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rancherwilli · 02-12-2012, 07:26 AM

I have towed several trailers with my F150 which has the factory tow package and the trailer brakes work but there is no visible brake controller. Do I have one? If not, do I need one?

Thanks, Bill

Bbasso · 02-12-2012, 09:18 AM

need more info to help you.

rancherwilli · 02-13-2012, 02:22 PM

Answered my own question by having the local dealer hook up his meter to the truck. No brake controller on truck so they installed one. Thanks

Mr_D · 02-13-2012, 02:37 PM

In your first post you say the trailer brakes worked but there was no controller. Then you say the dealer checked and added a controller.
If there was no controller how did the trailer brakes work to begin with?

rancherwilli · 02-14-2012, 03:47 AM

The technician explained it as uncontrolled braking action where the trailer is receiving a 12v signal that effects the brakes but no coordination with the tow vehicle. The last owner had no controller and drove it that way for three years with his chev 1500. He further stated that uncontrolled braking can result in total brake lockup..

Hikerdogs · 02-14-2012, 05:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rancherwilli

The technician explained it as uncontrolled braking action where the trailer is receiving a 12v signal that effects the brakes but no coordination with the tow vehicle. The last owner had no controller and drove it that way for three years with his chev 1500. He further stated that uncontrolled braking can result in total brake lockup..

I think the Ford technician is giving you a line of BS. I've had 6 Ford trucks with the towing package and even the latest (a 2010) needs a brake controller (either built in or as an add on) to activate the trailer brakes. The brake lights will illuminate without a controller but no power will be transmitted to the brakes themselves.

The controller not only sends the power to the brake magnets it also controls how much and when it's sent. If you were to apply a full 12 volts to the brakes the wheels would lock up on all but the heaviest trailers. Not only would the wheels lock up they would do it at any brake pedal pressure and at any speed.

I regularly pull a 2,100 lb dual axle trailer with a load capacity of 10,000 lbs. 3 volts at the magnets is enough to stop it empty. 8 volts will stop it nicely with an 8,000 lb load. 12 volts will lock the wheels even with a full 10,000 lb load

rancherwilli · 02-14-2012, 08:05 AM

He also said that is why thousands of rental moving trailers work on all vehicles with no controllers.

Pricejh · 02-14-2012, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rancherwilli

He also said that is why thousands of rental moving trailers work on all vehicles with no controllers.

I think your mechanic is grossly misinformed.

Just my humble opinion.

The U-Haul trailers that do have brakes, have hydraulic surge brakes. There is a hydraulic piston on the trailer toung that will send hydraulic pressure to the hydraulic brakes on the axles dependent on how hard the tow vehicle is trying to stop. (It is all based on inertia and physics) I know of no rental trailers that come equipped with electric brakes.

The good thing is that you now have a electric brake controller.