Ford Integrated Trailer Brake Controller
The Ford integrated trailer brake controller is a feature available on Ford F-150 trucks that helps slow down a towed trailer. It allows the driver to automatically or manually activate the electronic brakes on properly equipped trailers, providing greater stopping power on downhill grades .
The integrated trailer brake controller works in conjunction with the vehicle’s braking system. It reduces the output at vehicle speeds below 11 mph (18 km/h) to ensure smooth and controlled braking, preventing jerky or harsh braking motions. It is important to note that this feature is only available when applying the brakes using the vehicle’s brake pedal, not the controller itself.
To set up and adjust the integrated trailer brake controller, follow these steps:
1. Hook up the trailer and make the electrical connections according to the trailer manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Select the default mode if the trailer has surge brakes or no brakes at all.
3. Adjust the gain setting to a point just below trailer wheel lock-up. Repeat this step until the desired setting is achieved. Note that if towing a heavier trailer, trailer wheel lock-up may not be attainable even with the maximum gain setting of 10.
It is worth mentioning that the Ford integrated trailer brake controller is a factory-installed option and can be easily added to F-150 trucks with a factory-installed tow package featuring a receiver hitch and two trailer connection plugs (7 pin and 4 pin). It is generally recommended to choose the integrated controller over aftermarket options, as it is specifically designed for Ford vehicles and provides better performance.
Please note that if you are experiencing any issues with the integrated trailer brake controller, it is recommended to consult an authorized dealer for diagnosis and assistance.
I hope this information helps! Let me know if you have any further questions.
Contents
- How does Ford integrated brake controller work?
- What does an integrated braking system do?
- Do I need an integrated trailer brake controller?
- Do I need an integrated brake controller?
- Do you need an integrated brake controller?
- How do you activate a Ford trailer brake controller?
- How do I know if my truck has a built in brake controller?
- What is an integrated trailer brake controller?
- Will trailer brakes work without a brake controller?
- Do I need a brake controller if I have a 7 pin trailer plug?
How does Ford integrated 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.
What does an integrated braking system do?
The integrated braking system adapts the deceleration power particularly precisely to the driver’s wishes and provides them with a constant pedal feel that is not affected by road wetness, strong lateral acceleration or high brake temperatures due to disturbing impulses.
Do I need an integrated trailer brake controller?
You’ll need one of these devices if the trailer you’re towing is equipped with electric or electro hydraulic brakes. Otherwise, there’s nothing telling the trailer’s brakes when to operate. The federal law that regulates commercial vehicles states, trailers with a loaded weight over 3,000 lbs. require brakes.
Do I need an integrated brake controller?
You’ll need one of these devices if the trailer you’re towing is equipped with electric or electro hydraulic brakes. Otherwise, there’s nothing telling the trailer’s brakes when to operate. The federal law that regulates commercial vehicles states, trailers with a loaded weight over 3,000 lbs. require brakes.
Do you need an integrated brake controller?
Electric trailer brakes do not work without a brake controller. If your trailer is equipped with electric brakes, you will need a brake controller to tow. However, some trailers are equipped with surge brakes. These are a hydraulic braking system that uses the trailer’s own weight and momentum to actuate the 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.
How do I know if my truck has a built in brake controller?
This one here being an f250. It was an integrated brake controller. And it depends on the package on the truck. And how much equipments on the truck. And the trim level. Some of them will not have.
What is an integrated trailer brake controller?
The TBC control is located on your center console. Here. It has a manual slide control lever that apply the trailers electric brakes independently of the tow vehicle. And a plus and minus gain adjust.
Will trailer brakes work without a brake controller?
No. Without a brake controller your trailer’s electric brakes will remain inactive, you’ll be in breach of road rules and most importantly you wouldn’t be towing safely.
Do I need a brake controller if I have a 7 pin trailer plug?
A brake controller and 7-pin plug will be necessary to use with an electric trailer brake. Keep in mind that the regulations and laws regarding trailer brakes will vary depending on your vehicle and the state you live in. Remember that safety is the first priority when it comes to towing!