Using Ford Trailer Brakes
To use the trailer brakes on a Ford vehicle, you can follow these steps:
1. Connect the Trailer: Ensure that the trailer is properly connected to the vehicle.
– When the TBC is turned on and your trailer is properly connected, the TBC automatically applies brake force to the trailer’s individual wheels when you press the towing vehicle’s brakes.
2. Adjust Brake Power: You can manually adjust the amount of power applied to the trailer brakes, if desired.
– The gain setting can be fine-tuned using the manual control to ensure the trailer stops without the brakes locking during a panic stop.
– Adjust the sensitivity level to control how aggressively the brake controller applies the brakes.
3. Testing: After making adjustments, it’s important to test the trailer brakes to ensure they are functioning as desired.
– Set the gain and step on the brakes fairly hard at about 10-15 mph to see how the trailer responds, and adjust the gain accordingly.
4. Maintenance: Regularly maintain the trailer brakes, including lubricating wheel bearings, checking wheel nuts, and inspecting tires and valve stems.
It’s important to note that electric trailer brakes do not work without a brake controller, so it’s essential to have a properly functioning brake controller when towing a trailer equipped with electric brakes.
These steps should help you effectively use the trailer brakes on your Ford vehicle.
Contents
- What is the slider for on a trailer brake controller?
- How do you adjust the brake gain on a Ford trailer?
- What should I set my trailer brake gain to?
- How do you use a Ford trailer brake controller?
- How does Ford brake controller work?
- Do you have to break in trailer brakes?
- What is the TBC mode on my Ford?
- How do you use a trailer brake?
- How much pad should be on trailer brakes?
- How to use Ford f350 trailer brake controller?
What is the slider for on a trailer brake controller?
It gives you two options for how to engage the brakes: You can set the brake gain automatically using the “+” and “-” buttons, and the gain level will display on the screen. You can also manually engage the trailer brakes by pressing together the two sliding paddles located below the “=” and “-” buttons.
How do you adjust the brake gain on a Ford trailer?
And choose low medium. Or high low is the default setting which is recommended for most trailers. One last thing if you press the back arrow.
What should I set my trailer brake gain to?
A gain setting of 6.0 is a good starting point for heavier loads. If the trailer wheels lock up indicated by squealing tires reduce the gain setting. If the trailer wheels turn freely, increase the gain setting to adjust Trailer Brake Controller specifically for your trailer, set the type of brakes your trailer uses.
How do you use a Ford trailer brake controller?
Still with me okay. Then let’s move on in order to see what the TBC is telling you you’ll want to have the trailer screen up on your LCD.
How does Ford brake controller work?
There’s a manual control lever that sends power to the trailer’s brakes. And plus and minus buttons that adjust the amount of power sent. Which is called the gain setting.
Do you have to break in trailer brakes?
The answer is yes; Electric Drum Brakes require a break-in process to achieve full performance. The break-in process should be used after the installation of new axles, brake shoes, or magnets as part of regular maintenance.
What is the TBC mode on my Ford?
When the TBC is turned on and your trailer is properly connected, the TBC automatically applies brake force to the trailer’s individual wheels when you press the towing vehicle’s brakes. You can manually adjust the amount of power applied to the trailer brakes, if desired.
How do you use a trailer brake?
Most trailer brake controllers come with a manual activation button. This allows you to activate the trailer brakes whenever desired, without applying the vehicle brakes. Manual trailer brake activation can be useful for correcting minor trailer sway and gradually slowing down on a steep hill or before stops.
How much pad should be on trailer brakes?
The steering axle brake lining/pad thickness shall not be less than 3.2 mm (1⁄8 inch) for air disc brakes, or 1.6 mm (1⁄16 inch) or less for hydraulic disc, drum and electric brakes. (2) Non-steering axle brakes.
How to use Ford f350 trailer brake controller?
The Trailer Brake Controller switch is located on your center console. When this feature is enabled, the brakes on your trailer will engage automatically when you use the brakes on your vehicle.