How do I setup my brake controller?

LZScout · 07-22-2013, 07:45 PM

I have a 2012 Ford F350 SRW Supercrew pulling a 2013 Alpine 3250RL 5th wheel that weighs about 14000lbs. The truck has Ford's integrated brake controller. I tried to set the brake controller using the recommended procedure but no matter how much I increased the setting, I could not get the brakes to lock up. Am I missing something?

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buzzcop63 · 07-22-2013, 10:05 PM

ABS brakes working on trailer tires keeping them from locking up, remember something about that in reading an article on the new Ford brake control?

Ken / Claudia · 07-22-2013, 10:06 PM

I do not have a factory brake controller and never used one. If it is like others it will have a boost on it to help with trailers that have more wt. than the truck. Mine has 3 settings for boost. Maybe check with a ford web site or dealer if no one can help further.

Brantlaker · 07-23-2013, 02:53 AM

The Ford Integrated brake controller has anti lock built into the system. I set mine at 6.5 and just leave it. On a flat road or parking lot you an fee a slight drag from the trailer that's all you need. have traveled over 10,000 miles in the last 14 month's like this in rain and snow. You can see by my header what I drive and tow
Gary

Bob Landry · 07-23-2013, 03:55 AM

Agree.. You should not be locking up the brakes when setting the controller. It is only used as an assist. I think the Ford manual even states that.

LZScout · 07-23-2013, 04:27 AM

Actually the F350 manual states to set the brake controller at a level of 6.5 the increase it to the point of brake lockup (when using the brake controller only to stop the vehicle at 25 mph), then back it down one notch. I've done this and gone to the max setting if 10 without lockup. I do feel the brakes engaging. I don't believe the Alpine has antilock brakes. So, opinions?

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Javi · 07-23-2013, 05:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LZScout

Actually the F350 manual states to set the brake controller at a level of 6.5 the increase it to the point of brake lockup (when using the brake controller only to stop the vehicle at 25 mph), then back it down one notch. I've done this and gone to the max setting if 10 without lockup. I do feel the brakes engaging. I don't believe the Alpine has antilock brakes. So, opinions?

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I believe if you read the instructions again it will tell you that heavier trailers will probably not lock the brakes..

6. If the trailer wheels lock up (indicated by squealing tires), reduce the
GAIN setting; if the trailer wheels turn freely, increase the GAIN setting.
Repeat Steps 5 and 6 until the GAIN setting is at a point just below
trailer wheel lock-up. If towing a heavier trailer, trailer wheel lock-up

may not be attainable even with the maximum GAIN setting of 10.

audio1der · 07-23-2013, 05:49 AM

Are there "Light Electric" and "Heavy Electric" brake modes available?
I understand you're not trying to have the wheels lock when stopping- you just want to be able to lock them so you can back it down a notch and be sure they're working to potential so as not to burden the truck.
I had the same issue with our Dodge integrated controller, and found the light/heavy setting by scrolling through the menus on the truck's dash computer (EVIC).
Hope this helps.

labs4life · 07-23-2013, 07:55 PM

Good post Javi!! Read # 7!!

LZScout · 07-23-2013, 08:38 PM

I don't know if the Ford has a "light or heavy" trailer brake setting, didn't see it anyway. I also missed the part in the manual about heavier trailers not bring able to lock the brakes (I will re-read). So should I up it to the max "10" setting?

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Javi · 07-24-2013, 01:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LZScout

I don't know if the Ford has a "light or heavy" trailer brake setting, didn't see it anyway. I also missed the part in the manual about heavier trailers not bring able to lock the brakes (I will re-read). So should I up it to the max "10" setting?

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This is what I do and it works for me..

I set my gain so that I can come to a complete stop using only the trailer brakes in a normal distance when going approximately 15 mph. Get up to that speed and let off the foot-feet as you apply the trailer brakes, you should immediately feel the braking action and within a few feet come to a full stop. For me this is 6.5 or 7 on the gain.

As for heavy and light settings... the Ford controller has no such setting only an Electric or Electric over Hydraulic setting.

P.S. Be careful of TOO MUCH trailer brake especially on rain slick or icy roads, I always back off the gain a notch or two.

**JRTJH** · 07-24-2013, 03:24 AM

I ran my F150 (factory brake controller) at about 6 or 7. On my F250 I run it about 5.5 to 6.5. That's towing a 7500 lb fifth wheel. I would think a heavier trailer may need a higher setting, but I don't think it would be "10". I believe that if the trailer brakes are properly adjusted and the electrical wiring at the axles is properly connected, a setting of 7.5 or maybe as high as 8, but certainly not as high as 9 or 10 (assuming the trailer brakes work properly).

I've known people who just "crank up the controller" rather than adjust the brakes. That might give you adequate braking in "normal driving conditions" but I'd be reluctant to operate the trailer like that. In an emergency stop situation, you just won't get the brake performance needed to avoid danger and stop the vehicles as well as you would if the brakes were adjusted to perform as they should.

To properly adjust the brakes, jack up the wheel, and while rotating it, tighten the brakes against the drum until they seat and stop wheel movement. Then back them off until they don't drag. If you can't get the brakes to seat properly, take the drum apart and see what's going on. Often it's bearing grease on the brake surface or a shifted component.

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