How to Use Ford Trailer Brake Controller
Many Ford trucks like the F150 come equipped with an electric trailer brake controller, otherwise known as TBC. As the name implies, its purpose is to assist vehicles hauling trailers with braking for an overall smoother, secure experience. A driver of a truck utilizing TBC need not do anything out of the ordinary; by pressing on the truck's brake, the TBC should automatically brake the trailers' wheels as well. However, it's important to know how to properly set it up for the best results.
How to Setup the Trailer Brake Controller
Ford trucks will automatically apply the same level of pressure you apply to your vehicle's brakes to the brakes of what you're towing. However, you can also adjust the voltage based on the trailer weight, incremental weather, and road conditions like gravel versus. pavement.
The truck's center console enables you to access the trailer brake controller, often positioned to the right of the wheel. Here, you can turn this feature on and off, as well as determine how much voltage you want to transfer to your TBC. Too little power, and you risk dangerously hurting your abilities to abruptly brake when needed. However, keeping your settings unnecessarily high can put extra wear on your tires or even cause your brakes to lock. To view how much power your trailer brake controller has, go to your LCD productivity screen and navigate to Truck Apps and then push the arrow twice to view Trailer Display. Assuming a trailer is connected to your truck, you can see a visual of how much power your Ford will transfer with the current settings, also known as "gain setting."
For more information on how to best adjust your specific truck's settings, consult your ownership manual or consult with Bo Beuckman Quality Ford. Regardless of the specific model, it's recommended to adjust the trailer brake controller when driving in an area with minimal traffic.
Properly Connecting Your Trailer Your Ford Truck
Of course, the trailer brake controller is ineffective if the trailer itself is not properly attached to your truck. To ensure you've done it correctly, we suggest navigating to the Connection Checklist option on your screen. From here, you are provided with guidelines for various attachment methods, making sure you don't skip important steps like readjusting your mirrors, raising your tongue jack, etc.
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FAQ About Trailer Brake Controllers
Where are the trailer brake controls located inside my cabin?
The short answer is that the location depends on the specific model you drive. In many Ford trucks, access to the trailer brakes is found on your center console. Here, you can manage the independent control lever and adjust how much power the brakes should receive. The dashboard will show if the trailer is connected or disconnected, as well as how much proportionate power its brakes will receive. However, not all trailer brake controller systems are as sophisticated as Ford's, especially if you have an older truck. You may find it under the dash or with the trailer mounting hardware. Some trucks even have wireless control accessible through an app on your phone.
Why shouldn't I wire my vehicle's brake signal directly to my trailer?
You can do this and it would work, but your victory would be short-lived. The braking power the trailer experiences would equal that of the primary vehicle one-to-one, which is entirely unnecessary. As a result, your brakes will need to be replaced much more frequently and you can expect an overall rough ride. What is the difference between proportional brake controllers and time-delayed brake controllers? Unless you're driving an older vehicle, your truck most likely has proportional brake controllers. As the name implies, the pressure you put on your primary brakes will apply proportionately to your trailer. The only exception is if you are stationary for an extended period (such as in a traffic jam), proportional brake controllers will temporarily disconnect so you're not unnecessarily wearing them out. This is particularly helpful for larger personal trucks and commercial vehicles. The alternative (and less popular) options are time-delayed brake controllers. Contrasting with the above, the same amount of force is applied to the trailer braking each and every time, pre-determined by adjustable settings. Additionally, it's worth noting that they are cheaper than proportional brake controllers. However, the driving and braking experience won't be as smooth.
Can I install a trailer brake controller myself?
Trailer brake controllers have varying levels of complexity when installing (time-delayed brake models tend to be simpler to apply). However, given the crucial role they play in keeping you and other drivers safe, we recommend turning to a professional (like our Bo Beuckman team of master mechanics).
Got Questions Or Need a Repair? Bo Beuckman Quality Ford Can Help
If you are unsure of how to setup your trailer brake controller or think it may need a repair or replacement, our knowledgeable team is ready to help! Call us at 636-224-6898 or set up a Service Center appointment.
By Brent FaronBrent Faron is the General Manager at Bo Beuckman Quality Ford, where he has worked in nearly every role since 2006 and now leads the Used Car division. He lives in Wildwood, Missouri with his wife and three kids.
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Bo Beuckman Quality Ford
15675 Manchester Road
Ellisville, MO 63011
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