Ensuring Best Braking Performance with Brake Controller on 2011 Ford F350

Question:

I own a 2011 ford f350. and I also am concerned that the control is not applying my brakes enough for my safety. I have been reading about the prodigy P3 by tekonsha, and was wondering if there is any harness or application for my truck? so I can install it.

asked by: Doug B

Expert Reply:

You can certainly install the Tekonsha P3 on your 2011 F350. A brake controller like the P3 is not vehicle specific, but you will need the brake controller wiring adapter, part # 3034-P which will allow the P3 to be plugged into the connector under the dash.

Assuming that the brakes and related wiring on the trailer are in good condition, you should be able to adjust a brake controller so that it actuates your trailer brakes to your satisfaction. You do not mention which controller you are currently using, but a proportional controller like the P3 can be adjusted so that the braking force sent to the trailer brakes is equivalent to that applied to the tow vehicle brakes so that the trailer and tow vehicle brake in tandem. This will lead to safer and more predictable braking performance.

It is very important to get your controller properly adjusted for your trailer weight. If the gain on the controller is set too low, the trailer can actually push the tow vehicle during braking. If the gain is set too high, the trailer brakes can lock up causing skidding. Skidding tires do not equal good braking. Ideally, you want the controller adjusted so that the trailer brakes stop just short of locking up, which is when you get maximum braking performance. The P3 has 5 different presets that can be used with different trailer weights, which will help you tailor the brake output voltage to different trailer loads. For instance, preset 1 could be used for an empty trailer, setting 5 for when the trailer is loaded to or near its capacity and 2,3 and 4 could be used for various points in between.

Ensuring that your trailer brakes are properly adjusted is also very important. If the brakes are not properly adjusted, you will not get good braking no matter how aggressively your controller is set.

I have linked you to a video that will walk you through the brake adjustment process. Simply fast forward the video to the 4:00 mark, you can see the procedure for adjusting the trailer brakes.

expert reply by: Mike L