Ford and Disc brakes

[KR2011]

This is the first person to have an issue with ford controller that I've read about. I wonder did you have dealer check out the controller before you by passed it?

[mhs4771]

Some of the new TV with on-board brake controller require an interface box between the TV brake controller and the Disc brake hydraulic pump. Had to add it to our present Montana when we had it upgraded to disc brakes. Now everything works like a champ.

[Clay Artist]

Hopefully, we have an anomaly and your controller will be wonderful. In conversations with my long-time mechanic, he reports many complaints about the inadequacy of the in-dash controller, but then we routinely haul much heavier trailers than the Redwood. I'll be interested to know how your in-dash controller works for you.

[Clay Artist]

Yes. Had it checked out three times. The dealer just could not find anything wrong, however, when I took the truck to my independent mechanic, he tested the "pulse" coming from the controller and told me it was inadequate to activate the electric/hydraulic brake pads. It is worth noting that I have an electric/hydraulic system that Ford says is compatible with their controller. The Tekoneva was a relatively cheap fix for brakes on everything that I haul.(16K GVW, 12.5 GVW and6.5 GVW)Under $350.00

[KR2011]

I routinely pull 30000# with my ford but my Redwood will be the first with disc brakes, it will be interesting to see if they work together.

[KR2011]

Do you know exactly how your mechanic checked the plus output does this take a special tool or something more common?

[Clay Artist]

He had a "box" that he plugged into thereceiver plug in the bed of the truck that gave him a read out on the electrical pulse coming from the controller when I stepped on the brake. I have a feeling that this is a specialty item. Don't see why you couldn't use a regular electrical ohm reader . . . just need to know what strength will activate your brake pads and what "pole" on the plug is the brakes. Ifyou haul 30K+I doubt you will have any problems with your Redwood. Iwas very surprisedwhen I had issues with the new Ford controller - but you got to have reliablebrakes. BTW he used the Ford wiring harness, just put the Tekoneva controller on it.

[KR2011]

I had to the same thing with my 05 ford that a built in controller that thing wouldn't activate its self let alone brakes, I used the prodigy in that truck.

[Clay Artist]

Yeah - you got to wonder - why make a truck rated to pull 20K+ when the customer has to put in aftermarket brake controller and additional suspension (2 ton leaf spring + air bags) to make it pull that? Great engine - wait and see on the tranny - but otherwise, very pretty but functional . . . ? . . . not so much.

[KR2011]

I can't complain about my ford, so far I have not had any problems I did add air ride on all 4 corners and added 19.5 wheels rated at 4300# 's each with Michelin tires and a 10 foot plow, this truck has to pay for itself and its a sharp truck pulling my house around the country. Oh ya I did build a hauler body as well.Edited by: KR2011

[KR2011]

When we get to do some real traveling I will stretch the frame and modify the hauler body to have a bike lift so I can take my Harley with us. Right now we pull a second trailer behind the 5er with the bike and we are over length by a few feet.Edited by: KR2011

[Clay Artist]

Yowza . . . you gots a tricked out ride, sir!

[KR2011]

Thanks its a vision coming to life.

[Dave&Ginny]

Have you had any problems with the police hauling doubles? I have a cutom built 16ft V shaped enclosed trailer that is painted to match my truck. All together it's 19 ft long and I was going to try pulling it hooked up to my 5er. I was told by a couple of state cops not to worry unless I got in a wreck or caused a wreck. I've been warned that in other states they would come after me because I'd be about 15 foot over in length.
Edited by: Dave&Ginny

[KR2011]

So far I have not had any issue's but an over achieving law officer could make for a bad day. Doubles are legal in most states if you are pulling a 5th wheel and bumper hitch, but ball to ball such as bumper pull to bumper pull or goose neck to bumper pull is not legal in most states. I have seen a 39foot 5th wheel pulling a 28 foot pontoon boat down the interstate, he was way over length. If you do it make sure and have the battery and brake wire added to the four way plug so that you have a charge wire for your break away switch and brakes on the second trailer.

[Dave&Ginny]

I'd love pull a boat behing my trailer too. I used to pull doubles with big trucks years ago so I know how as long as the copps leave me alone.

[KR2011]

I used to pull my 17' bayliner behind my 5er and had no trouble at all.

[lillyputz]

Some states, like California require an endorsement on your license, even if you are not from California.



Lillyputz