2016 EL Trailer Brake Controller

[seanbaker]

Looking at buying a 2016 EL Limited 4x4, to tow a small trailer (3500 lbs). From what I've read should tow easily.

My neighbor has a 2015 and said his trailer brake controller never worked. Is that a common problem? One of the reasons I'm looking at an expy with HD tow package is I like the idea of a built in TBC.

Thanks,

Sean

 

[Speedboosted]

Not really sure how/why his TBC "never worked" but the factory unit in my '17 EL works fine. I'm not in love with how it ramps in trailer braking pressure really high on the initial vehicle brake application, then that pressure tapers off. Sometimes it makes things feel slightly jerky but this is me being super picky with many many miles towing trailers with various vehicles. The factory TBC in '08-'16 Super Dutys has a more linear brake pressure application if that's any reference for you.

All in all the EL makes for a very solid tow vehicle, especially at that weight. My car trailer is around 6k loaded up with everything. Engine coolant and intake temps get a little warm pulling it through the mountains in NorCal and Southern Oregon but it has no problem going 55/60 or even more up those hills (pending temps).

 

[abnmike]

99% of people plug in their trailer then assume everything works automagically.

For light trailers it doesn’t matter. If you want trailer gain you actually have to set it up for that specific trailer.

I’m betting your neighbor never did that.

 

[GlennSullivan]

Looking at buying a 2016 EL Limited 4x4, to tow a small trailer (3500 lbs). From what I've read should tow easily.

My neighbor has a 2015 and said his trailer brake controller never worked. Is that a common problem? One of the reasons I'm looking at an expy with HD tow package is I like the idea of a built in TBC.

Thanks,

Sean

I also have a 17 with HDTow and pull an open car trailer with total weight ranging from 4900 to 6500. No issue at all with towing capability, even in PA mountains. Yes, you do need to adjust the braking pressure ramp-up based on weight you are towing. It is the up/down rocker switch on the controller itself.

I did have a strange issue with the controller not applying the brakes and declaring "trailer disconnected". Turned out to be the coupler ground which is above the spare tire and not visible unless the spare is dropped / removed.

Ground is the white wire attached to frame in picture below. Removed, cleaned / brushed connector and frame, reinstalled and all was well, but drove me crazy for days, checking everything and thinking it was the controller itself, until I decided to trace the wires from the coupler to the controller after checking all of the trailer wiring.

 

[MAC1]

My 2016 XLT with HD Tow Package has performed great since I bought it new. Have towed a 24' ATC Quest 305 race trailer for 7 years and then a 2013 Trailex Enclosed with no issues or malfunction. My EXPD now has 127K miles on it.

 

[seanbaker]

I did end up buying the Expedition. Hooked up the trailer on Friday night, all worked great, including the trailer brake controller.