Using the Ford F-150 Trailer Brake Controller
To use the trailer brake controller in your Ford F-150, follow these steps:
1. Understanding the Trailer Brake Controller: The trailer brake controller automatically applies the trailer brakes when the towing vehicle’s brakes are applied. It has 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.
2. Setting Up the Trailer Brake Controller: To set up the trailer brake controller, you can follow the instructions in the message center of your vehicle. The video mentioned in Source can help explain what the trailer brake controller does and how to set it up in your message center.
3. Adjusting the Trailer Brake Controller Sensitivity: The controller has a manual control lever that sends independent power to the trailer’s brakes, and plus and minus buttons. Pressing either of them adjusts how much or how little power the controller sends to your trailer’s brakes. If you press and hold the button, you can raise or lower the gain setting continuously. To see what the controller is telling you, you’ll want to have the trailer screen up on your LCD productivity screen (instrument cluster).
4. Activation and Installation: After installing an aftermarket brake controller, there may be a need for activation of the module by a Ford dealership, especially if it’s an OEM brake controller. However, for aftermarket units, activation may not be necessary.
5. Additional Requirements: It’s important to note that vehicles must be equipped with the Trailer Tow Package or Max Trailer Tow Package (wiring) for the kit to be functional. Also, the OEM plug for the brake controller is usually located on the driver’s side, behind the trim panel that runs below the steering wheel, and to the right of the driver’s side, beside or behind the radio console.
Remember to refer to the specific instructions provided in your vehicle’s manual for detailed guidance on using the trailer brake controller.
If you have any further questions or need additional assistance, feel free to reach out for more help!
Contents
- How do you use a trailer brake controller on a truck?
- When should the trailer brake controller gain setting be adjusted?
- How do you use the brake controller on a Ford F150?
- What is the TBC mode on my Ford?
- What does TBC fault code mean?
- What should I set my trailer brake gain to?
- What is TBC mode electric or EOH?
- How do you use Ford trailer brakes?
- How much pad should be on trailer brakes?
- How do you activate a Ford trailer brake controller?
How do you use a trailer brake controller on a truck?
You can do this by pushing. Positive or negative. You generally want to start with a low number and work your way up.
When should the trailer brake controller gain setting be adjusted?
Loading and Unloading: Every time after loading, unloading, or changing the amount of weight loaded on a trailer, you will need to adjust the “gain” setting on your brake controller. With more weight, you will need more gain. With less weight, you can reduce your gain.
How do you use the brake controller on a Ford F150?
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.
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.
What does TBC fault code mean?
The TBC fault or trailer brake fault is normally a bad brake pressure transducer this is the switch on the bottom of the master cylinder closest to the firewall.
What should I set my trailer brake gain to?
The higher the number, the greater the braking power (gain). For a lighter load, begin with a 2 (or 20) setting. Start the tow vehicle, squeeze the manual control toggle(s) and release the brake. If the tow vehicle starts moving, the gain is too low.
What is TBC mode electric or EOH?
Trailer Brake Controller. INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE MODULE. The Integrated Trailer Brake Controller allows you to automatically or manually activate the Electric Trailer Brakes and Electric-Over-Hydraulic (EOH) trailer brakes for a better braking performance when towing.
How do you use Ford trailer brakes?
How do I use my Ford truck’s 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.
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 do you activate a Ford trailer brake controller?
How do I use my Ford truck’s 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.