F-150 Electric trailer Brakes

[Red68]

Hi All,

I just started pulling a Load Rite trailer with Electric brakes, boat and trailer weigh about 10,000lbs. I currently have a 2010 F-150, after reading the owners manual the instructions for using electric trailer breaks was to start at 10, squeeze the automatic break lever and if the tires lock up, move down to 9, if they still lock up move to 8 etc. The problem I'm having is even at 10 the trailer tires aren't locking up, so I'm not sure if the trailer breaks are even working. The owners manual says that depending on the weight which I am pulling, the trailer may not lock up.
Can anyone help me with this, should I take the trailer in for service and see if it's working properly or not?

Thanks,
Rich

 

[DJ]

Re: F-150 Electric trailer Brakes

I think your trailer brakes may be out of adjustment. Best to check.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: F-150 Electric trailer Brakes

Have you used electric trailer brakes with that truck before? I don't know if this is still the case, but with the 02 F150 there were a couple relays that had to be installed in addition to the controller harness in order for electric brakes to work with the truck. Came as a kit from the dealer with the pigtails and the relays to pop into the underhood fuse box.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: F-150 Electric trailer Brakes

Do you actually feel the trailer stopping everything when you apply the electric brakes manually? You do have the brakes on all 4 wheels right? The fact that they don't lock up does not surprise me at all.

 

[wifisher]

Re: F-150 Electric trailer Brakes

Do you actually feel the trailer stopping everything when you apply the electric brakes manually? You do have the brakes on all 4 wheels right? The fact that they don't lock up does not surprise me at all.

x2 I would not expect them to lock on a trailer that heavy.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: F-150 Electric trailer Brakes

Have you used electric trailer brakes with that truck before? I don't know if this is still the case, but with the 02 F150 there were a couple relays that had to be installed in addition to the controller harness in order for electric brakes to work with the truck. Came as a kit from the dealer with the pigtails and the relays to pop into the underhood fuse box.

There is a relay but that is for the 12V that feeds the trailer connector. There should be no relay for the brake wire.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: F-150 Electric trailer Brakes

There is a relay but that is for the 12V that feeds the trailer connector. There should be no relay for the brake wire.

The 02's had 2 relays that you installed, one for the brake power and one for the breakaway battery charge power. No idea if the current models are like that.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: F-150 Electric trailer Brakes

deleted

 

[Red68]

Re: F-150 Electric trailer Brakes

Thanks all,
Its a new 2010 and as far as I know I don't have to add any relay or fuse. I did pull away from a red lite and felt the tires lock, issue is it doesn't feel like they are working when I brake. I'd be happy if they locked up at 10 and I just set the actuator down a little, then I'd know for sure if they were working or not.

 

[Red68]

Re: F-150 Electric trailer Brakes

When i activate the brakes manually I don't feel them brake at all. I'm driving along at about 20mph or so, squeeze the actuator and I don't think anything happens. I should feel the trailer brake and pull the truck back, should I not?

 

[jeeperman]

Re: F-150 Electric trailer Brakes

Welcome to the forum.
Are you sure the trailer has electric brakes? Kinda unusual for a boat trailer that was built in the past 20 years.
Drum brakes or disc brakes?
One axle or all axles?

 

[bruceb58]

Re: F-150 Electric trailer Brakes

When i activate the brakes manually I don't feel them brake at all. I'm driving along at about 20mph or so, squeeze the actuator and I don't think anything happens. I should feel the trailer brake and pull the truck back, should I not?

Yes you should. What controller are you using? Most newer ones would tell you if there is an open connection going to the brakes. I would also probably check the voltage back at the magnets. Strip some of the inslation away and check the voltage directly at the wheels with the gain of the controller set to max and the manual actuater pushed to full. You could just as easily have a bad ground.

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: F-150 Electric trailer Brakes

If you manually hit the controller it should stop. Re check all things involved.