Testing a Brake Controller without a Trailer Connected to a 2014 Ford F-150 STX

Question

Question:

Installing C74VV in 2014 Ford F-150 Stx sport 4x4 with factory 7 way trailer plug. Will be traveling to pick up trailer. How do I test at 7 way connector to know it is working BEFORE I leave to get trailer? I have test light and digital multimeter. Thank you

asked by: Bob

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

Basically, you will follow as much of the set up process as you can in the brake controller instructions. Once the controller is installed and the settings are adjusted for initial set up, set the power output to maximum.

With the power set to the max use your multimeter to test for voltage at the brake output pin on the truck's 7-Way connector. Someone will have to sit in the truck and apply the manual override on full while you are testing. You should be getting 11-12 volts.

Most newer proportional brake controllers have to sense movement to send power back with just the brake pedal pressed so to test that you would need a trailer connected. But if using a time delay controller such as # C74VV it should still send power back when you step on the brake pedal. I have also linked an article that will help. Some parts of it you can ignore because it references having a trailer connected.

expert reply by: Michael H

1

Answer 1

It is possible that you have an electric over hydraulic braking system on your trailer. Most OEM brake controllers are not compatible with electric over hydraulic actuators. If your trailer brakes are working, you may find your actuator is cycling…

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Answer 2

Correct, the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller #RED24FR will indeed still continue to calibrate without a trailer connected, but without the constant LED light. Per Redarc, if you just drive normally - even without a trailer connected - the…

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Answer 3

I would start by using a circuit tester, item #PTW2993 if needed, to check the wiring going to and coming from the brake controller. There are 4 wires that will need to be checked. White - Ground Red - Stoplight Switch Black - 12 Volt Constant Power…

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Answer 4

I checked with an online copy of the owner's manual, and found that fuse #22 in the fuse panel under the hood protects the power feed to the brake controller. I did not see a relay mentioned. Do you have the gain (power) turned up all the way on…

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Answer 5

I did some checking and the hub/drum we offer that will work for you is the part #8-430-5UC3. This uses the same bearings as the 8-415 and will be an exact fit aside from the fact this is a non-ABS setup and the 8-415 came in an ABS setup and non-ABS…

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Answer 6

It really just depends on what the wires are for. Most likely you have several ground wires among the 8 as well as a couple running light circuits in there as well. You just have to run all of the wires to the correct circuits. The 4-way wiring of…

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Answer 7

The two sizes you mentioned are pretty similar and fit many of the same 15 inch wheels. The 205/75-15 fits rim widths of 5 inch to 6-1/2 inch whereas the 225/75-15 fits widths that are 5 inch to 6 inch. The 205 is 27.1 inches tall and the 225 is 28.4…

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Answer 8

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 9

Since you have a wheelbase/axle spacing of 38 inches the correct hanger kit for slipper springs would be the part #HAP-105-205-01. And then for a 7k trailer axle the u-bolt kit you'd want would be the part #APUBR-8. I attached the diagram to use…

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Answer 10

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 11

Hey HPA, I would go with the Air Lift kit part #AL64VJ that fits your 2019 Toyota RAV4 based on what you described and your needs. This gives you adjustable support that you can tailor as needed so that you get the exact amount of support you need…

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Answer 12

All the brake controller needs to sense a trailer connection so that you can test it is a slight amperage draw on the output circuit. For that you can use a circuit tester like the part #PTW2993 with one pin grounded and the other on the output pin.…

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Testing a Brake Controller without a Trailer Connected to a 2014 Ford F-150 STX

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