2019 Braking performance with 6,000 lb TT

[Buckslivin]

Did my maiden voyage this weekend with 2019 exp max with towing package. Travel Trailer is about 6,000 lbs loaded.

Problem I am having is I can not get enough braking power to keep trailer from pushing truck. I know this is not a true test but can’t lock the breaks manually even on boost 10. The connection is being made bc there is some trailer braking but not enough or normal compared to my previous towing vehicles.

Anyone else have a similar experience with a similar configuration where the trailer brake controller appears to not be sending a strong enough signal to trailer brakes? Any advice from other travel trailer towers will be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Meeker]

There is a setting elsewhere in the configuration to set the "range" for the brake signal. Probably under the trailer configuration - I can't seem to find it in the manual but I remember setting it when I set up my TT.

 

[Yupster Dog]

https://owner.ford.com/support/how-...ding/how-to-use-trailer-brake-controller.html
If that does not help, under video is a chat link or phone number to get help straight from Ford.

 

[Buckslivin]

Yeah, it is set to largest trailer and gain is maxed to 10. I’m testing the trailer tomorrow with a different vehicle so I can rule out/in the trailer or the brake controller that is causing issues.

 

[Yupster Dog]

I have a tester that I can check the 7 pin connecter on the truck and test the trailer 7 pin. That might help.
You can pick one up for $30-$40

 

[Edistobob]

Yeah, it is set to largest trailer and gain is maxed to 10. I’m testing the trailer tomorrow with a different vehicle so I can rule out/in the trailer or the brake controller that is causing issues.

What happens when you operate the brakes with the manual slider? Are the trailer brakes still very weak?

 

[Buckslivin]

When I operate the slider, at 20 mph, I get no tangible response until I set it to 10. At 10 (highest setting), I get a small response, barely noticable....

I left it at 10 for my trip today but I had to be careful...at lights I had to brake progressively firm on the brake pedal for a controlled stop and I heard/felt the trailer moving forward in the coupler...

 

[Edistobob]

When I operate the slider, at 20 mph, I get no tangible response until I set it to 10. At 10 (highest setting), I get a small response, barely noticable....

I left it at 10 for my trip today but I had to be careful...at lights I had to brake progressively firm on the brake pedal for a controlled stop and I heard/felt the trailer moving forward in the coupler...

Then I definitely can see why you are concerned. With our trailer (about 7000 lbs) you can definitely feel the braking even when the slider is lightly engaged. I think you're on the right track to test the trailer with another vehicle to try to isolate whether the issue is with your factory controller vs the trailer. Just one additional thought--have you tried activating the breakaway switch to see if that strongly engages the trailer brakes? That may save you the trouble of testing it with another vehicle.

 

[MyExpedition2016]

Maybe an issue with the trailer brakes themselves? I have the opposite issue. If I have the IBC anything over 2.0, my trailer brakes lock up. However when doing the the 20mph test and triggering manual brakes it indicates I should be about 6.0 gain. Odd thing is this trailer worked fine in my 2010 expy with a prodigy controller. Now with the 2017 IBC this started happening.

 

[Buckslivin]

Just got back from the RV dealer, it was the trailer brakes. It is a brand new trailer and the technician said the brakes were set all the way out and not generating any heat so they couldnt set. He adjusted them (which I assume means tightened) and they are much better. It will still take about 100 miles to set but I think this is now solved.

Thanks for everyone's help!

 

[Eagle 71]

I have a tester that I can check the 7 pin connecter on the truck and test the trailer 7 pin. That might help.
You can pick one up for $30-$40

Hi Yupster,
Could I trouble you to provide a link to the 7-pin tester you mentioned? Thanks-

 

[Yupster Dog]

Hi Yupster,
Could I trouble you to provide a link to the 7-pin tester you mentioned? Thanks-

https://www.amazon.com/Trailer-Tester-Caravan-Recreational-Vehicle/dp/B07HNLWQVF/

 

[Eagle 71]

Great, thanks Yupster! Just ordered this tool from amazon.

 

[powerboatr]

did you by chance check the trailer brakes to make sure they are adjusted? they dont adjust automatically and will be to far away from the drum for good braking. every 5k miles at least you should check and adjust the shoes on the trailer.
lift wheel off ground one at a time and adjust the star wheel on the backing plate to create a slight drag when you spin the wheel, the star wheel will click and only rotate easily in one direction.
but if by chance you have the new dexter never adjust brakes...they may need to be set up and adjusted the first time.
if its a brand new trailer...bet the brakes are set correctly at all, axles are installed built up and they never get touched again until the consumer gets the trailer
my hauler trailer grosses out at 12k, i routinely carry 7 to 9k on it or the expy. my setting is 4 in the expy and 5 on my prodigy in the bus. they get adjusted at 5k intervals takes about 20 minutes one you do it a few times