Ford Brake Controller

[Jaxon]

Built-in on the newer Ford trucks. Anyone had good or bad experiences with them? We haven't been out much since we got this F250 so am just checking to see if there is anything we might need to be aware of. Thanks

[ScottW]

Jaxon,
As I recall, the owners manual on my 07 Classic specifically lists 4-5, maybe six controllers recommended for the new disc brakes (if you have them). I'm certain the Ford OEM controller is one of them. Can anyone support this? I'll look it up later and get back with another post if needed.

[vswingfield]

I would also appreciate input on this. I will need to upgrade from my F150 as a result of the step up to the ’34’ trailer. Any additional information will be helpful.

Vaughan

[ScottW]

I installed a prodigy controller in the dashboard hole where the OEM controller would normally be. Found the following on activetech web site...
"Approved In-Cab Brake Controllers
The inertia based brake controllers which Active Technology approves for use with the ActiBrake are:
Hayes Genesis, Hayes Energize XPC, Hayes Endeavor, Hayes Energize III and Tekonsha Prodigy and the Ford Super Duty in-dash brake controller. The
ActiBrake may work with other controllers, but the operation of the ActiBrake and trailer braking
performance may NOTbe optimized. (ABRAKE SYSTEMS OPERTIONALQUALITYCAN BE NO
BETTER THAN THE OPERTIONALQUALITYOF THE IN-CAB CONTROLLER!) ".

Now, having contradicted myself...I saw the Ford controller specifically mentioned as OK. Give me a while to find the reference.

[ScottW]

OK...sorry for the delay. In case you read the above posting before I added the italicized info, please read again. The original was copied from the web site. The italics was just read in the Owners manual from Active Technology that came with my 07 Classic. If they say the Ford controller is OK...then it should work as well as my Prodigy - and It works GREAT!. Hope this helps.

[Goin camping]

The Ford brake controller works great!

It is compatible with both disc brake controllers.

[Jaxon]

Good news. Thanks y'all. Seems to have been OK for relatively "local" trips... just kind of wondering about longer distances over time. New product and double nice that it's OEM.

[CanoeStream]

There are plenty of good discussions if you search the forums on towcommand (all one word).

[dpandorf]

Here's a link to a group that have driven a new '08 Ford F450 a 150,000 miles in 131 days pulling at a minimum a 12,000 pound trailer and for 100,000 miles an 18,000 pound trailer.

YouTube - Ford F450 Super Duty Diesel 150,000 Mile Tow Test

[2airishuman]

Originally Posted by Jaxon

so am just checking to see if there is anything we might need to be aware of. Thanks

hi jaxon

do you have disc brakes or drums on your classic?

as c'stream has suggested search with towcommand and 12 useful threads will appear....

several of us have posted relevant info already

if you've not towed with the combo yet, you'll need to...

-calibrate the amount of boost on the dash controller...

IF discs...

-run through the initial set up process for the actibrake/towcommand...

-then calibrate the amount of boost on teh dash controller

-assume the brake pads/rotors (on the trailer) haven't been properly bedded and do this too...

check the pads for thickness/wear after the setup is completed.

and consider changing the brake fluid with the next wheel bearing service...



cheers
2air'

[Jaxon]

Duane,
I saw that one the other day - pretty nice truck... it's kind of what got me to thinking about the controller - Airstream-wise... Seems the manufacturer and dealerships always have better luck with the product than I do... dunno, not sure what that's all about...

[dpandorf]

Originally Posted by Jaxon

Duane,
I saw that one the other day - pretty nice truck... it's kind of what got me to thinking about the controller - Airstream-wise... Seems the manufacturer and dealerships always have better luck with the product than I do... dunno, not sure what that's all about...

I have the new '08 F250 with the brake controller and have pulled our 34' over 2000 miles so far and love it the brake controller/tow command package. The tow mirrors are a very nice option to boot too.

[double/eagle]

I just used my 2008 f-250 with my 06 Classic, did not seem to work as well as my other controler did. I also ge a disconnect light that comes on some time.

[ScottW]

You might try some electrical contact cleaner on both TV and Classic. Then make sure the connector 'clicks' into position.
Been there!

[2airishuman]

Originally Posted by double/eagle

I just used my 2008 f-250 with my 06 Classic, did not seem to work as well as my other controler did. I also ge a disconnect light that comes on some time.

the disconnect light suggests a loose/poor connection at the 'brake pin' or the '+\- pins' on the 7 pin connector.

do the clearance lights and turn signals operate with the tv lights?

IF the connection isn't good the controller won't work well...

after cleaning the connections and improving the contacts...

the brake controller MUST be calibrated, did you do this?

also your disc brakes need to be bedded correctly and the controller set at the ideal level...

that's about it...

without more info on your situation.

cheers
2air'

[Pops]

Originally Posted by double/eagle

I just used my 2008 f-250 with my 06 Classic, did not seem to work as well as my other controler did. I also ge a disconnect light that comes on some time.

Double/eagle; did you get improvement after cleaning the connector?

The Tow Commander on my 05 F250 is factory installed and has performed very well except that occasionally it alarms for only 2 seconds and the dash display tells me to check trailer. Nothing can be found.

We tow a 05 Safari 28 with drum brakes.

After finding this thread I will try cleaning the connector again.