Ford ITBC - 2012 Redwood 36RL

Titan Guy · 09-13-2015, 09:09 PM

Just got a real education on the 2005-2013 Integrated Brake Controller.
This occurred because I had a defective Ford/Chevy Adapter (Cam Module). Which had never happened, making me believe the ITBC was the problem.
The actuator fired up just fine when pulling the break away switch and when hooked to the truck using the manual over ride. When you pressed the brake pedal, nothing, nada, zilch!

It seems the voltage to the trailer from the IBC is controlled by speed and cannot be tested stationary at the plug. As speed increases voltage increases proportionally to 15 mph where full voltage is available yet still ramps up when the brake pedal is depressed.

The result of this ramping up of voltage is the impression there is no lag in the actuator. Very impressive. There is lag, you just don't feel it because the ramp up is so smooth.

When we hooked up the Ford to my trailer and took it for a test drive the brakes worked flawlessly. My trailer is set up with a Ford/Chevy Adapter so I can hook any truck to my trailer and it work.

We replaced the Ford/Chevy Adapter on the 36RL and took it for a test drive.
We ran loose wires from the pin box Blue & White wire to the cab of the truck and had a passenger check voltage at various speeds.
Sure enough, as speed increased, voltage ramp up increased and worked flawlessly.

Now I understand why some people say they have no lag. They just can't feel it with a superior controller.

travelin' texans · 09-13-2015, 10:34 PM

I said all along, they're making these trucks (& most everything else) way smarter than me. I've got gadgets on mine that I've never used.

Ford truck guy · 09-14-2015, 12:46 AM

I wonder if that was my problem with the other kit?? I did NOT add a cam module per the guy on the phone at BrakeRite???

5th_Time · 09-14-2015, 01:41 AM

Redwoods come with the CAM module (at least with disk brake option they do). No harm having it or not.

When I was initially having a problem with my disk brakes, disk pump mfg. even suggested putting a second CAM module in series with the original (which I didn't do). Turns out I had a bad disk brake pump from Redwood install anyway...

Ford truck guy · 09-14-2015, 01:54 AM

The issue I had was on my prior non RW trailer... No cam module.. It was an 08 KZ Montego Bay...

Titan Guy · 09-14-2015, 02:32 AM

Joe,
Don't think that was your problem.

mhs4771 · 09-14-2015, 02:52 AM

Ron, those CAM Modules can fail. We changed campgrounds and everything was fine, hooked up to leave 4 days later and no brakes. Still a mystery who or why that CAM Module died sitting still, but it did.
I've read on another forum that you can add a magnet or two from a drum brake setup in parallel with the Pump and it will fake out the older controllers into thinking you have standard electric drums.

Retired educators · 09-14-2015, 03:50 AM

I just traded my 2012 GMC SRW for a 2015 GMC DRW. Couldn't figure out why I had no brakes on my 38RL with new truck when brakes worked on old one. Sent message to Ron (Titan Guy) and he hooked me up with company that built brake system for Redwood. Come to find out the Cam Module on RV was not correct one and would not work with my new truck. Replaced Cam Module and everything works great now. A big thanks to Ron!

atom ant · 09-14-2015, 04:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5th_Time

Redwoods come with the CAM module (at least with disk brake option they do). No harm having it or not.

When I was initially having a problem with my disk brakes, disk pump mfg. even suggested putting a second CAM module in series with the original (which I didn't do). Turns out I had a bad disk brake pump from Redwood install anyway...

That's what happened to mine - before we even left the lot I tested brakes and almost rolled through the gate. They blamed the CAM module, the Redwood factory wiring, but in the end it was the actuator itself.

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