Trailer Pulls to the Left When Braking in a 2013 Ford F-350 with Integrated Brake Controller
Question:
This truck w/ 1500 miles on it pulls to the left when I apply the brakes @ highway speeds while towing a new 2013 5th wheel trailer. Both dealers say the brakes are fine. When I apply the trailer brakes manually all is well and the truck doesnt pull without the trailer on it. I am going to try braking without the trailer plugged in to the truck next. Is it possible that the integrated brake controller is causing this issue ? If so what would be recommended as a replacement that is easily hooked up ? And will the dealer have to modify the computer settings to allow the use of the external controller. I have my eye on the Prodigy controller if I need a controller.
asked by: Mark E
Helpful Expert Reply:
The truck pulling to the left when braking indicates to me that it is braking harder on the left side when you apply the brakes. This could indicate that more voltage, possibly due to a short circuit is getting to that side. It could also mean that the brakes on the trailer are adjusted out more on the left side. And it also could mean that during a braking event, as the trailer momentum pushes forward, it is pushing more to one side than the other causing the truck to pull.
You will want to check the truck side trailer connector and trailer side connector to make sure there is no dirt or corrosion on the pins or where the wires attach. Check the brake magnets on the trailer and if you can see the windings coming through they will need to be replaced. Make sure the wiring is all intact and that the grounds are all attached to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces. I linked an FAQ article on further testing of brake magnets for you.
To make sure the brakes are adjusted properly you will need to be able to turn the wheel and there should be a slight but constant drag between the pads and drum.
Depending on how you have the factory brake controller set it may be applying more braking power with the brake pedal then if you only slightly use the manual override to brake. That could be why it does not happen with the manual. I do not think it is the controller at this point. I recommend taking a look at the things I mentioned above first before considering an aftermarket controller. If there is an issue with the factory controller, the dealer may be able to fix it under warranty.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LCD Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Search Results: tekonsha p3
- Shop: Roadmaster Rollaway Trailer Hitch Protector
- Q&A: Does the Prodigy P3 Use the Same Wiring Harness as the Original Prodigy Brake Controller?
- Article: Towing a Trailer? Let's Talk About Brake Controllers
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Shop: Ultra-Fab Leveling Blocks for Trailers and RVs - 8-1/4" Wide x 8-1/4" Long - Qty 4
- Shop: Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Shop: Ultra-Fab Hitch Mounted Steel Rollers for RVs w/ 2-1/2" Hitch Tubing - 3" Diameter - Qty 2
- Shop: Ultra-Fab Rotating, Hitch Mounted Skid Wheels for RVs up to 30' Long - 4" Diameter - Qty 2
- Q&A: Is the Roadmaster Rollaway Trailer Hitch Protector Heavy Duty Enough for Use on a 37 Ft Motor Home
- Q&A: Parts Needed to Install Tekonsha Brake Controller in 2004 Ford F-250 Super Duty Diesel
- Video: Roadmaster Skid Wheels - Hitch Mount - RM-050 Review
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: rv sliding tray
- Search Results: hitch roller
- Search Results: prodigy id
- Search Results: tekonsha prodigy id
- Search Results: trailer hitch roller
- Shop: Ford Replacement OEM Tow Package Wiring Harness, 7-Way
- Shop: Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Q&A: Comparing the Tekonsha Prodigy Brake Controller and Prodigy P2
- Search Results: 8 lug hub cover
- Q&A: Is A Wiring Adapter Harness Needed to Install Brake Controller on 2008 Chevy Silverado
- Video: Review of Polar Hardware Trailer Door Latch - 3 Pont Stainless Steel Latch - PLR458-017-SS
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Trailer that Pulls to One Side When Braking
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Video: Removing and Replacing Trailer Brake Shoes Review
- Video: Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brake Kit Installation - 5th Wheel
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
on Trailer Brake Controller
