3.31 rear end. The book says I can tow 8100. With the 3.55 rear end it says 9600 can be towed. My question is, with just .24 difference in the rear ends, all else the same, if I stay out of 6th gear, would I be ok as long as I'm not trying to go 70-80mph?

 

interesting. My pop up shows as connected and it has no brakes.