Hi all,

I'm hoping for at least some information. I have a 2015 F150 2.7 scab. Last fall I installed a factory brake controller and enabled all the trailer brake stuff through forscan. We brought the trailer home but didn't really get a chance to use it. I assumed the brakes were working on the trailer because when I used the override switch, they came on as they should. But while driving, they don't appear to work and I get the "trailer disconnected" message. I just rechecked my settings in forscan to see if maybe something was not enabled but all is good. I took the plug out of the rear bumper and all the electrical connections appear good. Nothing looks majorly corroded. I cleaned up the little bit of dirt and put it back together. I'm used to old school simpler stuff. Not a bunch of modules. Anything I should be looking at in particular that's a common problem with this issue? Any help would need greatly appreciated.

 

Was it an OEM trailer brake controller? We've seen many issues with Amazon and knock offs.

 

I thought it was at the time of purchase but apparently not. I figured I would just use it since I had it.

 

I did purchase and install a OEM brake controller and activated via forscan. I also sometimes get the "trailer disconnected" error, but I always thought it was an issue with my connection between truck and trailer as jiggling the plug has always solved that issue.

The one thing I have always wondered about is if pressing the brake is actually activating the trailer brakes. I can see on my display that the brakes are activating, but I don't ever really feel them unless I use the override switch. I am assuming they are working, just more in sync where you don't feel it, but it is different from past trucks with non-OEM controllers where it seems like the trailer is braking more than the truck.

 

That's just it. I don't see them activating on my screen. I thought I could feel them before but I'm thinking I was mistaken. So that's why I'm reaching out.

 

The manual describes how to set the trailer brake controller. You shouldn't tow at all before setting it. There is also a checklist built into the truck's menu.

Procedure for Setting Trailer Brake
Controller Mode
Select the correct option using the
information display. Choose electric for
trailers with electromagentic drum brakes
or EOH for trailers with electric over
hydraulic brake systems. See Information
Displays (page 103).
Trailer Brake Effort Setting
The trailer brake controller allows the user
to customize how aggressively the trailer
brakes engage. The default value is "Low"
and is the recommended setting for most
trailers. If your trailer's brakes require more
initial voltage, or if you prefer more
aggressive trailer braking, then select either
the "Medium" or the "High" setting.
Procedure for Adjusting Gain
Note: Only perform this procedure in a
traffic-free environment at speeds of
approximately 20-25 mph (30-40 km/h).
The gain setting sets the trailer brake
controller for the specific towing condition.
You should change the setting as towing
conditions change. Changes to towing
conditions include trailer load, vehicle load,
road conditions and weather.
The gain should be set to provide the
maximum trailer braking assistance while
making sure the trailer wheels do not lock
when using the brakes. Locked trailer
wheels may lead to trailer instability.
1. Make sure the trailer brakes are in good
working condition, functioning normally
and properly adjusted. See your trailer
dealer if necessary.
2. Hook up the trailer and make the
electrical connections according to the
trailer manufacturer's instructions.
3. When you plug in a trailer with electricor electric-over-hydraulic brakes, amessage confirming connectionappears in the information display.
4. Use the gain adjustment (+ and -)buttons to increase or decrease thegain setting to the desired startingpoint. A gain setting of 6.0 is a goodstarting point for heavier loads.
5. In a traffic-free environment, tow thetrailer on a dry, level surface at a speedof 20-25 mph (30-40 km/h) andsqueeze the manual control levercompletely.
6. If the trailer wheels lock up, indicatedby squealing tires, reduce the gainsetting. If the trailer wheels turn freely,increase the gain setting.
Repeat Steps5 and 6 until the gain setting is at apoint just below trailer wheel lock-up.If towing a heavier trailer, trailer wheellock-up may not be attainable evenwith the maximum gain setting of 10.

 

Apparently there's a lot more that I was unaware of when it comes to trailer towing with my F150. I'll have to go through that process when I get my trailer back from the dealer. Appreciate the info. Thank you

 

Ok. So I picked up my trailer today and am going through the steps listed above. I don't have the low, medium, high option. I guess since it's a 2015. My problem is that the trailer says it's connected but when I press the brake pedal in my truck, the output meter on the dash doesn't show anything. Again, I can check the brakes by using the override on my switch and that works. But using my brakes from the pedal doesn't seem to work. The trailer is not saying it's disconnected. Maybe a problem with a module?

 

Something to keep in mind with the factory controllers, the are a proportional controller meaning the harder you stop the more power is sent to the trailer so if you are going slow and applying the brake pedal it likely isnt sending much if any power to the trailer. And also you will have the power adjustment which basically sets the max power the truck can send to the trailer. The fact that the manual slide is sending power is showing that everything is working. You will need to set the power level on the road and find the balance in the settings. Hope that helps a bit.

 

​​​That actually does. Thank you. But if that's the case, why does it not show up on the meter on my dash when I'm on the trailer screen for that specific trailer? Nothing green on the meter lights up when I apply the brakes from the brake pedal. Does that mean they're still working?