Weak Trailer Brakes on 5th Wheel Trailer Using Factory Integrated Brake Control on 2015 Ford F-250
Question:
2015 F250 - integrated brake control I have a 2015 Ford F250 Crew cab, towing a 35 ft 5th wheel trailer, i seem to have adequate braking using the pedal, but very light amount of braking using the manual control, even when I up the setting to a 10. I would like to be able to lock the brakes up when using the manual control if this is possible.
asked by: Jerry
Expert Reply:
The trailer brakes are probably equally as weak with the brake pedal pressed on your 2015 Ford F-250 it just doesn't feel that way because the truck itself is also braking. Nine times out of ten the issue can be resolved by adjusting the brakes on the trailer. When adjusting trailer brakes you will want to hear a slight but constant drag of the pads on the drums when the wheels are turned. To see how this is done check out the video I attached. Fast forward to the 4:30 mark. To adjust the brakes I recommend an adjustment tool # W80630.
If this does not resolve the issue then there could be less voltage at the brake magnets. This could result from damaged wiring or dirty/corroded trailer connectors on the truck or vehicle. If you suspect the brake controller is the issue then you would want to speak with a Ford technician since it is a factory brake controller.
Something else to consider is that locking up the wheels on the trailer results in less control the same as it would be on a vehicle (which is why anti-lock brakes are now common). You want the trailer brakes to be at a point just under wheel lock up so that there is more control leading to more safety.
Products Referenced in This Question
Brake Adjustment Spoon for Drum Brakes
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brakes
- Hydraulic Drum Brakes
- Adjuster
- Brake Adjuster Tool
- Performance Tool
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Ford Replacement OEM Tow Package Wiring Harness, 7-Way (Super Duty)
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- No Converter
- Custom Fit
- 7 Round - Blade
- Tow Ready
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Article: Towing a Trailer? Let's Talk About Brake Controllers
- Search Results: 118243
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Video: Performance Tool LCD Digital Circuit Tester Review
- Video: Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controller Plug-and-Play Wiring Harness Review
- Video: Performance Tool Wiring - Tools for Wiring - PTW2992 Review
- Video: Review of Redarc Trailer Brake Controller Wiring Harness - RED87FR
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Shop: Pollak 7 Pole to 4 Way Connector Adapter
- Shop: Plug-and-Play Wiring Harness for Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controllers
- Shop: Adapter 4-Pole to 7-Pole and 4-Pole
- Shop: LCD Digital Circuit Tester
- Shop: 7- and 4-Pole Trailer Connector Socket w/ Mounting Bracket - Vehicle End
- Shop: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness for Factory Tow Package - 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Q&A: Correct Wiring Adapter To Install Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller on 1999 Ford F-350
- Q&A: Recommended Trailer Brake Controller for 1999 Ford F-350
- Q&A: 7-Way OEM Replacement Trailer Wiring Harness for a 1999 Ford F-250 Super Duty
- Q&A: How to Install a Hayes Brake Controller on a 2000 Ford F-250
- Q&A: Replacement Vehicle Side 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connection And Harness For 1999 Ford F-350
- Q&A: Recommended 7-Way Wiring Harness for 1999 Ford F-350
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: trailer brake controller
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Search Results: brake controller
- Search Results: etbc7
on Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
Rick
9/6/2020
We are experiencing the same issue with our 2015 F-250. We replaced the wheel backplate assemblies From etrailer on the fifth wheel and did not help. Even sprayed the trailer connections with contact cleaner and the problem still exists. Would etrailer have troubleshooting measurements to help diagnose?