Ford built in brake controllers

[smoothies]

We run ours at 8.0 with no push or pull.

[krvk]

Been using 7.5 and that is with pulling the motorcycle trailer behind the Monty. Very satisfied. I haven't adjusted the brakes on the trailer, my dealer said that they are self adjusting.

[sreigle]

Kenny, they're definitely not self-adjusting. I don't know where the dealer got that idea.

I put ours on 9.0 and at something around 25 to 30 mph pulled the manual handle fully and actually skidded the tires on the Montana. I didn't think they'd lock up but they sure did. Part of that might be that the road was damp from recent rains. Not real wet but still darkened with dampness.

[Montana_1240]

I believe that I read, (when I installed the Prodigy controller in the old TV,) that you should test the brakes on loose soil, like gravel. Maybe that was just to be conservative, so as to not burn rubber. I dunno. I use the same method with the new built-in controller, though.

But with these built-in Ford controllers, I'm wondering if the slide lever applies full power, without running above 30 mph. I know it won't do that in normal use below a certain speed. Not so sure about the lever part. But I’m usually moving a bit. But can’t always be on gravel at that speed! (Used to be easy in Alaska, though!)

I've gotta re-read the manual before we hit the road, again.

Steve

[daneboy]

Mine is running at 8.5 with the 2955 behind and works better than any other brake control I've owned. Fords tow hall transmission holds back the speeds very well too. We are in Haines Alaska now and have had no trouble with the steep grades here.

[sreigle]

Gyro, if your controller was built before 3/25/05 it will apply 1 to 3 volts below 15 mph. Above that speed it will apply full voltage. Those units built after that date apply full voltage no matter the speed. This is in a Ford Tech Bulletin. Ford does not consider those built before that date to have a problem. They say they changed it because of owner complaints/suggestions. If you want to upgrade to the newer one you will have to pay for the change. Not a warranty situation. I checked.

[WildBigBill]

Mine been set at 10 from the start, no problems yet.

[spadasak]

I have a 2006 F350 with the integrated controller and it works pretty good. I have mine set at 9.0 right now. Only pulled the Montana 342PHT twice with it so far though.

[Native Tex]

Well folks, I really hate to bring up an old topic from July, but I had to report on the results of all the work I did on the Monty to stop erronious brake controller codes. We just got back from a good trip and no problems. The Monty stopped so much better and it made the trip so much better. The first trip that I actually did see the full benefits of the built-in truck controller; it is a great idea. Thanks to all the forum members to gave ideas and support the effort. I know for sure now that all the wiring, connections and brake connections are in great shape.

quote:Originally posted by Native Tex

I just re-adjusted the brakes on our 3400RL and am anxious to see if it helped. Prior to adjustment I had to run about a 7 to get a good feeling of control. I could not do a manual lock and that did concern me. I think I finally got all the connections fixed too so the error messages have stopped. That was a realy pain in the rear!

[nailbender]

Mine is set at 8 and is the best brake controller I have ever had. Also really like the transmission, great for downhill. Wonder when Dodge and Chev will offer the integrated control?

Don

[Native Tex]

Don - I will have to agree with you about the brake controller and tranny in the Fords. I am sure the full timers can give you many more sterling examples of how great they work together. I may be mistaken, but I think the GM Allison tranny is a great piece of hardware and may work very similar. Maybe some of the GM owners can give you an idea on that comment.

[SKOOBDO]

quote:Originally posted by smoothies

We run ours at 8.0 with no push or pull.

same here 8.0 with the unit I have now. The other unit I had I locked it in at 6.5

[pud2]

Run mine on 6.5-7 and works great. If you set it per instruction. Love the smoothness of braking. It feels like it is not working but i know it is. I have had to stop pretty quick before when someone pulled out in front of me and that was on first pull and i like the way it uses the truck antilock system with it.

[bob n pam]

Our is set at 7.5

[wa4bmg]

We are running at 8.5 and can hold the truck with the trailer, dead stop. Our 5ver weighs in at about 16.6K lbs, tri axel. We are very happy with the 06 F350's total performance so far.